Big-Mama Smallmouth

Do you want to know where the big-mama smallmouth bass are?

LET’S GO

It’s a beautiful summer morning on the Mississippi River, with the sun peeking over the earth. There is just enough light to guide you through the thin ribbons of fog rising off the water. Today, you’re searching for the next gem. You’re uncertain what lies below the water’s surface ahead of you. Moving slowly, you navigate, trying to avoid logs, rock piles, or shallow sand flats that may leave you stranded. The Mississippi River has a history of being unforgiving.

IF YOU WANT TO GET SOMEWHERE FAST, GO SLOW

Slow motoring will help you discover the best fishing spots. Enjoy a sip of your hot coffee and use visual analysis to break down every bit of the story the river is telling. Much of my river fishing success comes from visual observation and reading the water, not electronics.

One second, you’re motoring along in 3-4 feet of water; the next, you’re grinding your prop in the sand. It’s a good thing you kept the lid on your coffee. Your first reaction may be to curse, turn the boat around, and head in the opposite direction, assuming you didn’t get stuck. Tilt your motor and repeat after me, “Sweet a sand drop!”  Lunge for your popper rod.  

SAND DROPS

Sand drops are overlooked structures found by accident or careful observation. The water will likely be no more than 6” deep on top but can quickly descend 2-6 feet. This creates a sand wall crafty smallmouth use to trap bait.

Keep the boat on the deeper side of the drop. Point the bow into the current. Navigate slowly along the drop with the trolling motor. From this position, make long casts with your favorite topwater bait, bringing it from on top of the sand to just off the edge over the deeper water. 

WHAT I USE

I prefer using my Radcliffe Custom Crank LS 7’ Rod with a Piscifun Alloy M baitcaster to throw Berkley’s Bullet Pop for sand drop fishing. Poppers create a unique chugging sound that no other bait can mimic.  Nearby fish hear the commotion, which they interpret as aggressive feeding.  Speeding in, they see the bait as an easy meal and cannot resist. Try different cadences with your topwater to get slashing fish to commit. Practice between a long pause and a fast and aggressive retrieve to see which flips their switch.

Fish a few sand drops, and you’ll notice a distinct visual line of ripples that form at the water’s surface.  Use this knowledge to help you save life on your prop and fish the sand drops more methodically. 

Slow down and enjoy the scenery next time you’re on the Mississippi River. Pay close attention to those subtle clues that lead you to your next hot spot. If you do it right, you will be pleasantly rewarded.

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