surefire baits for smallies?

[1099gl]

Tuesday I will be taking a trip to the upper Meramec just wondering what baits I should bring with me. I know some of the basic baits but im not sure what would be the best bait for this time of the year. I will be fishing out of a canoe/wading for this trip if it helps.

[Al Agnew]

All the usual suspects. Walk the dog topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, tubes, buzzbaits...smallie fishing this time of year isn't rocket science. Any lure you have confidence in and know how to work will probably produce some fish. Of course, a lot depends upon water conditions. Hopefully it will be clear enough to fish and not too high.

[jtram]

All the usual suspects. Walk the dog topwaters, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, tubes, buzzbaits...smallie fishing this time of year isn't rocket science. Any lure you have confidence in and know how to work will probably produce some fish. Of course, a lot depends upon water conditions. Hopefully it will be clear enough to fish and not too high.

Yup if you have confidence you will catch fish. If you are throwing soft plastics make sure it gets to the bottom, let the current move it for you. Dont overlook/overthink the Ned, for real its a great bait.

[jdmidwest]

Large shiner on a 3 ought hook.

[1099gl]

thanks guys I needed to restock on some baits anyways so I will probably head out to cabelas and get some more of the recommended baits

[Mitch f]

Loose rule of thumb

Clear water fish very top and very bottom (topwater, jigs)

Murky water fish the middle water column (crankbaits, spinnerbaits)

[Gavin]

I'll probably have a walking bait, fluke, buzz bait, and a jig tied on from now until September.

[Seth]

fluke

buzzbait

baby brush hog

Eakins Jig

1.5 square bill

bandit 200 crankbait

green pumpkin or white for clearer water and dark colors for dingy water

[drew03cmc]

I'm a simpleton. In clear water, I'm on the bottom with craws, pick a color as long as it's green pumpkin. In murkier water, I like a Shad/baitfish colored crank, either a Wart or something like a Shad Rap.

[Johnsfolly]

I tend to fish creeks and small rivers for smallmouth. I love topwater action and will go with walking baits with a preference to Excalibur spittn image (not sure they still sell these) that i have hand painted. However, I will tend to catch more fish on a fluke, but I just don't get that adrenaline rush when a smallie blasts a topwater. In deeper holes, I will move to the shad type or crawfish crankbaits or like Drew and Gavin suggested fish crawfish baits on the bottom or a feather jig. I fish mostly baby bass or green pumpkin for the plastics and olive, brown or white feather jigs. Good luck.