Top 5 Baits To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass!

Which baits catch the BIGGEST fish? That's what we all really want to know! When it comes to smallmouth (as well as spotted bass and largemouth) there are a handful of baits that really stand out from the rest. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that can be fished in unique ways when you really want to catch a big one.

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you find them quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass.

Below you'll find links to all the baits, rods, and equipment Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, hooks, etc... to really help you dial in your gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

A-Rig...

Tube Baits...
Colors- Dark Melon Gold Purple, Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

Colors- Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

Colors- Brown Purple Copper, Goby, Light Pumpkin

Tube Heads...
2.5" Tube- 1/8 oz with 1/0
Standard Tubes- 1/8 - 1/4 oz with 2/0

Hair Jigs...
Sizes: 3/32 - 1/8 oz
Color: Black

Swimbaits...
Colors- Wakasagi, Donko, Haze
Sizes- 3" 1/2 oz and 3" 3/4 oz

Colors- Smallmouth Magic, Green Pumpkin Fire, Electric Bluegill

Colors- Crystal Shad, Dark Sculpin, Electric Bluegill

Jerkbaits...
Colors- Matte Skeleton Shad, Matte Pro Blue, Matte Shad
Colors- GP Pro Blue 2, Elegy Bone, Ito Clear Laker

Matt's Hair Jig Combo...

Tube Jig Combo...

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Rods...

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Reels...

Want TacticalBassin Gear?
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Major Equipment We Use Daily...

Favorite Tools and Gear…

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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

#Smallmouth #bassfishing #finessefishing

[JuiCe]

I caught a 5 pound smallmouth last summer in the Connecticut river here in New Hampshire! It was the first fish I caught after 15 years without fishing, and let me tell you I was so excited I was shaking! I released it right after a few pictures and a quick video. What a fish!

[Swimbait_addiction]

I live in MI. Thanks for telling people to not live well them to long and let them go. It takes years to get that big. Awesome tips. Love the video.

[Peregrine]

Wisconsinite here and I will add my thank you as well. Very important to treat these fish with respect and care, so thank you for mentioning it, Matt.

[nawinchester]

This could be one of my most favorite tactical bassin videos of all time. I love the topic of chasing large smallmouth and the tactics used to catching them. Well done Matt.

[dylanpotter]

I live in Michigan, and I absolutely love the smallmouth fishing here.

[frankh]

I look forward to these Michigan videos all year!! Absolutely love it!

[sheltonbobby]

Thank you Matt for encouraging the handling our Michigan smallies with care. Great video.

[chmaximus]

I thoroughly enjoy watching you "Get geeked out" on gear. You can't hide that passion.

[Mjones]

Yall absolutely need to do a southern smallmouth video. Pickwick, Wilson, and wheeler are so different than any other fishery. Plus the fish are freaking GIANT

[nickstimac]

One of my favorite videos you have done. Nothing quite like northern smallies

[Kodysbackwoodsbasics]

Love the video! I'm glad you mentioned the age thing with them. I'm from PA and a ton of people don't understand that catching a 4lb or 5lb bass is a big deal. Some of those fish are over 10 years old.

[chrischevalier]

Just the way you explain things get me excited to fish it's just the energy when you talk about baits and how to use them and what to use and when I love this channel very informative.

[tylergrasky]

Perfect timing!!! Just finished my senior year of hs and the smallmouth are going crazy up shallow. I was slamming them on a wacky rig last weekend and it was an absolute blast!

[jonahlems]

Everyone likes a big smallmouth. So much fun to catch! Love them such a beautiful fish.

[onfootbassin]

I'm in NJ and sometimes CT and we don't have gobies, but that dark sleeper is still amazing. I think the bait represents much much more than a goby. At a glance you see the resemblance to a sculpin, darter, and perch. Love this video like all of your videos.

[bobkeen]

Love your Videos TB! Thank you for bringing up the treatment on these old Fish up here. They need to be treated way different after you catch them. A 20 year old Fish needs special care! Thank you Matt for your awesome breakdown's. Tight Lines!

[randybrodman]

Just got my grey and copper Eye Surrender glasses from Tactical Warehouse. Can" t wait to try them out. Love my amber.

[tonyland]

I can’t thank you guys enough!!!! I caught the two largest smallmouth of my life, 21” male, next cast...got the female...24”!!! Don’t know what she weighed but I have pictures. I was using a bait that’s not talked about in this video that you guys turned me on to, S-Waver 168 in lite trout. Caught them right here in Southeast Tennessee.

[trickytrav]

Thank you for telling everyone to take care of the fish. I live in NJ the smallies are biting and i like brown sugar. Lol great video very good baits.
Thanks Matt God Bless you and the family.

[iareviet]

As a Canadian I appreciate your advice at the end of the video on age and handling of fish. Thank you Matt!