Tricks and tactics

Late Fall Bass Tactics and Tricks

Report AbusePosted On November 07, 2012

   The changing seasons brings inconsistent water temperatures and changing weather patterns that have a direct effect on fishing. Anglers are faced with constant decision and must detail their tactics suit to the conditions as well as the changing season. Bass anglers are full aware that the changing environment directly affects the mood of the bass as they are creature of nature more than creatures of habit. The approaching winter tells the bass that it is time to feed. Protein is needed to maintain size and health through the winter as the water cools. This fact of nature is to the anglers advantage in late fall and early winter.     

 In this season bass must feed at every opportunity to store nutrients and beef up for the rapidly approaching winter, successful anglers that have mastered the art of deception can capitalize on the force of nature that begins this activity in bass. Lure selection is the beginning of success along with a slower more appealing presentation.  Scent and sound also help to lure bass into biting in the cooling water of fall. A staple in many anglers fall arsenal of lures is a jig and chunk trailer combination. This efficient bait is a great imitation for big crayfish, which is a favorite source of protein for bass. During the fall, jigs fished slowly on deep structure produce fantastic results. Fall color selection for jigs that have proven to be the most successful are natural colors and patterns in darker shades like black, blue, brown, green (olive and watermelon). Fishing with a slow methodical retrieve on the structure can be enhanced with a rattle and a little patience. This approach has been a classic fall “go to” for many anglers over the years and with great success.     

 The young guns have brought fresh approaches to fall fishing in recent years. The popularity of soft plastic tubes as crawfish imitations has definitely made their mark as well. These smaller more versatile offerings can be rigged weedless, contain rattles as well as make great scent distributors. A slow and subtle retrieve enhanced with a crawfish scent and a rattle can change things on a slow day. The classic soft plastic worms as well as creatures and crawfish are also great options for fall bass fishing. Bulky dark-colored soft plastics fished slow and deep have produced many large bass in the fall. These baits are also enhanced with scent and can have rattles added.       
  
 While bass actively feed during the fall they will often slow down following cold fronts and changing conditions. It is best to experiment with different presentations around structure and isolated cover. Of the millions of lures on the market, many will produce in the fall; however the ones listed above have been proven time after time to be productive. Enhanced by scent and sound, they have proven to be even more effective when fished in the cooling water of fall.   

Happy Fishing!

 

Fishing Cold fronts

Bass Fishing and Cold Fronts

Report AbusePosted On October 31, 2012

 
  We often hear anglers talking about cold fronts and how this will shut down the bite. Much of North America is currently experiencing a cold front that not only dropped the temperature but also caused a rise in many rivers and reservoirs; Let us keep out thoughts and prayers for those on the east coast that are having to deal with the effects of the recent storm. Fall weather changes rapidly and the waves of cold fronts are usually not a good thing for most bass anglers. What is a cold front? What are the affect s they have on the bass?  How do you catch bass during this type of weather change?      

 First of all, what is a cold front?  A cold front is the edge of a cold air mass that pushes in and underneath warm air. This change can result in severe weather usually lasting only a short while. A cold front is characterized by hard, fast moving thunderstorms often with large amounts of rain and wind that are followed by clear blue skies and rapidly dropping temperature. Barometric pressure will fluctuate rapidly, then rise dramatically as high pressure builds.      

 What affect does this have on bass? Usually the bass will move away from their normal feeding conditions and usually to deeper water and submerged cover. Activity can be as varied as the weather, from a short feeding binge to not feeding at all.       

 So where can fish be caught following a cold front? Transition areas or paths bass follow where they move back and forth between feeding areas and deeper cover and structure. Common transition areas include channels between coves and islands, old riverbeds, and manmade structures such as submerged roadbeds and railroad beds. Other transition zones can include areas between shallow weed beds and submerged weed lines, or along the sides of sloping 45 degree banks, points and drop offs.       

 What tactics can I use to catch these transitioning bass? Use bass attention getters or attracting lures such as rattling crankbaits and large, bright spinnerbaits. Once the bass are located, you can then cover transition areas thoroughly with slow moving jigs, plastic worms, spoons, spinners and slow crankbaits. Scent is also effective in cold water, and seems to work more for smallmouth. Don’t be disappointed if your creel is reduced, the bass are becoming lethargic as the water temperature drops but chances are the bass you will catch will be large.    

Happy Fishing!