Tips for Catching More Bass During the Early Fall

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, bass fishing enters one of its best seasons - the early fall. The cooling water triggers feeding activity, and bass start bulking up for winter. 

Use these early fall fishing tips to help you catch more and bigger bass during the summer to fall transition:

1. Target Wind Blown Banks

Fall winds pushes micro-organisms and therefore baitfish to wind-blown banks also drawing active bass to those areas as well. Position your boat (or you if fishing from the bank) upwind and work baits imitating local baitfish around available cover and structure to entice feeding bass into biting. 

2. Fish Shallows Early and Late

Bass will still be active in shallow areas early and late when the water is warmer. Focus on shallow structure like stumps, docks, and grass edges, especially on sunny days. Topwaters, walking baits, and buzzbaits can be productive when bass are chasing baitfish in the shallows.

3. Fish the Backs of Creeks 

Creeks often cool down faster than main lake areas. The baitfish and bass will move into the backs of creeks as the water temps drop. Target creek mouths, pockets, and anywhere creek channels swing close to shallow cover.

4. Follow the Bait

Cooling water temperatures trigger shad and other forage species to bunch up, making them easy targets for hungry bass. Look for balls of baitfish near structure on your electronics as well as signs of surface activity and keep moving to find the feeding bass. Match the hatch with shad or perch pattern crankbaits, blade baits, and swimbaits.

5. Fish Slow Tapering Points  

Points that gradually slope out to deeper water form structure that congregates both baitfish and bass. Drag Carolina rigs, deep diving cranks, jigs, or dropshot rigs along these transitional areas. Focus on the shallow end of the point and out toward deeper water.

6. Fish Isolated Cover

Bass will often hold tight to cover like stumps, brush piles, rocks, and docks in the fall. Thoroughly work around isolated pieces of hard cover with jigs, Texas rigs, bladed jigs, and jerkbaits. Making repeated casts to high percentage areas like shady areas or along current seams are often key to triggering strikes from cover-relating bass.

7. Use Reaction Baits Around Baitfish Schools

When you spot a group of bass stacked up on structure and chasing baitfish, use reaction baits to trigger reflex strikes. Lipless cranks, jerkbaits, bladed jigs, and swim jigs can all quickly draw strikes when retrieved around baitfish schools before they keep migrating. Have a follow-up bait (jigs or weighted soft plastics) ready to pitch back to stubborn when short striking your first offering. 

8. Keep Moving Until You Find Fish

Don't be afraid to pick up and move to a different spot when the bite dies off in an area. Bass are usually on the move in the fall and you need to keep moving to stay ahead of them. Eliminate unproductive water, and keep hitting new spots until you dial in an area holding active fish. Once bass are located, slow down and work the area thoroughly before moving to a new location. 

9. Match Lure Selection to Weather Conditions

As fronts move through, cooling or warming water trends are common in the shallows, often causing bass locations and moods to change quickly. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are better on warming trends, while jigs and soft plastics excel in cooling conditions. Pay attention to weather and make appropriate tackle adjustments.

10. Have Variety in Your Fall Tackle Arsenal

Because bass are in transition during early fall, having a wide variety of bait types and colors is essential. Make sure you have baits that cover all depths of the water column and structure/cover you may be fishing. When the bite is tough, switching to finesse-style baits and techniques is often the key to triggering more strikes.

As the weather cools during the early fall period, get out there and give these fall bass fishing tips a try. Adjust to the changing conditions, and you'll be reeling in the fall lunkers throughout this cooling water period.

Fishing Spinnerbaits in Creeks for Early Fall Bass

Early fall is a great time to fish spinnerbaits in creeks for bass. The water temperature is still relatively warm, and the bass are starting to move shallow in search of food. Spinnerbaits are a versatile lure that can be fished in a variety of ways, making them a great choice for creek fishing.

Here are a few tips for fishing spinnerbaits in creeks for early fall bass:

Use a spinnerbait with a painted white or chartreuse blade. These colors are very effective at imitating shad and herring, both being a major food source for bass in the fall. If other forage fish like perch or sunfish dominate your favorite creek, adjust colors accordingly. Always carry a variety of spinnerbaits in different sizes and colors. This will allow you to adjust your presentation to the conditions.

