If you’re in the hunt for bronzebacks, finding structure is the key element. Dropoffs, rockpiles, reefs and rock bottoms in the 10- to 30-foot range will provide plenty of action.

Casters of stickbaits can have a great day fishing from shore or a pier. As the water warms up, a boat is a must in order to venture farther out on the lake to find the fish.

Some of the very best action comes with vertical jigging. May smallmouths are entering their post-spawn mode, and you may have to search for them. Once you find one, chances of finding more are quite high.

Along with night crawlers, leeches, tube baits and stickbaits, crayfish are usually the best bait to have handy. A simple medium-action rod, 6- to 8-pound-test fishing line along with split shot about a foot above your hook will work wonders. Drift and bounce the bottom.

Key areas on Lake Erie’s eastern basin are Van Buren Reef, the rockpiles east of Barcelona, Battery Point, Meyers Reef, Seneca Shoal and the rock jetties around the Smallboat Harbor. Don’t forget about the inner harbors on days when the weather is uncooperative. Remember, too, that the weather on Lake Erie can turn on a dime, so study the weather forecast before heading out.

Access to Lake Erie’ eastern basin is available at several launches including the Erie Basin Marina at (716) 842-4141, the NFTA Small Boat Harbor at (716) 828-0027, the Sturgeon Point Marina at (716) 947-4452 and Point Breeze Marina at (716) 549-3768.

Each of these launches offers ample parking and a good starting point for hunting bronzebacks.

Chautauqua Lake
Well known for its walleye and musky population, Chautauqua Lake is now probably one of the best and most productive bass fisheries in the western region.

The DEC has done a fantastic job of keeping tabs on the lake’s bass population, and anglers have seen some dramatic changes in the size and number of largemouths and smallmouths being caught.

There’s no real mystery on where to target these fish: Hit the weedlines! Jigs, crankbaits, spinners and worms will do the trick.

From shore or boat, the best areas to cast are Mission Meadows, the Bell Tower, Prendergast Point, Long Point, Warner Bar, Greenhurst, Cheney’s Farm, Bemus Bay and Toms Point.

Access to the lake is via the Prendergast Boat Launch, Long Point State Park and the Bemus Point Boat Launch.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake, contact the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1441, Chautauqua Institution Welcome Center, Route 394, Chautauqua, NY 14722. You can also call 1-800- 242-4569 or e-mail the organization at info@tour chautauqua.com.

Niagara River
Whether you’re talking about the falls toward Buffalo or the lower section of the falls toward Lake Ontario, the Niagara River is another gem for bass fishermen.

The upper section of the river -- from the Round House at the beginning of the Niagara River near Buffalo, along the jetties and break walls on down through the slower sections near Grand Island -- is sure to produce good catches of bass this season.

The lower section, including the river’s mouth and upstream, produces some of the largest smallmouths in the state. These fish gorge themselves on the plentiful food supplies coming down the river. Latching onto one with light tackle is an experience in itself.