Scott Canterbury says the early post-spawn is one of his favorite times of the year to fish because several things are happening. A few fish are still spawning, and many are willing to eat a topwater.

And you’ll need the best smallmouth bass lures to chase it ... In deeper water or swifter current, a ⅛- to ¼-ounce egg sinker 18 to 36 inches ahead of a swivel or split shot is the rig ...