Finding and catching smallmouth bass on new waters can be challenging. However, technology helps anglers efficiently identify productive areas and choose the right tactics. Kobie Koenig and Adam Pavek demonstrate how to use a mix of fish finder technologies to locate and catch smallmouth bass. The duo uses a swimbait reeled through the water column and a bottom-based Ned rig, showing that bass will feed opportunistically in lakes with a mix of baitfish and crawfish.
TACKLE LISTING (retail links)
Kobie’s setup
- JIG – VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- SWIMBAIT – Rapala Crush City Mayor Swimbait, 3-inch: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Spinning Rod, 7’1” Medium – Extra Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – 13 Fishing Ascent Competition G-Man Spinning Reel: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braid) – Sufix Revolve Neon Lime Braided Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (leader) – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon Line Leader, 10-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOODY – Rapala Hoody: Buy at Rapala
- HAT – Rapala Rope Cap – Black: Buy at Rapala
Adam’s setup
- JIG – VMC Finesse Football Jig Head, 1/4-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC – Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Spinning Rod, 7’1” Medium Light – Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – 13 Fishing Ascent Competition G-Man Spinning Reel: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOODY – Aftco Reaper Seatshirt: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at Aftco
Utilizing Fish Finder Technology to Locate Smallmouth Bass
Koenig and Pavek begin by scanning the lake using side imaging and 2D sonar to identify changes in bottom composition, such as transitions from sand to rock or the presence of boulders and shield rock formations. These are prime locations where smallmouth bass congregate to feed. Once they mark potential spots, they use forward-facing sonar (FFS) to confirm the presence of fish and to observe their behavior in real-time. FFS, in conjunction with 360 Imaging, allows them to make precise casts and adjust their presentations based on how the fish are reacting.
ELECTRONICS & BOAT
- FISH FINDERS (bow stack) – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDER (console) – Humminbird APEX 16 CHIRP MEGA SI+: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird AutoChart Zero Line SD Card North America: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
- BASS BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: Check out at Lund Boats
- MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
- BOW MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors Ultimate Shorty Double Stack Sonar Mount: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOW PLATE – Beatdown Outdoors Leveling Plate – Ranger R Boat: Check out at BD Outdoors
Effective Techniques for Targeting Smallmouth Bass
After locating active fish, Koenig and Pavek use a mix of small paddletail swimbaits and Ned rigs to trigger bites. While not always the case, they note the importance of keeping baits near the bottom, as the smallmouths are holding tight to the structure. They can keep the bait in the strike zone longer by maintaining a high rod tip and using a steady retrieve. Additionally, they note that once a fish is hooked, it often triggers others in the school to become more aggressive, leading to multiple catches in quick succession.
Optimizing Gear for Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The duo highlights the importance of using the right gear to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Day in and day out, they prefer a medium-action spinning rod paired with a high-speed reel to pick up slack fast and maintain control during the fight. Using a fluorocarbon leader attached to braided mainline provides sensitivity and strength, allowing them to detect subtle bites and fish clean around the rocky structure and cover without minimal break-offs.
Koenig and Pavek successfully locate and catch smallmouth bass by combining advanced fish finder technology with proven smallmouth bass fishing techniques and appropriate gear. Their methodical process of identifying structure, confirming fish presence, and employing effective presentations is a valuable guide for anglers looking to improve their success on the water.
