If I use a small enough hook can I fish for smallmouth bass, perch, and rockbass all at the same time?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Yes—you can often catch multiple species on the same rig or cast, but there are some practical and regulatory caveats to keep in mind. Here’s how to approach it like a seasoned guide:

- **Know the rules first**: Bag limits and hook regulations vary by state and water body. Some places limit the number of hooks per line or require specific hooks for certain species. Always check your local fishing regulations before you go.
- **Gear toward versatility**: Use a small hook (roughly size #6 to #8, depending on local rules and bait size) and light tackle. A gentle, responsive rod lets you feel bites from smallmouth, perch, or rock bass without overdriving the fish.
- **Choose a multi-species-friendly lure**: A compact soft plastic grub on a light jig head (1/16 to 1/8 oz) or a small inline spinner can catch all three species in the right spots. If you want more bounce and a chance at multiple fish from structure, a tiny drop-shot rig or a small worm on a magnum treble is sometimes used, but pay attention to local hook- and gear- rules.
- **Where and when to look (mid fall specifics)**: In mid fall, smallmouth often hold on edges of drop-offs or weedlines, perch cruise shallow flats near weed seams, and rock bass stack around rocky ledges and laydowns. Look for mixed structure where depth changes quickly, and fish slowly around 5–15 feet (deeper on hotter days, shallower as the sun warms the shallows).
- **Presentation tips**:
  - Cast to likely structure and swim or drag the lure slowly; pause intermittently to tempt lethargic fall bites.
  - Keep your line tight and be ready to set lightly; smallmouth can hit aggressively, perch hit on twitchy, quick pulls, and rock bass often nip at the tail.
  - If you’re after multiple catches, you’ll often land one species per cast; that’s normal—moving to a healthy, structure-rich area increases the odds of multiple hits per outing.
- **Handle with care, release efficiently**: Rock bass are tougher on the stomach but have sharp fins; smallmouth and perch can be delicate. Use barbless hooks where allowed and release quickly to keep populations healthy.

For real-world tips and demonstrations, check out quick videos like these:
- How to target multiple species with a single setup: [Catch multi-species with one lure](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=catch+multiple+species+with+one+lure)
- Fall smallmouth and perch tactics: [Fall bass and perch fishing tips](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fall+bass+perch+fishing+tips)

If you want a tidy kit to keep you organized on the water, a compact tackle box makes life easier: consider options like the [Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPQRJWQ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) or the [Flambeau 2-Tray Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074ZVWPLY?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) to store quick-rig setups. For travel and extra gear, the [PLUSINNO Fishing Backpack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSC4S5X3?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) keeps lures, pliers, and small hooks organized.

Bottom line: with a small hook and careful presentation, you can encounter multiple species in one outing during mid fall—the real win is enjoying the chase and respecting the rules while you do it. Good luck, stay safe, and tight lines! 😊

If I use a small enough hook can I fish for smallmouth bass, perch, and rockbass all at the same time?

Product Recommendations

Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box with Dual Top Access, Dark Green Metallic/Off White, Premium Tackle Storage

Flambeau Outdoors 4007 Tuff Tainer Fishing Tackle Box with Zerust Anti-Rust Dividers - Includes 12 Dividers, 24 Compartments, Clear Fishing Lure Organizer

3 Pack Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box, Double-Sided with 19 Adjustable Dividers, Leakproof Bait Storage Case for Trout Ultralight Fishing & Travel (Green, Orange, Black)

PLUSINNO Fishing Backpack with Tackle Boxes, Waterproof Sling Tackle Bag For Fishing Gear With Rod Holder, Gifts for Men With Fishlures, pliers, Fish Lip Gripper.

Flambeau Outdoors 6382TB 2-Tray Tackle Box - Classic Fishing Lure Storage Organizer, Medium Portable Tackle Box, 15 Tray Compartments, Blue/Gray

Plano Ready-Set-Fish 3-Tray Tackle Box with Tackle, Aqua Blue/Tan, One Size

Wonderjune 6 Pack 3600 Fishing Tackle Boxes Waterproof Tackle Trays with Removable Dividers Clear Plastic Storage Organizer Bait Vault Camouflage Box for Freshwater Saltwater(White)

PLUSINNO Large 4-Layer Tackle Box with Tackle Included, 547Pcs Fishing Lures Kit - Pliers, Crankbait, Hooks, Weights & Accessories - Freshwater Bass Fishing Bait Lure Gear and Equipment, Gift for Men

Community

Bass Fishing Questions

what part of dale hollow lake does kristin appear to be fishing in this video

Wave worm tiki stick

What Xzone dropshot minnow

Strike king ghost bitsy minnow

More Questions

best rat lures

How do you use a zig rig?

topwater fishing for mahi mahi in the mediterranean sea

Best place to rat fish for bass in San Antonio, Texas?

best rods for bass

Was sind die besten Köder für Hecht und Barsch im Herbst?

Where do I find pike in Lake Constance during August on a sunny, warm day?

What are the best spinning rod combos for musky fishing?

best rat lures

How do you use a zig rig?

topwater fishing for mahi mahi in the mediterranean sea

Best place to rat fish for bass in San Antonio, Texas?

best rods for bass

Was sind die besten Köder für Hecht und Barsch im Herbst?

Where do I find pike in Lake Constance during August on a sunny, warm day?

What are the best spinning rod combos for musky fishing?

what part of dale hollow lake does kristin appear to be fishing in this video

Wave worm tiki stick

What Xzone dropshot minnow

Strike king ghost bitsy minnow