Shore Fishing Big Smallmouth Bass Techniques

Does anyone have any specific rigs, locations (rocks, water breaks, points) not asking for your spots, or techniques you use to target and catch bigger smallies from shore. I go to this dam all the time where I end up using bucktail jigs and usually catch a decent amount of smallies, but never those big ones I'm going for. These seem to be the only species I cannot catch big specimens of. Any tips and tricks will be appreciated. Thanks!

I like using Tube baits Texas rigged. Seems to work best for me.

Try sizing up on your bucktails. Fish with what you have confidence in. Obviously, it doesn't always work, and there are times of the year they want larger or smaller, or just want something else. If you are tying them yourself, it is much easier to make a larger jig at the same weight that you know works, rather than buying. Usually the larger bucktails you buy are on heavier jigs, that are instant snags in spots you do well with the lighter offerings. Try synthetic bucktail or other synthetic hairs too. Some will give more bulk, others will give more action in the water. Most synthetics will allow you to go longer, although if using a mature bucktail, you likely don't need any longer, juvenile ones can be short. One of my favorites is tying some saddle hackles to the hook before the bucktail. Adding some flash too. Google "deciever/Clouser hybrid". It's a fly (streamer), but can tie to a jig head with similar effect. Try adding a curly tail or "sassy shad" to your bucktail for an easy fix to adding bulk and action. Chesapeake striper fishermen swear by this. I've had success on freshwater too. I'm a fan of the buck tail myself. Love catching fish on my own lures/flies.

I have a lot of success using Road Runners....which are basically a jig head w/ a spinner....white twisty tail....SLOW steady jig near structure...ex) if fishing the rivers from, say, the Point...don't cast outward to the river, rather cast downstream along the WALL and slowly jig it upstream as close to wall as you can.
 
GOOD LUCK
Sharky