Smallmouth bass are definitely secondary on the bay compared to largemouth bass and walleye. However, the Bay of Quinte has plenty of rocky structure throughout the bay that is home to some smallmouth bass. Many anglers fish the numerous bridges and rivers in the area and these spots do hold some smallmouth bass. The rocky shorelines can be very productive early in the year, but once summer patterns set in, fish the deeper, offshore structure and you’ll find some schools of smallmouth bass. There are some very big smallmouth bass here in the 3 to 5 pound range and even bigger. You won’t find smallmouth bass in the numbers that you will see with the largemouth bass found throughout the bay, but if you can get into some of those schools in the summer and fall, you have a shot at catching quite a few big fish in a hurry.
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
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Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
