Trolling deep-diving crankbaits across rocky points may be one of the most-effective techniques anglers can use to catch big smallmouths. Bump the bait across the bottom, and crash it into underwater rocks to gain the attention and often the strike of a big smallmouth. Alternatively, try these proven techniques. Cast out light line and ultralight baits to catch big smallmouth in deep water. Fish a 4-inch worm and a 1/4-ounce jig on light spinning tackle along sheer rock bluffs. If you fish parallel to the bluffs and let your lure fall straight down beside the rocks, you’ll offer the smallmouth a meal it can’t resist.

Fish a live-bait rig called a Roach Rig or a jig tipped with live bait for smallmouths. On the live-bait rig, use a slip sinker – either a 1/8-ounce for shallow fishing or a 3/4-ounce for deep-water fishing. Fish a bright-colored sinker to get the bait to the bottom and to attract the smallmouth.

Below the slip sinker, attach a rubber sinker stopper, a device that stops a sinker from continuing to slide down the line and allows you to adjust the length of line you want coming from the lead to the hook. Below the sinker stopper, tie a barrel swivel. To the other end of the barrel swivel, attach a piece of leader and a small hook. Bait with either night crawlers or leeches. On the jig rig, use a brightly-colored jig, and attach either a minnow, a leech or a night crawler to the hook as a trailer to catch the most smallmouths.