I'm a topwater addict, and generally do quite well in mid-lake hump areas for our late-August Quetico trips. But there are times when the smallies just refuse to come "up top." What is your favorite technique for fishing smallies on/near the bottom?

A Neko rigged watermelon black flake 4” senko. I have caught smallmouth all over the country on this rig. Definitely a confidence bait for me. Ned rig would be my second choice if fish are being finicky.

moray: "A Neko rigged watermelon black flake 4” senko. I have caught smallmouth all over the country on this rig. Definitely a confidence bait for me. Ned rig would be my second choice if fish are being finicky."

How deep do you fish that Neko Rig?

A 5” Wacky worn with a nail weight works for me. It is on the bottom because of the lead nail weight. I use a piece of wire heat shrink tubing in the middle of the worm, then hook goes into the tubing. I hardly ever lose a worm with this technique.

Spookmeister: "

moray: "A Neko rigged watermelon black flake 4” senko. I have caught smallmouth all over the country on this rig. Definitely a confidence bait for me. Ned rig would be my second choice if fish are being finicky."

How deep do you fish that Neko Rig?"

I have fished them down to around 30’. Most Neko weights are on the lighter side so I will often us a heavier nail weight if I want to get down faster.

Savage Voyageur: "... I use a piece of wire heat shrink tubing in the middle of the worm, then hook goes into the tubing. I hardly ever lose a worm with this technique. "

What a BRILLIANT idea!!!

I'm going to name next year's first smallmouth after you!!

Green pumpkin tubes, black hair jigs or soft plastic jerk bait with weighted jig head.

Spookmeister: "What is your favorite technique for fishing smallies on/near the bottom?"

Do a search on YouTube for "best smallmouth baits". My experience is the same top techniques that work around the country also work fantastically well in the boundary waters.