Jacob Powroznik: Smallmouth Bass Tips and Tricks
As warmer weather creeps into the Upper Midwest, anglers are hitting the water, eager to chase big smallmouth bass. The slower warmup in the northern zone creates a prime opportunity to put hefty bronzebacks in the boat.
Best Lure for Smallmouth Bass Lure: The Livingston Lures Jerkmaster
When it comes to landing big smallmouth in the north, one of my top picks is the Livingston Lures Jerkmaster, especially with its EBS technology. These fish go crazy for it, especially early in the season as waters warm and fishing kicks into gear. I rely on two models: the Jerkmaster 121 and the Jerkmaster 121D. The clear water up here is a game-changer—smallmouth will strike a variety of colors, as anyone who’s fished northern country knows. But they often lock onto a specific shade. Perch patterns lead the pack—light perch, dark perch, or even a perch-inspired hue with a splash of chartreuse. It’s all about trial and error to dial in what they’re craving most. Start with a perch color, then tweak until you find the winner. These jerk baits trigger aggressive bites and are a must-have for northern smallmouth.
Where to Target Smallmouth
Early in the season, smallmouth are still in shallow zones, often tied to the spawn or chasing forage. I focus on areas 15 feet or less, looking for key structures and cover. Big rocks are a hotspot—think shallow points with boulders where bass stage or feed. Sand and grass patches are also prime, especially where they mix. You’ll find smallmouth lingering around spawning beds or patrolling these areas for bait. Target these spots—big rocks, shallow points, sand, and grass—and you’ve got a solid starting point to track down active fish. The key is to cover water and watch for signs of life, like follows or subtle strikes, to zero in on their hangouts.
Retrieve Technique for the Jerkmaster
With the Livingston Lures Jerkmaster being a slow-sinking, suspending lure, my retrieve is all about aggression. I go for an erratic action—jerking it pretty hard to bring the mail. This isn’t a gentle jerk-jerk-pause routine. I’m cranking it with purpose, aiming for reaction strikes. The goal is to fire up smallmouth, get them to follow the bait, even pull them off beds or cover. That movement mimics a fleeing baitfish, and when they chase, I can loop back and target them again. Keep it lively—hard jerks, unpredictable motion—and you’ll spark those aggressive hits that smallmouth are known for in the north.
Gear Setup for Success
Your setup is critical to get the best action out of these baits. Here’s what I use:
- For the Jerkmaster 121:
- Rod: A 6’10” medium or medium-heavy rod works great. You want a good tip for responsiveness, letting you snap the bait effectively for that erratic action.
- Line: I stick to 10- to 12-pound test fluorocarbon. It’s strong, sensitive, and low-visibility in clear northern waters, perfect for finicky smallmouth.
- For the Jerkmaster 121D:
- Rod: Step up to a 7’2” medium-heavy rod. The deeper-diving model has a bigger lip that pulls hard, so you need less tip action to drive it down. A stiffer rod maximizes depth and keeps the bait working right.
- Line: Same here—10- to 12-pound test fluorocarbon. It handles the extra resistance and keeps the bait in the zone.
- Reel: A versatile reel works for both—something with enough speed to control the retrieve but not too fast to lose feel. I don’t overcomplicate it; focus on rod and line to match the bait’s action.
Two baits, two rods, one line choice—fluorocarbon gives me the edge for sensitivity and strength. This setup lets the Jerkmaster 121 and 121D shine, whether you’re fishing shallow or probing a bit deeper.
The Jermaster Excels with Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS)
One of the biggest advantages of the Jerkmaster is how well it pairs with forward-facing sonar. Its action is easily visible on live sonar screens, allowing anglers to track every movement in real time and make precise adjustments mid-retrieve. Whether you’re working suspended fish or targeting isolated cover for smallies the Jerkmaster stays in the strike zone longer letting you respond to what you’re seeing. It’s not just effective—the Jerkmaster is optimized for FFS. For bass anglers using live sonar, there isn’t a more responsive or deadly bass jerkbait on the market.
With northern waters warming, it’s prime time for big smallmouth bass. Throw the Livingston Lures Jerkmaster 121 and 121D in perch colors—light, dark, or chartreuse-tinged—and experiment to find the hot shade. Target chunky rocks, shallow points, sand, and grass in 15 feet or less, where bass spawn and feed. Work an erratic, hard-jerking retrieve to trigger reaction strikes and draw follows. Pair it with a 6’10” medium or 7’2” medium-heavy rod, 10- to 12-pound fluorocarbon, and you’re set. Get out there, explore the northern habitat, and put some trophy smallmouth in the boat!
Jacob Powroznik