Smallmouth bass fishing with a guide

What a guided bass day looks like

Smallmouth bass like clear water, rock and current. A guided day usually means moving along rocky shorelines, points, boulder fields, shoals and river ledges, casting and adjusting until the fish show where they are feeding.

It is active fishing: lots of casts, quick changes of lures and depth, and a fight that often includes a jump or two. Many anglers who try smallmouth on light tackle come back for more.

In rivers, the guide may drift or anchor above current breaks and ledges, where bass wait for food carried downstream. On lakes, wind-blown rocky points are often worth a close look.

Lures and light tackle

Bass fishing is mostly lure fishing. Common choices are soft plastics on a jig head or drop shot, tube jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits, small swimbaits and topwater lures on calm mornings and evenings.

Light or medium spinning rods with thin line give you the most fun and the best feel for subtle bites. A guide will have rods rigged for several techniques and will show you how to work each lure.

If you already fish, a guided day is also a quick way to learn finesse techniques such as the drop shot or the ned rig, which can save a slow day.

What is usually included

Bass trips are often day or half-day outings close to towns and cottage country, but packages vary.

• Boat with motor, fuel, sonar and safety gear
• Guide for a half day or full day
• Spinning or casting rods and a selection of lures
• Instruction on techniques for beginners
• Lunch or snacks on some trips

Choosing a bass guide and what to ask

Ask whether the guide mainly fishes lakes or rivers, what techniques they use most, how many anglers share the boat and whether the trip is catch-and-release. Bass are often released, and a good guide handles them quickly and keeps them in the water as much as possible.

Bass seasons and rules vary by province and zone, and in some areas there are specific rules around the spawning period. Check the official regulations before you plan and ask your guide what applies.

GuideHunter lets you filter the map by smallmouth bass, see the guides that offer it, what each offer includes and how far away they are.

What to bring

Summer bass trips can be hot and bright: bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, light long sleeves, water and a rain jacket. Bring your fishing licence, and your own rod and tackle box if you prefer, after checking with the guide.

Frequently asked questions