We go Smallie fishin at Dale this time each year and always have the most luck with live bait. Seems like they are usually around 30-35 feet instead of 40 but they have been a little strange this year. Usually use just a couple splitshots and a small wide gapped hook. It's also a lot easier with a reel with a good clicker on it but we'll generally put out about 60-70 ft of line, set the clicker and cruise around slow with the trolling motor. Wait til you see a couple fish sitting on the bottom with the fish finder, pull up abound 20 ft and let your baits drop to the bottom. When they are feeding you'll hook up more times than not and boy is it fun to hear that clicker start screaming. Better make sure your heart is in good shape cause them winter smallies will stroke a man out if he's not prepared