FALL
IS HERE
by Jeff Morton
Fall is here... with its shorter days, cooler
nights and more leaves to rake!
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.
One of my favorite
baits for covering open water is a spinnerbait. I prefer a solid
white 3/8oz.
Gambler’s Hibdon Series Ninja Spin spinnerbait, which is attached to
my 6'6" medium action CastAway MB66 HG40 rod and Quantum Energy 5.2:1
reel with 17lb. green Trilene Sensation line. Varying my retrieve speed
and action, I cover water in a fan pattern looking for active fish.
If that’s ineffective, I move to a slower, vertical presentation with
a 3/8oz. Gambler’s Hibdon Series Ninja Jig in either purple/black/blue
or “bruiser” with a large Ninja Claw trailer (in either black or black-blue
tail). Coupled with my 7’0" medium-heavy action CastAway 7M HG40 rod
and Quantum Energy 6.3:1 reel with 20 lb. green Trilene Sensation line,
this combination is unbeatable for effectively working a jig.
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 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 also like rock in the fall because
it tends to retain heat in the cooler waters (which help
to retain fish). I look for 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.
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
Any fishing or vehicle questions?
Drop me a line… jeffmorton@gofishmidwest.com.
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