Smith Lake in May

I am looking to go down and do a little bass fishing in May in Smith Lake. I hear it is really clear just like the lakes up here in Michigan. Any sugestions on where and what baits. Thanks

Smith is a very large man made lake, 500 plus miles of shore, 300 ft water. Some areas will very very clear. Should be late or post spawn. Dingers, small jigs, small cranks ect. There are some mean ass Spots in there. World record Spot use to be from there, caught by a guy that live a few minutes from me. Last year we caught em on floating jerk bait worked fast, & Fluke in Glimmer blue. Good luck & enjoy your trip.

Showdawg

Sorry for the late reply but I just noticed the post. I live on Smith Lake & May is my favorite time of the year on Smith. The early top water bite can be incredible if you are in the right area. Concentrate on main lake points and creek mouths from day light until about 8:00 a.m. Don't be scared to fish 2 casts away from the bank. Many times the spots will be in over 100 feet of water. Run and gun enough main lake points and you should find some top water fish. Be prepared to catch some monster stripe while you are doing this.

After the morning bite, I usually pick up a shakey head or fish shallow for large mouth.

I hope this helps. If you need any more info e-mail me at flan8iv@aol.com

I will echo what Brian says. After the topwater bite out on the lake settles you can hit the backs of the fingers. You can fish shallow cranks, zell pops, and buzzbaits tight to the cover, or you can fish a white Ribbit over the trash that collects in the back of the fingers. This bite isn't always there but it is more often than not if you cover a lot of fingers. The shakey head bite/ small jig bite is fun too.

If you try the backs of the pockets/fingers make sure you are accurate with your casts because the water is usually like crystal, at least crystal to me.

Is it common to get bit on Smith? I live in Indiana and your doing good if you catch 2 fish all day. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif

You can almost always count on 10-20 if you fish the shaky head. Most of them will be smaller fish, but you will get a over once in a while. Fish a jig for bigger fish, and like said earlier top water early in the morning.