When you talk bass-speak, don't ever forget to mention the other side of the family, the smallmouth bass. While some might not agree, it's my guess my littlemouth friend is even more popular than Mr. Bigmouth, in a few States, and ranks no lower than second across the breadth of the country. I do know one thing, chasing smallmouth bass seems to appeal to fly fishers of a different ilk, fly fishers like me! The smallmouth bass is my favorite freshwater sport fish.

It is true, of course, that both the largemouth and smallmouth bass share many of the same waters. More frequently however, the smallmouth bass, the more streamlined version of the family, likes cooler deeper water; in fact, the smallmouth bass is especially fond of cool clear fast moving waters with gravel or rocky bottoms. The funny thing is the smallmouth's favorite habitat also describes one of my favorite fly fishing haunts -- the creeks, streams and small rivers of the Texas Hill Country. Little wonder at my admiration for this freshwater fighter.

Sometimes when I think about it, I sort of envy the fly fishers in some of the northern states who have the occasional delight of finding both smallmouths and trout sharing the same waters. That's what I call a real "two-for-one" deal. Unfortunately, the hot summers of the South and Southwest warm all too many waters to allow trout to propagate. That's why so many folks in the south and southwest have come to think of the smallmouth as "the southern trout." Given cool clear water, perhaps not quite cold enough to support trout year-round, the habitat is apt to be perfect for the smallmouth bass. For this, we give thanks!

I suppose that's why I love the smallmouth bass. Chasing this not-so-little fish along the flowing creeks and streams is a wonderful experience. I love hearing the gurgle of the flowing water, peering into the depths of an occasional pool marveling at the ability to clearly see the fish below; feeling the breeze brush my face, enjoying the tranquility of a land at peace with God. The stress of life laid aside for a time, it is an experience not soon forgotten. Of course, catching an occasional "littlemouth" bass adds a bit of exciting fun to the experience.

Make no mistake! The smallmouth bass is a fighting fish. There are those of us who believe the smallmouth is a better fighter, pound for pound, than it's big brother. And if you happen to think this "little" bass is "too" little to bother with, think again! I don't know any fisher who thinks a black bass weighing close to 12 pounds is a little fish. The last time I checked, that's the record for the smallmouth bass, taken, I believe, in Kentucky. I should be so lucky! Catching any bass in the 8 to 10 pound range would be a rare treat never to be forgotten. Who cares about the size of the mouth?

Whether fished in Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas or some other place, the smallmouth bass is a worthy and willing adversary. If you wonder a bit at why so many fly fishers in Texas hold a special spot for the smallmouth bass, the reason is straight forward: it is because of the Guadalupe bass. Yep, you guess it! The Guadalupe is a Texas Original. It is a variant of the smallmouth found nowhere else, and it is the State fish of Texas. As Texas Parks & Wildlife would say: "[The] Guadalupe bass prefer small flowing streams and rivers, habitats that provide some aesthetic pleasures for the anglers pursuing them." That's me! Just call me, "Aesthetic Pleasures."

Without a doubt, there are some great smallmouth fisheries in North America. However, I think most fly fishers are unaware that one of the very best, if not the best, is in the high desert country of Texas. Known to Texans as "The Hill Country," it is a place of swift streams, clear waters, and rocky bottoms; it is the perfect habitat for the smallmouth bass. Throw in the scenic beauty of the high desert and it becomes a great place to fly fish. And should you think about fly fishing the Texas Hill Country, think about rivers and streams with odd sounding names -- names like the Llano, the Pedernales, the Frio, the Sabinal, the Nueces, and the Pecos. But the best of the lot is the Devil's River. Running its course from Ozona southward until it empties into Lake Amistad northwest of Del Rio, the Devil is perhaps the best kept smallmouth fishing secret in the United States. The scenery is superb, the water beautiful, the fish plentiful.

Unfortunately, about the only practical way to fish the Devil's River is to take a 2-day float trip with a guide. While the water belongs to the public, Texas law protects the landowner from unlawful intrusion. In this area of West Texas, ranches are big and sprawling, leaving only limited access to the river. To keep the river from being trashed, you can bet the law is vigorously enforced -- by the landowner.

By the way, if you prefer fishing lakes, two stand out in my mind as being worthwhile experiences: Lake Amistad, previously mentioned, and to the far north, Lake Meredith. In Texas, the term, "far north," means just north of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. (As a point of reference, Amarillo is just about 100 miles south of Chicago and is surrounded by the counties of Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.)

Before heading down the road to fish the Devil's River, or any other smallmouth fishery, it is worthwhile to discuss assembling a fly fishing system suitable for this sport fish.

The Line. If you plan to fish rivers and streams, a weight-forward floating line is the name of the game. My favorite for working smallmouth bass is a 5-weight, with a 6-weight a close second. The 6-weight moves to first place in deep cool water lakes. Throw in a sink-tip line or suitable sinking leader, and, if overhead cover is an obstacle, take along a double taper floating line. A double taper line typically roll-casts so much better than the weight-forward variety, words fail me. (There is a moral to this story: the inability to roll-cast efficiently and effectively has spelled failure to many a fishing trip.) Why any fly fisher would place themselves at a distinct disadvantage by not being proficient with the roll-cast never ceases to amaze me. To me, it's sort of like saying proficiency with the short irons has nothing to do with achieving a respectable golf game. Of course, for those of you who can hole-out from 200 yards, disregard everything I've said.

