Winter is looming. Smallmouth bass know it and also prepare for it. By early October, water temperatures have fallen below 60 throughout much of their northern range, and fall turnover is in the process of completion. Shorter daylight in conjunction with plummeting water temps and completion of turnover will influence smallmouths to congregate heavily

  “It’s cheating!” most proclaim. “They’re too expensive!” some even complain. “Whatever puts them in the boat!” I exclaim. Disallowed in tournaments. Too expensive for a dozen to purchase from bait shops. Messy and a burden to maintain and keep alive. These are just a few excuses for not wanting live minnows, and I get

  Most smallmouth die-hards have September and October blocked off on their calendars as the best time to catch giants. Meanwhile, a select few do the same for November until waters freeze over, if the weather and fishery allow. From the world-renown Great Lakes fisheries to the inland waters across the north country, smallmouths are

  As water temperatures gradually cool, the lakes eventually turn over. Smallmouths slide deeper to the point of wintering, and the tackle box closes. As these events simultaneously occur, my boat’s tackle selection lessens each week – and the majority of gear and tackle I’ve carried up to this point will no longer be needed.