It’s the gamest fish that swims.

That praise of the smallmouth bass was written 125 years ago and has been repeated often. While Minnesota fishermen may not have felt that way in the past, nowadays the smallmouth has plenty of fans even here in the land of walleyes. And what’s not to love?

The smallmouth’s aggressive strikes, spectacular jumps and never-give-up stamina impress even the most jaded anglers. Even better is Minnesota’s diversity of extraordinary bronzeback hotspots. Our state is truly a smallmouth mecca. Here are a variety of great destinations that are sure to make your fishing season a happy one.

POTATO LAKE
Not many think of this Hubbard County lake when they dream of smallies, but perhaps they should.

Although Potato has plenty of nice-sized smallmouths, most folks fixate on the lake’s walleyes, panfish and pike. Twenty-five years ago, smallmouth bass were rare in this 2,100-acre lake north of Park Rapids. Now, DNR surveys record substantial numbers of the species.

Don’t expect many smallmouths at your first stop on Potato. Rather, keep trying different humps and dropoffs that have rock or gravel substrates. A jig and minnow is good, but those proficient with tube jigs often do even better. If a productive location suddenly turns cold, the smallies may have spooked in the clear water. In this situation, rest the hotspot and try it again later.

June and July is the most consistent period, while fall sees some of the biggest fish taken. Two boat ramps are located on the north side of the lake. A nearby bait shop is Northern Bait Co., (218) 732-5113, in Park Rapids. Contact the area chamber at (800) 247-0054 or www.ParkRapids.com . for more information.

VERMILION LAKE
Without doubt, Vermilion is a North Country gem. The 40,000-acre beauty in northeast Minnesota contains miles of shoreline, dozens of islands and thousands of smallmouths.

And while those who target Vermilion smallmouths are fewer in number, they generally do quite well. The last two years were especially good reproductive years and should provide plenty of action this season. Smallmouths from the 1997 spawn have grown to 18 inches or more and fish born in 2001 will be nice 13- to 14-inchers.

Vermilion’s two distinct parts -- the east and west basins -- are separated by Oak Narrows. Although smallmouths are found on both sides of the lake, some anglers feel the east end is better, an idea Greg Wilson agrees with. He said the islands between Stuntz and Armstrong bays are consistent producers. Near Tower, he found that docks also hold nice smallmouths. In the west basin, he recommends Wakemup Bay.

Vermilion is in the special northeast zone where the bass season opens in mid-May and shallow-water spring fishing is exceptional. Later in the season, working deeper shorelines and reefs is better.

Numerous resorts and guides operate on this big lake, though most guides concentrate on walleyes and muskies. For more information, visit Ace Guide Service at aceguideservice.com . For lodging assistance, call the Lake Vermilion Resort Association at (800) 648-5897.

METRO MISSISSIPPI
The Mississippi River downstream of the Twin Cities is a popular walleye destination, while upstream, it’s a well-known smallmouth hotspot. But few appreciate the 20-plus miles that flow through the metro area.

As a metro river fan, I have long regarded the 20-mile stretch from Coon Rapids down to the mouth of the Minnesota River a fine close-to-home bronzeback destination.