Dayton's Premier Smallmouth Bass River Fishing

Reel in Trophy Smallmouth on Ohio's Waters

Get ready to tangle with some hard-fighting bronzebacks on this guided smallmouth bass fishing trip with River Jet Outfitters. Whether you're looking to spend a half day or full day on the water, guide Mike Spradlin knows all the honey holes around Dayton where the smallies are stacked up. With years of experience under his belt, Mike will put you on fish and show you the techniques to land that trophy bass you've been dreaming about. This trip is perfect for beginners wanting to learn the ropes or seasoned anglers looking to dial in their skills on some of Ohio's best smallmouth waters.

What to Expect on the Water

When you hop in Mike's fully rigged-out boat, be prepared for a day of non-stop action. We'll cruise to Mike's favorite spots, hitting rocky shorelines, submerged timber, and deep pools where the big smallies like to hang out. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be throwing crankbaits, working soft plastics, or even trying some topwater action. Mike's got all the gear and tackle you'll need, so just bring yourself and be ready to set the hook. With a max of 2 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of personalized attention to improve your technique. Fair warning - once you feel that first bronzeback slam your lure, you'll be hooked for life!

Smallmouth Tactics 101

If you're new to smallmouth fishing, you're in for a treat. These feisty bass are known for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. We'll cover all the basics, from how to work different lures to reading the water for likely bass hideouts. Mike's a pro at finesse techniques like drop-shotting and throwing tube jigs, which are deadly on pressured bass. For the fly fishing enthusiasts, we can even break out the long rods if conditions are right. The key to smallmouth success is matching your presentation to what the fish want that day, and Mike's got the local knowledge to put us on the pattern.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with River Jet Outfitters tend to book again and again. It's not just about the quality of the fishing (though that's top-notch). It's Mike's laid-back style, his willingness to share knowledge, and how he tailors each trip to what you want to get out of it. Whether you're after numbers of fish or holding out for that personal best, Mike's got you covered. Plus, there's something special about floating these scenic Ohio rivers, surrounded by nature and the possibility of that next big bite. It's the kind of experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: The star of the show, Ohio's smallmouth are some of the hardest-fighting fish pound for pound you'll ever tangle with. These bronze beauties typically range from 1-3 pounds, but fish pushing 5 pounds or more are not unheard of in these waters. Smallies are ambush predators, so we'll be targeting areas with current breaks, structure, and rocky habitat where they like to hunt. Spring and fall are prime times when these fish are most active and feeding heavily, but summer can produce some epic topwater action at dawn and dusk. The excitement of a big smallmouth crushing a surface lure is something every angler needs to experience.

While we're primarily after smallmouth, don't be surprised if we hook into some other species along the way. The rivers around Dayton hold good populations of largemouth bass, which can grow even bigger than their bronze cousins. You might also tangle with some hard-fighting channel catfish, especially if we're fishing deeper holes. And for those who like a little variety, we sometimes encounter scrappy rock bass, which are like mini smallmouth and a blast on light tackle.

Gearing Up for Success

You don't need to worry about bringing any fishing gear on this trip - Mike's got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle. We typically use medium-action spinning setups spooled with 6-8 lb test fluorocarbon line, which gives you the sensitivity to detect those subtle bites while still having enough backbone to wrestle a big bass out of cover. For lures, we'll have a mix of jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures to match whatever the fish are keyed in on. Don't forget to bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen - the sun can be pretty intense out on the water. And it's always a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some hard-fighting smallmouth, now's the time to lock in your trip with River Jet Outfitters. Whether you're a local looking for a quick half-day escape or an out-of-towner planning a full day of fishing, Mike's got the flexibility to make it happen. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to reserve your date. With Mike's know-how and these fish-rich waters, you're in for some of the best smallmouth action Ohio has to offer. So grab your fishing buddy (or come solo) and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The bass are biting, and there's a spot in the boat with your name on it!