However, midsummer smallmouthing doesn't always mean dredging the depths. On most lakes, there are also places where you can catch some bronzebacks in shallow water even during July and August. The previously productive shallow spawning bays and shorelines are probably devoid of larger fish, but rocky points extending into deep water and cover-laden shorelines adjacent to deep water are good. These shallow zones likely won't be hotspots at noon on sunny days, but during mornings, evenings and rainy weather some fine fish can be caught.

SMALLIES OFF THE POINTS
Long points that taper gradually into deep water are my favorite places to catch smallies in the shallows. Not every lake has these bronzeback magnets, but where they exist, they're consistent producers. When the light is the lowest -- at dawn or dusk -- fish the shallowest part of the point closest to the mainland. Buzzbaits and "walk-the-dog-type" topwaters are both excellent for this low-light bassing. When there is more daylight, work the deeper part of the point. While topwaters often continue to produce if the surface is flat, once the water is more than 6 feet deep, going to a subsurface offering is better. Thin-minnow crankbaits are great for working over the tops of points. Use minnow-colored plugs early in the summer and switch to crayfish colors -- gold or rust belly -- for the late-summer season.

On sunny days, smallmouths generally move deeper down the point within an hour after sunrise, so naturally I begin fishing by targeting the shallowest water first. I'm careful to ease up very quietly to those shallow areas, especially early in the morning when it's glass calm and fish are especially sensitive to any unnatural sounds. And because my boats are rigged for easy and quiet anchoring, I'll often stop at least 60 feet away and cast from there. Many times, I've seen anglers alert early-morning fish that were in the shallows by getting too close or making too much noise with their boat.

When it's dark and rainy, shallow-water fishing isn't just an early and late affair. During these conditions, you'll often find fish on the shallowest parts of the point all day. So don't fret about getting a little wet. Put on your rain suit, get out there and fish hard for as long as the rainy weather lasts. Topwater plugs or noisy surface flies will both work well if the raindrops are light, and spinnerbaits are the ticket if the drops are coming down heavy. Some largemouth-oriented bass boys like to use really big spinnerbaits for both bass species, but you'll often hook more smallies if you use lures with smaller hooks. Many 1/4-ounce spinnerbaits have hooks small enough to consistently hook 12-inch smallmouths.

The best blade color will vary depending on water conditions, light intensity and forage type, but a simple rule is to try silver earlier in the season and brass blades as summer progresses. Whatever spinnerbait you use, working it so it occasionally ticks bottom or bounces off a boulder is sure to increase your strikes.

SHORELINE SMALLIES
While large points are surefire hotspots, certain kinds of shorelines also have good summer potential, at least during low-light periods.

Banks where a lot of large trees have toppled into deep water are some of the best zones, but shorelines with other types of cover such as boulders, bulrushes, lily pads and other types of weeds will also hold fish. Just make sure the targeted cover is over a rubble or gravel bottom and the prospective shoreline is next to water at least 15 feet deep. A lakeshore that meets these criteria can serve up superb morning and evening fishing.