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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