Big flats adjacent to deeper water are the place to be right now. Firm-bottom flats 3 to 7 feet deep, with a mix of materials including sand, gravel, boulders and smaller rocks are the best of the best.
Smallmouths move onto these flats to feed after they abandon deep wintering grounds. Many smallies also spawn here and will continue to utilize the area throughout summer when conditions are right, such as at dusk or dawn, and on windy days. So if you find a hotspot now, chances are good it will produce fish again and again.
When scouting potential flats, pay attention to the wind. A warm, gentle breeze blowing in helps warm the water and is a big plus in the spring. Conversely, an outgoing wind can lower the water temperature and drive bass into deeper water.