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Smallmouth Bass

2013 Update - We are privaledged to have a lot of smallmouth bass in the same fisheries as trout and salmon.  In most parts of the country, the smallmouth is the top gamefish, for us it can be an afterthought. This incredible strong and acrobatic fish on light tippet is so much fun.   Most of the rivers hold many smallies which makes it a wonderful teaching ground for youngsters, especially using a fly rod.

Smallmouth bass are such a vital part of New Hampshire’s water bodies.  Pound for pound this is the best fighting fish - they just won’t give up.  They exist in New Hampshire as in just about all large lakes, small ponds, and most rivers, where they feast primarily on just about anything, but with a fondness for crayfish, hellgrammites, invertebrates, and of course forage fish.   Smallmouth Bass are very aggressive and can be very curious, as you may see them while swimming.  For this reason, while everyone else is jumping off the boat during the summer for a swim, you should remain on the ship with a rod in had flipping a rubber jig into the water (not too close to the people though).  Actually with goggles or a mask, the swimmers can check out this bass taking the bait.

The novice angler can catch Smallmouth Bass throughout the entire season.   Care should be take during the spawning season where there are regulations prohibiting the use of live bait.  The Smallmouth Bass fishery is in New Hampshire is overlooked by many anglers vying for Salmon, Trout, and Largemouth Bass.   However, some of the best fishing we have experienced is catching a 3 LB Smallmouth Bass on an ultra light spinning rod using a tube bait and while nymphing using a fly rod with 5X tippet in a river or stream.   These two situations will provide action you will remember for a lifetime.

When Smallmouth Bass are caught early season while trolling for Salmon, they are dead weight and will come to the boat much like a hooked log.  There are trout ponds which seem to become overtaken with Smallmouth Bass where it seems there are millions of them 6-8 inches long.  This is a tremendous fishery for kids, especially those learning to fly fish.  It is in these cases where the Smallmouth Bass is a nuisance to the experienced angler.