With the next 7 days showing highs in the mid 20's to low 30's, and lows showing from low teens to low 20's, this might have been our last chance to go chase some monster smallmouth. The water was 42-43 degrees and the fish we found were curious if you triggered them, but for the most part they wouldn't give you the time of day. We spent all morning trying to figure out what to do to get the fish were were seeing on the sonar to bite. Looking back we found 3 different baits, each one working in a different type of bottom content. One thing we are learning is that when a smallmouth doesn't want to eat, there is very little to get them to change their mind. What we learned yesterday on getting those negative mood fish to bite, is going to pay huge dividends next season when we face the same conditions. If you're going to put the boat away until Spring, it's a little easier going out by putting your best 8 bass in the boat for 43+ pounds. Only fish over 5lbs get to pose for the camera. If you are a 4.99 you don't make the team!
