smallmouth sPECTACULAR
Author Joe Balog is no stranger to trophy smallmouth and has witnessed the evolution of tactics on the Great
Lakes over the past 30 years .
PHOTO BY MILLENNIUM PROMOTIONS , INC . PHOTO BY MILLENNIUM PROMOTIONS , INC .
EARLY OFFSHORE TECHNIQUES
The primary method for targeting those offshore fish was drifting with the wind and dragging grubs on a lead head , along with Carolina-rigged plastics . The tube would soon replace both with its inception in the early 90s , offering uncanny appeal to smallmouth bass . Throughout the period , myself and others like me would design extra-fat tubes and custom lead heads to appeal to bigger fish and prevent snagging on the bottom .
A few traditional smallmouth lures were still being used during that period : Blade baits — like the original Silver Buddy — jigging spoons and bucktail jigs all played a role ( but rarely delivered wins ), as they were primarily used during cold-water periods outside of tournament season .
In addition to these old-school tactics , smallmouth anglers were expanding their approach across the north by using Southern techniques . Legendary pro Rick Clunn popularized waking a spinnerbait with a victory at the Thousand Islands in 1992 and Kevin VanDam further solidified the technique with high finishes all across the North . Gaudy chartreuse baits with painted blades caught quick limits of 3- pounders , and fisheries from New York to Wisconsin exposed their substantial smallmouth populations .
“ There ’ s no place you can have a better shot at a trophy smallmouth .”
While the drift-and-drag method received unparalleled tournament attention , its effectiveness was quickly questioned . Electronics were advancing , and GPS technology was becoming a staple among serious bass anglers . In addition , Lake Erie gurus like Steve Clapper and Dan Devera were using long-shaft trolling motors to hold their boats precisely over structure , regardless of weather conditions . Fishing pressure was increasing , and bass numbers appeared to be reducing , requiring a more specialized approach .
“ It just made sense ” remembers Clapper , who is regarded as a pioneer of Great Lakes structure fishing . “ We were drifting , but the fish were holding on specific spots . I just decided to keep my boat over them and avoid the down time .”
58 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | JUNE-JULY 2021