The time to dust off the rods, gas up the boat, and chase giant bronzebacks is almost upon us. I must say the attitude and fight of big smallmouth on the end of my line always seems to get my blood pumping. When chasing smallmouth early in the season you will be faced with cool water temperatures that can range from 40 to 50 degrees, which can prove to be a challenge but gives you the opportunity of catching a true trophy. Most of these bronzebacks have spent the winter months in deeper water and will now slowly start their journey to spawning areas. They will be on the pursuit for food and a partner at this time. So to start my search, I will begin fishing near flats and reefs in the deep water areas, especially if boulders are present. I will pitch my jig toward the top of the flat or reef and work my jig back to the boat bringing it down the break and  into deep water. By deep I am referring to areas with depth ranging from 20 to 30 feet of water, as the smallmouths are still pre-spawn. As the water continues to warm they will progress up these flats, making their big push when the water reaches the mid-50s. When fishing in boulders keep your rod tip high, and the key is a slow yo -yo retrieve that keeps your bait rising and swimming along the bottom with out hanging up. For this style of fishing I will use 1/8 or 3/16 ounce jigs with tubes or plastic grubs or worms. Slow and with finesse is so important to trigger a bronzeback into biting. Pitch it out, let it sink, lift the rod tip, drop it back down while reeling up the slack, and hopefully set the hook. Having a sensitive rod is extremely important when it comes to finesse fishing. My absolute favorite is the St. Croix Legend Elite 6'3" medium action with and extra fast tip. The feel you receive while working along the bottom and detecting subtle fish takes is just so unbelievable its something you absolutely got to experience for yourself to believe.  So do not overlook this opportunity, as you have a real chance at catching a goliath bronzeback. It is important to remember that slow and with finesse is key when it comes to pre-spawn smallmouth. Good Fishing!