I think it depends on the time of year, the body of water and the type of fish you are fishing for. In streams during the summer, a big popper of some kind that throws a lot of water is just irresistible to smallmouths. In the spring and fall, a wake bait will get destroyed by smallies. If you want a big striper or walleye, a big wake bait(like the now obsolete Smack Jack) at night will do the trick.