FALL IS HERE....
by Jeff Morton
Fall is here...with it's shorter days, cooler nights
and the pending need to rake leaves!
The
fall season also brings a change in bass behavior. After the "turnover" (the
period when the cold water on the surface of a body of water descends
and is replaced by warmer water from below), our large and small-mouthed
friends begin to prepare for the colder months by FEEDING!
With the changing conditions, forage fish will begin
to move initially into creek/canal mouths, before moving deeper within
these areas. Ever the opportunist, bass will also typically follow
along looking for the quick, easy meal.
There are several patterns I like to use during this
time. One of my favorite baits for covering open water is a spinnerbait.
My equipment of choice is a 3/8oz. spinnerbait with twin gold willowleaf
blades (for stained water) on my 6'6" medium action Jim Grandt XLH-70
rod and Quantum Energy 5.2:1 reel with 17lb. green Trilene SensiThin
line. Varying my retrieve speed and action, I cover water in a fan
pattern looking for active fish.
If
this pattern proves ineffective, I move to a slower, vertical presentation
with a jig or worm. My tackle choice for this pattern is a 3/8oz. jig
(black/blue or green pumpkin) with a matching trailer on my 7’0" medium-heavy
action Jim Grandt All American Pro rod and Quantum Energy 6.3:1 reel
with 17lb. green Trilene SensiThin line. When it comes to working a
jig, my rule is "wood is good, but rock is better." Targeting laydown
trees, as well as submerged stumps and bushes, I methodically pitch
my bait around the wood, working from the back of the branches out.
If they are there, you will know it they will practically rip the rod
from your hands engulfing the free meal.
I like rock in the fall because it tends to retain
heat in the cooler waters which help to retain fish. I like to find
riprap banks and work them thoroughly as well. Pitching the jig quietly
up into the rocks, I let it bounce down toward the bottom waiting for
the strike. I might jig it quickly (or slowly) after that two or three
times before reeling it in. Another technique for rock and wood is
pitching a short-armed ¼ oz spinnerbait with a Colorado blade. After
it hits the water softly, I let the bait helicopter down along the
wood or rock, which can also draw a reaction strike.
Regardless of what you try, go out and enjoy fall
fishing. It can be a great time to find some really big, hungry fish.
And while you’re at it take a kid along and share the fun!
Jeff Morton
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