Find the bait to find bass!
By Don Applegarth
Fall, like spring, is a time for transition. That is, the
fish begin to move and prepare for the changing seasons.
In the spring, most anglers realize that the bass move fairly
shallow and are looking to spawn, but they are also actively
feeding for weeks prior to the actual spawning process. The
same thing holds true for the fish in the fall as well.
As the water temperature begins to cool, the schools of baitfish
that have been roaming the open water areas all summer will
again move back into the creeks and pockets to spawn. This
activity normally starts to occur whenever surface temps reach
the low 70s to the mid 60's.
By starting at the points along the mouths of creeks, you
can follow this migration as the fish move further and further
back into these areas. Fast moving baits seem to work best,
and you should concentrate on covering water, rather than
using slow moving worms and jigs. Many anglers think that
the baitfish are always shallow in the fall, but that is not
always the case. My suggestion, is that as you move into the
creeks, you key on the creek channel ledges with your electronics.
Often the bait will be only a few feet deep, but if you are
fishing in the shallow areas, they are most likely on the
other side of the boat, suspended over deeper areas.
To start your search, use crankbaits along the points. I
would also have a good topwater bait rigged and close by for
the topwater explosions that could occur at any time of the
day in these areas.
As the fish move further back into the pockets, bait selections
can be added, such as Rat-L-Traps and other similar lipless
offerings. Spinnerbaits also are an excellent choice at this
time, and a Buzzbait along the shallow areas will often produce
the biggest fish of the day.
This fishing can last anywhere from two weeks to a month,
and if you hit it just right, it can be the absolute best
fishing of the year.
Once the surface temps drop to about 60, the lake is turning
over, and the action can slow significantly. When this occurs,
it is time to move back out to the main lake areas and slow
down, often using baits like a dropshot or Carolina rig to
entice bass to bite. The Turnover won't last more than a few
days, and feeding activity will increase again.
Hunting is the best known activity in the fall around much
of the country, but if you have a few hours to spare, I recommend
giving fall fishing a try. If you are like me, it will soon
become your favorite season of the entire year!
|