Fish the spinnerbait around cover. Bass will often hide in cover, such as rocks, logs, and weeds, so make sure to fish a spinnerbait around these areas.

Vary your retrieve. A spinnerbait can be fished with a variety of retrieves, so experiment until you find one that is working well. Some good retrieves include a slow, steady retrieve, a retrieve with pops and pauses, and a retrieve with jerks and retrieves.

Fish the spinnerbait in shallow water. Bass will often move shallow in the fall, so make sure to fish a spinnerbait in water that is 2 to 4 feet deep. That said, never be afraid to check deeper pools and cuts by slow rolling a spinnerbait through those holes.

Take a few moments and watch the following video from the folks at Lurenet describing why spinnerbaits can be highly effective bass slayers in the early fall…

Ned Rigging for Summer to Fall Transitioning Smallmouths

As summer gives way to fall and smallmouth bass adjust to the changing conditions, the Ned Rig offers a finesse approach that consistently produces results. Its simplicity and natural presentation make it an excellent choice for hooking into transitioning bass.

Why Choose the Ned Rig for Summer to Fall Transitioning Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth bass experience changes in their metabolism, feeding habits, and preferred habitats as summer transitions into fall. They often move from deeper, cooler waters to shallower areas in search of prey like baitfish, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures. This is where the Ned Rig shines:

Subtle Action: The Ned Rig's finesse approach perfectly imitates the slow movements of injured prey, making it an irresistible target for transitioning bass.

Natural Appearance: The compact size and lifelike texture of the soft plastic bait mimic the look and feel of the bass's favored prey items, increasing your chances of getting a strike.

Versatility: The Ned Rig can be presented in various ways, such as dragging it along the bottom, hopping it gently, or even dead-sticking it. This versatility lets you adapt to the changing preferences of smallmouth bass.

Ned Rig Techniques for Success:

Choose the Right Gear: Opt for a light spinning rod and reel combo with 6 to 10-pound test fluorocarbon line. The light gear ensures a delicate presentation and allows you to feel even the slightest nibbles.

Jig Head Selection: Use a rounded edge, mushroom-shaped jig head in the range of 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. This weight keeps the rig close to the bottom while maintaining its natural, horizontal posture.

Soft Plastic Baits: Experiment with various soft plastic baits like stick worms, finesse worms, crayfish, and creature baits. Colors that mimic natural prey are usually effective, such as green pumpkin, brown, and watermelon.

Retrieve Techniques: Try different retrieval techniques to find what the bass prefer on a given day. Drag the rig slowly along the bottom, occasionally lifting it a few inches and letting it settle. Allow the bait to rest on the bottom for a moment, mimicking a feeding opportunity.

Location Matters: Focus on transition zones between deeper and shallower water. Look for structures like rocky points, drop-offs, submerged vegetation, and areas with current.

Patience is Key: The Ned Rig requires patience and a keen sense of touch. Strikes can be subtle, so pay attention to any slight changes in line tension or movement.

Bassmaster Elite series pro Josh Douglas is a specialist at fishing for big northern smallmouth bass. Take a few moments and watch as he explains several of the adjustments he makes to his Ned rig when fishing for transitioning smallies, especially in the north country...

Remember, each fishing day is unique, so adapt your techniques and approach to the conditions you encounter on the water. With practice and persistence, you'll be reeling in those smallmouth bass during this exciting seasonal shift.

10 Tips for Catching Late Summer Bass

Late summer can be a tricky time for bass fishing. The water is warm, vegetation is thick, and the bass can be lethargic. With the right approach, however, you can still catch plenty of bass during the doldrums of late summer. 

Here are 10 tips for increase your late summer bass fishing success:

1. Fish Early and Late - During the hottest part of the day, bass seek cooler water and cover. Focus on the mornings and evenings when they are more active.

2. Downsize Your Lures - In warm water, bass are less aggressive. Use smaller, more subtle lures like finesse worms and small crankbaits that mimic this year's forage and often trigger more strikes. 

3. Fish Deeper - Bass often move to deeper, cooler water in the summer. Target drop-offs, creek channels, and structure in 15-20 feet of water.

