Drifting is by far one of the best ways to target smallmouth bass with live bait when you have a little bit of wind on the lake. You can fish a variety of soft plastics on a jig or drop shot rig while drifting as well. Find a good drop off or rocky area and let the wind drift you along to help you cover some water. When you find the more productive areas, stay in those spots with your anchor or trolling motor or you could just use the big motor to move the boat back up to do another drift.
Drifting Live Bait for Smallmouth Bass
When the wind starts to blow a little bit, drifting with live bait is one of the most effective ways to target smallmouth bass, especially when they are on offshore structure. Nightcrawlers, leeches and minnows all work great to drift for smallmouth bass.
Drifting Soft Plastics for Smallmouth Bass
Soft plastics can also be very effective when targeting smallmouth bass while drifting. Pick your favorite soft plastic bait and make sure to control the drift with your trolling motor and have fun covering water and catching smallmouth bass.
