Most smallmouth die-hards have September and October blocked off on their calendars as the best time to catch giants. Meanwhile, a select few do the same for November until waters freeze over, if the weather and fishery allow. From the world-renown Great Lakes fisheries to the inland waters across the north country, smallmouths are prone to feeding and congregating heavily. These characteristics will translate into the most opportune time and best fishing of the year. Personally speaking, I wish the month of October lasted the entire year, as so much happens and drastically changes during a very compressed 4-week period. At the end of each fall season, I grow more educated about these fish and my pursuits, and conclude with confidence it’s indeed the best time of year. Life moves pretty fast, and if you aren’t fishing each week, you can miss it. Cooling weather in early fall undoubtedly triggers rapid and robust fish activity, making smallmouth behavior and their locations predictable as the weeks progress. Gradually cooling weather and cold front systems drive nearly all smallmouth movements and feeding habits, spiking their underwater activity. Several