Smallmouth bass prefer smaller soft-baits that have subtle action as fall water temperatures decline from the low 50’s in to the 40’s. These feature tails that float up off of the bottom at rest and move with the slightest current and/or twitch imparted from the angler. These soft-baits have produced excellent results for cold water anglers all over the east coast. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is recommended on light/medium spinning tackle for best results. Work these baits slowly with a twitch-twitch then short drag-pause routine. Any feeling of weight should be followed by loading your rod with a slight tension to feel the “mush-mouthed”, wet leaf feeling indicating that a bass is holding on.