Not all midsummer conditions warrant throwing topwaters. Any angler who has been fishing long enough knows that you must have other tools in the toolbox if you want to consistently catch fish. Because of the nature of the smallmouth bass this time of the year, it makes sense to go into search mode to find and catch them.

Lures designed to be casted and retrieved are known as search baits. Lures such as shallow-diving crankbaits, bladed jigs, swim jigs, spinnerbaits and small swimbaits all fall into that category. All can produce on any given day. Because smallmouth bass have a small mouth, make sure that you choose smaller lure options. Most shallow diving crankbaits are small by nature, but make sure you use the smallest ones.

For bladed jigs and swim jigs, don’t add a big, bulky trailer. Instead, use one of the smaller, thin-profiled swim baits or a curly-tailed grub. Small swimbaits also work very well, especially the 2- to 3 1/2-inch size versions. Cast and retrieve these with a slow to moderate retrieve.

Always wear a good set of polarized sunglasses to be able to see any target that may be in the shallows. This could be in the form of rocks, a stump, a log, a boulder, a dock, a shore station, weeds or even a tire. Any object in the water will attract fish and is worth casting your lure towards. Bait and bass will be nearby. It is also good if the bottom has irregularities.

Seasoned bass pro Travis Peterson simply won’t go fishing without his polarized glasses. “Fishing in June is like hunting; you have to see what is going on in the shallows. You almost don’t even need your electronics because you can see everything that you need to with your eyes. Good quality lenses matter. I really like my Flying Fisherman glasses. They are light, take out the glare and fit like they are custom,” say’s Peterson.

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