4. Look for Shady Spots - Shady cover like docks, overhanging trees, and floating vegetation give bass relief from the sun. Key in on these shady ambush spots.

5. Try Topwater Poppers - Despite the heat, early morning and late evenings are prime times for topwater plugs. Keep the fish are looking up!

6. Follow the Baitfish - Find the bait, find the bass. Schools of shad, perch, shiners, herring and bluegill are magnets for hungry largemouth and smallmouth bass.

7. Fish at Night - Some of the best summer action happens after dark. Big bass become more active and often feed under the cover of darkness.

8. Stay on the Move - Keep moving and cover water until you locate where the bass are holding. Bass often shift locations day to day and sometimes over the course of the same day.

9. Watch the Wind and Weather - Bass become more active with changes in barometric pressure and when wind/cloud cover are on the increase.

10. Beat the Heat - Hydrate, use sun protection, and take breaks. Don't overexert yourself fishing in hot summer conditions.

Late summer bass fishing can be fantastic if you adjust your tactics. Following these tips will help you catch more bass during the dog days of summer and with the right approach, you can enjoy some of the best action of the year.

Fishing the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait for Late Summer Bass

As the dog days of summer start to fade, bass catching can get tough. The hot temperatures send lethargic bass seeking the comfort of shade and deeper, cooler water. While they aren't as active during the day, late summer is still a prime time to catch big bass on reaction baits that trigger vicious strikes, especially in low light or breezy conditions. 

One fantastic lure to use this time of year is the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait. Here are some tips to help you get more strikes and hook-ups on this unique blade bait.

Chatterbait Gear Recommendations

The Mini-Max Chatterbait has a smaller profile that matches young-of-the-year forage like bluegill, shad, crawfish  and other baitfiah perfectly during late summer. To make the most of its design, try rigging the Mini-Max on 12-20 lb fluorocarbon and pair it with a 6’10” medium heavy rod. The stout rod helps drive the hooks home on subtle bites and pull bass from cover. In addition, use a high speed (6.8:1+ gear ratio) reel to keep the lure moving and trigger reaction bites.

Target Areas and Presentation 

During late summer, bass hold tight to shaded cover and current breaks. I target laydowns, docks, rocks, weed edges, and points near deeper water. The key is keeping the Chatterbait moving right in front of the fish's face to trgger strikes. An aggressive, steady retrieve works best, occasionally stopping the lure to let it flutter down right at the target. Deeper docks and boat houses are prime spots for triggering vicious strikes.

Adding a Swimbait Trailer

A 3-4 inch swimbait trailer like a Keitech Fat Swing Impact paddletail or Hog Farmer Spunk Shad Pintail matches the forage size and gives the Chatterbait a bulkier profile. Match natural shad, perch, and bluegill colors based on the primary forage in the water you're fishing. Sometimes the additional action and vibration of the swimbait tail increases the number of bites over other styles of trailers. Pay attention to any specific trailer colors that seem to work best on a given day.

Gearing Up for Late Summer Success

As summer starts winding down, the Z-Man Mini-Max Chatterbait is a go-to lure for enticing big bass. With its small profile and unique vibration, it perfectly mimics the forage bass target this time of year. Focus on shaded cover near deep water and use an aggressive retrieve to trigger reaction strikes. Add a swimbait trailer for increased action and bulk. 

If you're looking for a fun way to catch quality bass even in the heat of late summer, tie on a Mini-Max Chatterbait and go make some noise!

Flipping Soft Plastic Baits for Summer Bass

Flipping soft plastic baits is a great way to catch summer bass in heavy cover. This technique involves quietly pitching or flipping a soft plastic bait into thick vegetation, such as lily pads, bushes, or laydowns. The bait is then worked slowly and methodically, with the angler imparting subtle shakes and twitches to create a lifelike presentation.

Here are some tips on how to flip soft plastic baits for summer bass:

Use a heavy-duty rod and reel combo. You'll need a rod with a lot of backbone to power through the thick cover, and a reel with a large line capacity to handle the weight of the bait and the heavy braided line you'll be using.

