It's typical to have smallmouths congregate on humps and sunken islands that top out at 15 to 25 feet deep during fall in natural lakes. Finesse worms, grubs, soft jerkbaits and tubes on drop-shot rigs comprise one way to consistently connect with these bass. As the water gets colder, giving the lure less action becomes increasingly more important. It can be critical to use fluorocarbon leaders in clear water with this tactic.