How do I avoid deep-hooking smallmouth on finesse baits, and how should I hold one?

Finesse baits are inhaled whole, and the bite is often only a faint tick — so the angler who waits "to be sure" ends up with a hook in the throat. The moment the line feels different or heavy, reel into the weight and sweep; a drop shot, tube or ned rig does not need a pause. Carry long-nose pliers; when the hook is out of sight, cut the line close instead of digging — deep-hooked bass released with the hook in place survive better than surgery victims. Hold it as you would a largemouth: wet hands, short air time, and do not lever a big fish out horizontally by the lower jaw with one hand — hold it vertically by the lip or put the second hand under the belly. In water above 25 °C (77 °F), skip the long photo session.

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