[VIDEO] Fluke and Topwater Smallmouth Smackdown

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Join Wired2fish’s Kyle Peterson and his wife Britta on a perfect summer day as they explore Lake Mille Lacs, targeting aggressive smallmouth bass using flukes and topwater poppers. With water temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, conditions are prime for quick action and explosive surface strikes.

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Scouting Structure for Smallmouth Bass

Rather than fishing heavily pressured areas, the Petersons focus on subtle contour changes and overlooked rock transitions in sandy flats. Using side imaging, Kyle marks isolated boulders and hidden structure that often hold unpressured bass. These less obvious spots offer a better chance to connect with quality smallmouth bass.

Flukes for Clear Water Success

Fluke-style soft plastics are the pick to kick things off. These baits mimic fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes even in clear water and pressured areas. Whether twitched near sand flats, breaklines, or isolated rock patches, the Petersons consistently draw visual, high-energy strikes from cruising smallmouth. Harsh drags of the bait offers a quick swimming action, allowing the tail to kick rapidly, which can generate reaction bites.

Topwater Action as the Sun Sets

As evening approaches and conditions stabilize, the topwater bite begins to take shape. The Petersons shift to poppers, targeting smallmouth bass actively feeding near the surface. Calm water and fading light create ideal conditions for surface presentations, and it doesn’t take long for bass to respond. Strikes are aggressive and unmistakable, with fish rising quickly to intercept the bait.

Boat Setup