Catching More Early Fall Bass

As the weather cools down in early fall, bass fishing can really heat up. The bass are actively feeding in preparation for winter.

Here are some tips to help you find and catch bass during the early fall months:

• Focus on shallow water - As water temperatures drop into the 60s, bass will move shallow to feed. Target areas like points, weed edges, docks, and flooded timber in 1-8 feet of water. Early morning and late evenings are prime times to fish the shallows.
• Windy days are best - Windy days in the fall strongly position the baitfish. Follow the wind to whichever bank or shoreline is being hit the hardest. Bass will be herding baitfish and actively feeding in these areas.
• Use lipless crankbaits - Lipless crankbaits like Ratt-L-Traps imitate struggling shad and other baitfish perfectly for fall bass. The vibration and flash triggers hard-hitting reaction strikes. Use shad as well as other baitfish patterns and work the banks for aggressive hits.
• Throw spinnerbaits and chatterbaits - Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits also mimic wounded baitfish. The flash and vibration of these bladed baits grabs the attention of early fall bass. Target any available shallow cover plus work these lures parallel to the shoreline for more strikes from early fall bass.
• Use your electronics - Use your fish finder to look for baitfish and bass stacked up on primary points, channel swings, and underwater humps. These are prime fall feeding areas. Drop a jig or texas-rig worm on them.

As mornings get cooler, make sure to fish later in the day. The midday bite can often be very productive. Pay close attention to water temperature changes and move shallow as it drops into the 60s.

Bass pro and two-time Classic winner Hank Cherry is no stranger to chasing early fall bass on lakes and reservoirs across the country. Take a couple of minutes and watch as Hank provides a little insight on locations and baits for catching more early fall bass...

With a little patience, early fall can offer some of the hottest bass action of the year.