Smallmouth Lures

[rmkod]

Well I may attempt to hit Mille Lacs this weekend for smallmouth for the first time. From what I have gathered the SE side of the lake is good, which works out well for where I live. Just wondering what kind of lures most people use? I have only fished smallmouth once. We caught them on senko's, swim baits, poppers, and spinnerbaits. That was late in August though. Are the lures you use at this time of the year similar? I have heard tubes are good but haven't ever tried them. Also do you downsize your spinnerbaits vs what you would use on largemouth? Thanks

[Walleyeman101]

i would try tubes, if any thing a leech under bobber works too!!

[bassfshin24]

What you mentioned will work well this time of year as well. Tubes are definitely one of the better lures for smallmouth year round. I'm guessing Mille Lacs is either right on the verge of spawn or will be spawning this weekend. Fast moving baits should be great right now if they are pre spawn.

[mainbutter]

Senkos work all year long for open water, and while I haven't tried them through the ice, I bet they'd work then too. Seriously, you can't go wrong with those.

Anything that looks like a small minnow or crayfish will work. I tend to like soft plastics.

What I'd call "the" classic smallie lures: inline spinners, tubes, and small topwaters. A rapala is also darn good.

They generally aren't too picky.

[apegs]

I was up there last weekend and crushed them on a jerkbait. Lucky craft pointer minnow.