Surface Bait Smallies

[AWH]

What surface baits would you recommend for smallmouth fishing? I've never done a lot of smallmouth fishing. When I have gone, it's been on the Mississippi and I've pretty much only used crankbaits. I've done well, but would like some up top action.

If I can lure myself away from the muskies for a few hours this summer, I'd like to try for some smallies on the Big Pond. I'd love to get into some top water action, but have never thrown top water for smallmouths. Maybe I should just stick with my Top Raiders and Jackpots and get the best of both worlds? Seriously though, any suggestions for top water baits?

Thanks,
AWH

[Guest]

Look for a good prop minnow imitator like a Devils Horse. Another good one is a splash bait like the Heddon Pop-R. Buzzbaits work best as a search bait to cover water. The smallies in Mille Lacs take alot of time to find. The more water you can cover the better. Overcast mornings are best for topwater.

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MILLE LACS AREA GUIDE SERVICE
651-271-5459 http://fishingminnesota.com/millelacsguide/

[GullGuide]

I second the Buzzbait!!
Another good one is a Zara Spook...Gotta watch out with this one though, the pike and Lunge love'em

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[Guest]

Yes walkin the dog with a Zara is a good one.

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MILLE LACS AREA GUIDE SERVICE
651-271-5459 http://fishingminnesota.com/millelacsguide/

[Guest]

My money is on the Skitter Pop. Another option is a plain Rapala, worked slow and twitched.

Ron

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Ron Anlauf's Guide Service http://fishingminnesota.com/ranlauf/ Phone: 320-396-2133

[huskminn]

My two favorites are Ron's, as well. I love the Skitter Pop and can twitch and dive a floating Rap with the best of them. The Pop-R also has good representation in my box....never tried a Zara.

Another option, when it's calm and you can see, is to fish a Texas rigged Sluggo style bait with no weight. At times this has worked better than anything for me.

[crappie getter]

AWH

I guide on the St. Croix river,down by the cities,for smallmouths.One of the best top waters I have ever used is a magnum flipping tube rigged with a #4 offset worm hook with the point of the hook resting on the outside of the tube.White works the best but black is a close second.Cast it out and work it back with twitches and jerks fast or slow deep or on top or some where in the middle.If I had to pick anything to fish for smallies,either live or artificial,I would pick tubes.They are one of the most versital lure ever made in my eyes.Every kind of fish loves them too.

Give it a try you will love the action!!!
They even look better than shad!!
Remember to photo,catch,and release!

[EBass]

A small swisher prop bait is a good bet as well. I think Heddon makes them.
Plastic jerk baits twitched on top is a winner too.

Heck, try them all!

My two cents