If you're not experienced, buy a good map and pay attention to your GPS. Belz recommends Fishing HotSpot Maps (1-800-500-MAPS). He stated firmly that the maps are accurate, reliable and will help keep you out of trouble.

If you're fishing early in the year, be aware that the seasons vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Make sure you know when it's legal to fish for smallmouths. The Michigan season, along with all the pertinent rules and regulations, can be obtained from the Michigan DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

DETROIT RIVER
The Detroit River flows 32 miles from Lake St. Clair into Lake Erie. It is influenced by both but still maintains its own character as a fishery. Fishing it can be an extraordinary experience if you take a little time and a little effort to learn to fish this ribbon of water like a river.

Sacks described the Detroit River as "awesome." His preference is to fish the top of the river -- the mouth -- as soon as the water warms in spring. His first targets are the huge, vast areas of ribbon rock that runs along the shoreline. Almost all of them hold fish, good fish. This should come as no surprise. Smallies like rocks. River fish like shallow structure and cover. These are river smallmouths. So, you get the picture.

Try to find a spot that's different. It doesn't matter why. Maybe it's the rock's composition, the color, a different bottom composition or an irregularity of some sort -- a point or a cut. "That's where they'll be," Sacks said.

Shallow-running crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and blade baits are all top producers in the rocks. Goby colors are at the top of any angler's list of favorites, but don't overlook crayfish patterns.

At times the bass will strike a tiny jig suspended below a bobber that's allowed to float along with the current over the top of the rocks. If the water is clear, choose light, natural colors. When it's stained, try something with chartreuse on it. The technique is called float-and-fly. More on this hot tactic can be found starting on page 44 of this magazine.

On down the river, Sacks searches for small seemingly insignificant eddies behind bridge pilings, huge rocks, sunken debris or marinas. That's where a lot of his bigger fish are caught. They don't get as much pressure as those living in the more obvious spots. As a result they're more susceptible to offerings.

For a final Detroit River tip, Sacks reminds anglers to never, ever pass by the foundation of a channel light. They're big, heavy and solid. They hold fish. Fishing these foundations isn't difficult. Blade baits, jigs and Carolina-rigged plastics along with deep-diving crankbaits will all provide action.

Belz looks at the Detroit River very differently. He likes the Grosse Ile area. "It's one of the best places on the river," he said. "It's full of rocky flats and deep holes."

There's a huge and productive current break near the seawall. It's often the spot where catches of a lifetime are made. A little way north of it the water splits, forcing current along both channels. Belz suggested fishing both channels thoroughly before leaving the area. He'll fish with almost any type of lure. Select one of your favorites and have at it.

LAKE ERIE
What's there to say about Lake Erie? Its smallie fishing is legendary. The number of 4-, 5- and 6-pound fish that are caught from its waters every year is extraordinary and, for anglers who haven't experienced it firsthand, almost beyond belief.

During the dog days of summer you'll want to take a close look at the numerous small islands on the Michigan side of Lake Erie. Sacks recommended heading for the reefs that circle these fish magnets.