Use soft plastic baits designed for flipping. There are many different soft plastic baits that are specifically designed for flipping, such as craws, stick worms, and creature baits. These baits are made from durable materials that can withstand the abuse of being pitched and flipped into heavy cover.

Use the right weight. The weight of your bait will depend on the depth of the water and the thickness of the cover. In general, you'll want to use a heavier weight for deeper water and thicker cover but always use the lightest weight possible.

Make a good presentation. When flipping a soft plastic bait, it's important to make a good presentation. This means pitching or flipping the bait into the cover with enough force to get it through the vegetation, but not so much force that you make a lot of noise and tear it up. You should also impart subtle shakes and twitches to the bait to create a lifelike presentation.

Here are some of the best soft plastic baits for flipping summer bass:

Gary Yamamoto Senko

Zoom Brush Hog

Strike King Rage Craw

Berkley PowerBait General

Berkley Pit Boss

These are just a few of the many great soft plastic baits that can be used for flipping summer bass. Experiment with different baits and find what works best for you. 

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Hunter Shryock relies on flipping and pitching soft plastic baits to generate bites throughout the year. Take a few minutes and watch the following video where Hunter explains his approach to flipping for summer bass…

Selecting Topwater Lures for Summer Bass Fishing

Topwater fishing is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to catch bass. When a bass explodes on a topwater lure, it's an unforgettable experience. During the hot summer months, topwater fishing can be especially productive especially under low light conditions.

There are many different types of topwater lures available, so it's important to choose the right one for the situation. 

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a topwater lure for summer bass fishing:

Lure size: The size of the lure will depend on the size of the bass you're targeting. For smallmouth bass, you'll want a lure that's 2-3 inches long. For largemouth bass, you can use a lure that's 3+ inches long.

Lure action: The action of the lure is also important. Some lures, like poppers, make a lot of noise when they're retrieved. Others, like walking baits, create a more subtle disturbance on the water's surface.

Lure color: The color of the lure can also be important. In clear water, use a natural-colored lure. In dirty water, use a bright-colored lure.

Here are some of the most popular types of topwater lures for summer bass fishing:

Popper: Poppers are one of the most popular topwater lures for bass fishing. They make a loud popping sound when they're retrieved, which can attract bass from a long distance.

Walking bait: Walking baits are another great option for summer bass fishing. They create a walking action on the water's surface, which can imitate a baitfish swimming in shallow water.

Frog: Frogs are a great topwater lure for fishing in heavy vegetation. They have weedless hooks that allow you to fish them in thick weeds without getting hung up.

Buzzbait: Buzzbaits are a good choice for fishing in shallow water with a lot of cover. They create a lot of noise when they're retrieved, which can attract bass from a long distance.

Prop/Plopper baits: Prop and plopper-style baits are a good choice for fishing in open water. They have a propeller or plopper tail that creates a disturbance on the water's surface, which can attract bass from a long distance.

The folks from Sportsman’s Outfitters created an interesting video detailing the differences in topwater baits along with some of their reasons for selecting one type of topwater lure over another.

Take a few minutes to watch and see what I mean…

The Weedless Ned Rig: Finessing Bass in the Thick Stuff

The Ned rig has become a go-to technique for bass anglers in recent years, allowing you to effectively fish in areas other lures can't touch. While the original Ned rig consists of a mushroom-shaped jighead paired with a soft plastic bait, the weedless version takes this finesse presentation to a whole new level. If you're looking to catch bass in and around heavy, matted vegetation, the weedless Ned rig should absolutely be in your arsenal this summer.

The basic components of the weedless Ned rig are straightforward - a light wire weedless jighead and a buoyant soft plastic like a Z-Man TRD or other Ned-style bait. The jighead allows the bait to stand up vertically in the water column, while the weed guard deflects most floating vegetation or wood cover encountered. An exposed hook point either behind a wire weed guard or pinned into the plastic helps ensure solid hook-ups when you get bit. 

In terms of technique, the retrieve is nothing fancy. After making a long cast, simply lift and drop the rod tip occasionally while reeling slowly. This will cause the Ned rig to subtly rise and flutter down, mimicking a wounded baitfish or crawfish. You can also pause the retrieve for several seconds between subtle twitches to really tempt following bass. Focus on fishing just above the top of any weeds and reel quickly over any open pockets.

