lake erie smallmouth bass will bite swim baits. swim baits are not just for lmb . i am a guide on lake erie out of buffalo n.y . i use swim baits to locate ative feeding smallmouth bass. casting or jiging a swim bait is a great way to find smallies in a big body of water. deeper  water drop shot a bait in shallow water cast and retreive . check this pattern out next time you are out on your own lake . you will be glad you did.
captain
tim braun
braunsoutdoors.com

If they eat minnows they will no doubt hit a swim bait too.
Don't be afraid to rig them so they swim on there side.

This has been the go to method for me in these parts. Swimbaits are the first lure I tie on and have caught the biggest smallmouths of my life on them. People can't even believe when I show them the pics!