Late Fall Bass Tactics and Tricks
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!
Lured Outdoors 