I modify most rigs with a stinger hook, in the case of a fish that just bites the tail of your real or artificial bait, most rigs won't hook them. Mine, in most ocassions, do hook them.

Using smaller diameter fishing line makes it less visible to the fish. Some fish could give a rip less, but big Smallmouth are big for a reason. The smaller line diameter makes the presentation look more natural, thus catching more, and often times larger fish.