Fishing for smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass prefer warm, flowing water and can be found in great numbers around weed beds, grassy banks, along the seams of riffles, deep along rock walls and in gravel flats. On clear summer days when the sun is high, the biggest "smallies" will be found in deeper water. On overcast days or when the sun is low on the horizon, smallmouth can be caught on or closer to the surface. They run to an average of about two pounds, but the biggest fish can tip the scales at 5 pounds and more.

Smallmouth bass are one of Gary Lewis' favorite fish. They've earned his respect for the waters they inhabit, the foods they chase and their habit of fighting harder than almost any other fish.

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  Camping on the Lake

  Afloat on a houseboat around the United States fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Pike.
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  ‘Daddy’s fish’ inspires granddaughter’s bass fever

  22 pounds, 4 ounces. A largemouth bass only gets that big when there is an alignment of factors, a convergence of genetics, water level, food supply, temperature and fishing pressure.