Smallies are a main lake fish, so don't look in small coves. Because many smallmouth relate to one area of the lake all their lives, this is even more so among older fish. Many live and die within 200 yards of where they were hatched. Remember that the fish will drop off into deeper water once the water temperature falls below 55 degrees and continue sliding deeper as the water cools. 40 to 45 feet deep once the water temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Bigger fish are usually deeper than smaller ones.
Bottom Line I believe you can take the techniques offered by the above anglers and apply them to your favorite waters and, with persistence, come away with your trophy.