Don't forget that I consistently argue, and with good reason, that the fly line is the most important aspect of the fly fishing system. Equipped with the right line for the task, and a little casting ability, a fly fisher can do some amazing things. Without the right line, neither the loveliness of the rod nor the magnificence of the reel make a doodle's worth of difference to catching fish in difficult places.

The Rod. Since the line weight is the only thing standardized in the sport of fly fishing, I recommend going about finding a 5- or 6-weight rod that will captivate the new owner while matching the line weight(s) just discussed. I personally prefer a fast rod, but then I do a great deal of tip casting. Those that do not use this technique are well advised to check out a rod with a moderate or progressive action, particularly if they plan to fish narrow streams and rivers where the accuracy of the cast is critical. Any and all of these rods will effectively throw 60 feet and that's about all anyone needs. As for rod length, let me offer a few points for consideration. A shorter rod best serves the fly fisher chasing smallmouth on small streams and rivers, say 8 to 8_ feet. The shorter the rod, the easier it is to effectively fish tight waters. (Frankly, I've fished tight waters in the Smokies where any rod longer than 6_ feet is too long.) On the other hand, on open waters such as deep cool lakes, by all means go with the industry's standard, the 9 footer. Whatever the choice, a vast array of excellent rods abound in the 5- to 6-weight class, as I mentioned in the earlier discussion of the fly rod.

The Reel. A good-sized "littlemouth" will run, especially when the habitat is a stream or river. While the run is not up to that of a bonefish or permit, the need to protect a very light tippet suggests the reel's drag should be smooth -- smoother than provided by a reel like the old Pflueger Medalist. I admit that the Medalist has taken many a smallmouth, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future. However, the cost difference between the Medalist and a fly reel with a capable drag system has become negligible. For the slight difference, go with the better reel. Which reel to choose from among the many quality reels available can become a tough decision. All that I can recommend is giving careful consideration to the problem of the "how" of switching lines in mid-stream. Seems to me, it comes down to either the cassette reel, or a reel with an affordable extra spool. Stripping-off the fly line by hand and replacing it at streamside is not the way to go.

The Flies. Funny thing about my friend, "littlemouth:" He will attack almost anything, when the idea strikes his fancy. In terms of flies, the smallmouth is very much like a trout in terms of his likes when dining in or out, as the case may be. Dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, and terrestrials -- all make for a meal for the smallmouth bass. The fact is, any of these old flies will catch smallmouth bass, probably even better now then when they were tied. I'll bet few smallmouths have seen one of these. The best smallmouth I ever tangled with took a streamer tied for Atlantic salmon. The pattern was the old Silver Doctor. The fish struck hard proceeding hell bent for leather downstream. I contend the sensuous beauty of the Silver Doctor bewitched him. Others shake their head and argue he was simply ticked-off at the sight of an Atlantic salmon fly.

Whatever the truth, the smallmouth bass is one smart fish who learns quickly who's who and what's what in the water column. Throw one too many "whatever" flies and this fish will ignore the "whatever" forever. Not bad for a silly dumb fish, is it? And now, a word of caution: if you happen to spy a big fat smallmouth fining away time in a clear pool of water, by all means cast to him. Don't be surprised, however, if your offerings fail to gain his interest or attention. Don't be disappointed -- just ask why it is also true, the fish never spooked. Resolve this dilemma, my friend, and you are well on your way to mastering the smallmouth bass, at least for today ....

Favorite Flies. When everything is right, and smallmouth come to the surface, try generic trout flies like damselflies, Humpies, ants, grasshoppers, crickets, and small deerhair bugs. Add in a few not-to-big poppers of cork or foam in black and the old frog pattern. When the surface action is nonexistent, go for a minnow imitation such as a deceiver, or Clouser Minnow or another swimmer such as a Zonker, Marabou Minnow, or the old standby, the Wooly Bugger in sizes 4 to 6. When the smallmouth is hanging deep, go with nymphs, a cone head bugger or, everyone's favorite, a bottom hugging crayfish.

Summary. The smallmouth bass is one of America's great sport fish. When the first 4- to 5-pounder chomps into your offering, I think you will agree. Not only is this fish fun to catch, it makes for excellent eating. And while you are catching smallmouth bass, the kids can catch panfish. Just think, you get all this plus a loving wife. You see, chasing the smallmouth bass does not require a $45,000.00 bass boat and 4x4 to pull it. Actually, you really don't need much more than a pair of waders. And when you stop to consider that the house hasn't been hocked, I would almost bet your wife would spring for the cost of your new line. For that matter, she might even buy you a new fly rod! Just be sure to remind her, "It's the little things that count . . . . . ."

Isn't this great news? You can still be a bass addict, but one who commits affordable acts of fishing greed. Your wife won't even criticize that -- after all, this pursuit is a lot healthier then having some chick play with your fly in a Round Office.

The discussion continues with Part 4, "Assembling the System - The Wide World of Trout." Now my thought for this series: "If you want to play with your fly, try fly fishing instead." Until next time, God Bless you and yours ...