Here's a short video from the folks at Northland Tackle with more insight into fishing a weedless Ned rig effectively using their Weedless Nedster jig:

When Summer bass are holed up in the nastiest slop, the weedless Ned rig allows you to present a tempting morsel right in their face. While you'll still hang up occasionally, the weed guard vastly improves your odds of success. 

Persistence and patience are key, but more often than not, this subtle finesse technique will help you fool some of the biggest bass in the area. Give the weedless Ned rig a shot this summer and enjoy reeling in bass from the thickest cover you can find!

Why Do Bass Eat Big Plastic Worms?

Now that is something that might be worth pondering…

There might be a number of reasons bass eat large plastic worms including:

• They resemble natural prey. Plastic worms are often shaped and colored to resemble real worms, some smelt-shaped minnows, or other forage that bass commonly eat. This triggers the bass's predatory instincts, and they strike the worm in an attempt to eat it.

• They are easy to find. Large plastic worms are relatively easy to see in the water, even in murky conditions. This makes them an attractive target for bass, as they can easily home in on them.

• They are easy to eat. The soft, pliable, slender body of a plastic worm makes it easy for bass to swallow. This is important, as bass are ambush predators that often strike their prey quickly and don't have time to chew it.

• They are a versatile bait. Plastic worms can be fished in a variety of ways, including retrieved slowly through the water, twitched back and forth, or jigged up and down. This makes them a versatile bait that can be used in a variety of fishing situations.

Bass pro Gerald “Gman” Swindle has a different view on why bass eat large plastic worms, so take a few minutes and listen to his ideas…

Top Lures for Fall Bass Fishing from Shore

Fall bass fishing from the shore presents a rewarding challenge that can yield some of the most memorable catches of the year. As the bass shift their behavior in response to the changing seasons, the right choice of lures becomes crucial.

Here are several suggestions about the top lures that should help entice those elusive fall bass into striking:

Spinnerbaits & Chatterbaits: Both chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are versatile and can be effectively used to cover large areas of water. With their flashy blades, varying types of vibration and lifelike skirts, these lures create an underwater presence that grab the attention of bass even in fairly murky fall waters. Slow-roll or bottom bounce the both baits near rocky structures, fallen trees, or drop-offs where bass tend to congregate during the fall as they feed up for winter.

Topwater Lures: While the water temperatures gradually drop, there are still moments when bait-chasing bass are willing to strike at the water's surface. Keep a topwater lure like a plopper, buzzbait, popper or a walking bait rigged and ready for some explosive fall bass action. During overcast days or under low-light conditions, try tempting bass near the shorelines or around visible cover by working them with a variety of topwaters and increase your fall bank fishing success.

Soft Plastics: Soft plastic lures offer a wide array of options for fall bass fishing from the shore. Texas-rigged worms/soft stickbaits, creature baits, and swimbaits can all prove highly effective depending on bass cover and forage present. As the bass' feeding habits shift, these lures provide a lifelike presentation that can't be ignored. Experiment with different retrieves, speeds, and colors to match the changing preferences of the bass.

Jigs: Jigs are a go-to bait for targeting bass year-round, but they tend to excel in the fall. Choose a football jig or a finesse jig paired with a soft plastic trailer that mimics crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey. Slowly crawl the jig along the bottom, imitating a natural movement that bass find hard to resist.

Crankbaits: Crankbaits are another go-to option when fishing for fall bass from the shore. As water temperatures drop, bass become more aggressive and eager to chase down baitfish like shad, perch and alewives. Shallow to medium-diving or lipless crankbaits imitate fleeing baitfish, making them effective for covering a wide range of water depths. Choose colors that resemble the local baitfish and adjust your retrieval speed to find the sweet spot that attracts bass.

The five bass lure types listed above are great baits from the bank for catching fall bass, but take a few minutes and watch as one of the guys from W2F provides even more insight into fall bank fishing:

Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific waterbody you're fishing, local forage, and the prevailing weather. With the right lures and techniques, you'll increase your chances of experiencing the thrill of a fall bass striking your line from the shore.