Pretty tough boating beyond the Visalia bridge, especially this year.There is a ramp at Falmouth too (wasn't sure if you were aware?)
I've caught quite a few Smallmouth and seem to catch them more in areas where creek mouths are. My best from the Licking/ tributaries was a 5 lb 4 oz one that actually came out of Grassy Creek near where the old twin bridges was. Used to wade fish Cruises Creek when I was younger and caught some good ones there also,I'm one of those "hated" live bait fisherman so probably not nmuch help to you,I love my helgramites though.