Before you waste any time reading this article, this technique involves fishing for smallmouth bass in the moving water of a river or stream, so if you don't fish for Smallmouth in moving water, this article may not interest you. Smallmouth Bass are a ton of fun to catch in any kind of water, but in moving water catching smallmouth bass is as much fun as you can have with your pants on!

The technique is really quite simple, and with a little bit of practice you'll be catching fish in no time. The most difficult part of the technique is distinguishing the difference between bottom and bites. At first it seems difficult, but in no time, you'll know the difference without any trouble at all. The goal is to have your offering bounce off of the bottom, as it flows naturally downstream. The only equipment that's needed for this technique is small barrel swivels, split shot sinkers, gang hooks, and live bait (preferably worms). The entire process is easier if you have an efficient way to carry your live worms, such as a bait bag, so you're not constantly fumbling around with those stupid Styrofoam containers. You can make yourself a bait bag or buy one, it makes no difference. In any case, that's all you need for the greatest Smallmouth Bass technique.

This is how to rig up. Simply take the end of your line and tie on a barrel swivel. Now take the other end of the barrel swivel and attach a pre-tied set of gang hooks (again, make these yourself or purchase them). Now you want to add enough split shot to allow your offering to bounce off the bottom as it flows with the current. The amount or weight varies with the current flow. Too much weight and you'll get snagged. Too little weight and your offering will just flow through the current without touching anything. My fishing mentor used to tell me, "If you’re not getting snagged, you're not fishing in the right place." You may want to keep that in mind. Unfortunately, snags do happen with this technique. I've actually gotten so used to getting snagged, it rarely bothers me. It's just part of the technique.

Once the split shot are added, simply add a live worm to the gang hooks. I usually break my worms in half, FYI.

Now cast the worm into the current and let it drift naturally. You should feel it 'bumping' bottom as it flows downstream. You want to keep your line taught the entire time. Once the bait is straight below you, the drift is over. Reel in and repeat. Move slowly downstream as you fish, and varying your casting distance puts your offering in new water. This technique is deadly for river and stream dwelling Smallmouth Bass. The same technique works very well for trout as well, and I've even caught a lot of Walleye using this technique as well. As a matter of fact, when it comes to river and stream fishing, this is by far the most effective fish catching technique that I've ever seen.