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.