It is common for the largest, most dominant fish in an area to feed first, so this technique allows you to catch the best fish that each hotspot has to offer, and can produce several trophy fish in a single day.

ADD A RATTLE
Smallmouth bass are curious creatures and sound can be a major attractant. Scuba divers tell about being surrounded by 4-pound bass by simply banging two rocks together, so adding noise to your favorite lures could improve your fishing.

Insert glass rattles into soft plastics and use snagless rattling sinkers to add sound to your drop-shot rigs. Rattles work so well that I modify all of my tube jig molds to incorporate a rattle chamber into the heads.

USE AN UNDERWATER CAMERA
Underwater cameras are great tools for smallmouth fishermen. The cameras can be used to identify schools of bass, find bedded fish on spawning flats, or examine irregular bottom features. The camera can also be used to determine the most available forage in an area and the presence of vegetation.

More importantly though, an underwater camera can help you to interpret what you see on your LCD. It drastically shortens the learning curve, by allowing you to actually see what is underwater and then compare it to the reading on your graph. Be aware that, on average, Erie's water conditions only allow good camera visibility about 50 percent of the time, so a camera should never be used as a substitute for a good LCD.

KEEP A LOG
I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping good records. Carry a logbook on every fishing trip and jot down any detail of the day that seems relevant. Record items such as weather conditions, wind direction, locations and depths of catches, GPS coordinates, bottom types and water temperatures. Information must be accurate and the more details that you can include, the easier it will be to piece the smallmouth puzzle together.

Your logbook can also make very interesting reading. It's very refreshing to relive past fishing experiences and formulate new game plans, especially when Old Man Winter takes hold and cabin fever sets in.

SUMMARY
Catching Lake Erie's smallmouth bass can be very challenging, but by doing a little research, keeping good records and incorporating these tips into your fishing, you will soon understand why the waters of Erie are referred to as the best smallmouth bass fishing in North America.