Smallmouth Bass Techniques from the Kayak

On an average day I interact with 5-10 people who want to get into bass fishing but feel a little overwhelmed with the diversity of bass fishing techniques out there. While I certainly love connecting with Largemouth there is no other warmwater fish in the PNW I love more than Smallmouth Bass. They hit hard, they run hard, they make drags scream, and I love just how varied each fish is in color and fighting technique.

Having recently returned to Washington after a winter stint in north Idaho I found myself in the most unlikely hotspot for Smallmouth Bass fishing, the Okanogan. Long summers and an abundance of crayfish and smolts produces some serious Smallmouth Bass crops here, as well as Largemouth, and the next state record is likely to be produced from these waters. Lets just say its not uncommon for me to hit 18-19" Smallies here on a daily basis.

With all these factors I decided it was time to introduce folks to Smallie kayak fishing. Instead of focusing on a specific lake or river I decided to focus on 3 tried and true simple techniques that produce fish for me no matter where I am fishing. Comprehensive with plenty of lip ripping action I hope you enjoy the video.

What a great educational video Tyler and a lot of fun to watch. Beautiful country, bomb beats as always, & you've convinced me i need a 180 drive for the Hobie. I think that loud resident osprey was jealous of your fishing skills. Looking forward to watching more of whats to come.

What a great educational video Tyler and a lot of fun to watch. Beautiful country, bomb beats as always, & you've convinced me i need a 180 drive for the Hobie. I think that loud resident osprey was jealous of your fishing skills. Looking forward to watching more of whats to come.

I hadn't noticed how seemlessly I use that 180 drive until editing this video and yeah everytime I would catch a bass that Osprey would scream and throw a fit. Good to know jealousy isn't just a human thing.

Just finished watching this on your NWFR Palmer Lake post, great job and a ton of good information!

I never fished Palmer, but it sure looked sweet when I drove by a couple years back.

This is one of the best kayak angling instructional videos I've ever seen - a standard by which others will now be measured. Exceptional work!

There is much to appreciate here, from your generous sharing of knowledge to the great production value. Thank you for mentioning how to properly hold a bass.

Thanks for the great video on smallies, the tackle hints are excellent. What time of the year were you fishing Palmer lake? I see no snow on the high hills so I would guess mid summer??....warf

Thanks for the great video on smallies, the tackle hints are excellent. What time of the year were you fishing Palmer lake? I see no snow on the high hills so I would guess mid summer??....warf

Yes mid-summer...will only get better into the fall

Nice video Tyler! The dog days of summer have me itching for cooler days and livelier bass fishing too.