WONDERING WHAT BAIT TO USE?
You will have to check with the wildlife
department in your fishing area of
choice to make sure that certain baits are
allowed before you can use them. For the
most part, crankbaits, spinner-baits, and
topwater baits are the best when it comes
to fall bass fishing.
Crankbaits are great because they are
very lifelike in color, especially the shad
versions. It is important to note that you
will want to follow the shad, because
the bass will be there, waiting to feed on
them. Shad are going to be dying off a bit
in the colder waters, so a lure that looks
realistic and moves like a slow, easy target
is ideal. Crankbaits also come in crawfish
form, which bass love.
22 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors
Depths for crankbaits vary, and for
the fall, you will want to go shallow to
medium – between 4-8 feet deep along
the creeks – for the best chance. Staying
up against the back of the creeks is where
you will find the shad, as they migrate
up into those spaces during this season.
Naturally, the bass follow, so fishing in
shallower water is encouraged here.
A spinnerbait and a nice breeze
makes for a perfect day on the water.
Spinnerbaits move and churn the water
with little metal blades that spin like
mini propellers. Hearty gusts of wind
that blow over the surface of the water
let the bass know that things are moving
a little faster, so spinnerbaits are great
on these days because they move in
congruence. The bass may move a bit
slower on calmer days, but they are still
in feeding mode so they will eventually
nip and strike at the lure. Look for grassy
areas and beds along the banks and bait
there.
Topwater baits float and therefore
entice the bass to strike quite often,
and with aggression. There’s nothing
more exciting than having a bass strike
at your bait on the surface, where they
break the water and scare the bejesus out
of you. If you are up in the mouth of
the creeks or on the flat of the lake near
grasses, go for a froglike topwater lure and
bob it along the surface.
It goes without saying that topwater bait is
one of the best for catching the bigger fish,
especially in the fall season. The topwater baits
known as “poppers” are great for walking along
the surface. Topwater baits are a bit more trying
on patience, but a lot more rewarding during a
catch. Take your time and stay in a constant
rhythm. Annoy the bass, and act like you
know he is getting agitated with every move.
This type of pattern will land you a lot more
lunkers in the long run.