Crawdad Fishing Smallmouth Bass

In the late spring and early summer is a great time to go fishing for smallmouth bass. Also known as bronzebacks or smallies, this species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family of black bass can found in many of the cold, clear rivers and streams of the Ozarks. Many anglers agree that pound for pound, smallmouth bass cannot be matched for their ferocity once hooked. Using ultralight tackle, you can really feel the fight. One of the best fishing trips can be wading through these smaller rivers carrying minimal gear in search of this great gamefish. All you need is a light, four to five foot long spinning rod set up with 4-6 pound test line. Bring along plenty of #6 baitholder hooks and splitshot sinkers, and then all you need is bait. You can find plenty of crayfish (or crawdads) in very shallow creeks, usually hiding underneath rocks. The ones about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in length make ideal bait for smallmouth, just make sure to keep them alive in your bucket or container. When you’re looking for that perfect spot to start fishing, keep an eye out for a hole that is a little deeper than the surrounding water with a good current flowing near it. Some large rocks providing good cover are often a part of their habitat also. Place one or two sinkers about fifteen inches above the hook, which you’ll put through the crawdad’s tail. Cast upstream into the current above the target hole and hold your pole up, keeping your line tight enough to help prevent snagging. Once you get a bite, set the hook and hold on for a rush of adrenaline.