Fall Bass Fishing with Underspins

As the summer heat gradually wanes and the leaves begin to change color, it's a clear sign that fall is upon us. For most anglers, the change in season brings exciting opportunities to catch bass as they feed voraciously in preparation for the colder months ahead. 

One effective technique to target these fall bass is using underspins.

What Are Underspins?

Underspins are a versatile and effective lure choice for catching bass. They consist of a jighead with a spinning blade, often attached to a soft plastic fluke or paddletail swimbait trailer. This blade creates vibration and flash, which can mimic injured baitfish, making it an irresistible target for hungry bass. When used correctly, underspins can be especially productive in the fall when bass are actively chasing baitfish.

Selecting the Right Gear:

Before you hit the water, it's essential to ensure you have the right gear. For fall bass fishing with underspins, consider the following equipment:

1. Rod and Reel: A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod between 6'6" and 7.25' is ideal for casting and controlling underspins. Match it with a high-quality reel with a smooth drag system.

2. Line: Use 10-15 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line for baitcasting setups, and 6-10 lb for spinning gear. The lighter line will allow for better casting and natural bait presentation.

3. Underspin Lures: Select underspins in various sizes, typically ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 ounces. The size you choose should match the forage size in your area as well as the depth of water you're fishing. Common soft plastic trailers include swimbaits and flukes in common baitfish patterns for your local waters.

Fishing Tactics for Underspins:

Now that you have your gear ready, let's dive into the tactics for successful fall bass fishing with underspins:

1. Locate the Baitfish: Bass in the fall are often on the hunt for shad, minnows, and other baitfish. Use your fishfinder or rely on visual cues (schooling baitfish or bird activity) to locate schools of baitfish, as bass will be nearby.

2. Cast Along Cover and Structure: Bass tend to hold near cover and structures like submerged rocks, fallen trees, or drop-offs. Cast your underspin close to these areas and retrieve it slowly and steadily. When a steady retrieve isn't working, vary your retrieval speed to find what the bass prefer.

3. Experiment with Depth: Adjust your underspin's depth to match where the bass are feeding. You can fish it shallow, near the surface, or deeper depending on water temperature and the location of bass and baitfish.

4. Use a Jerk-and-Pause Retrieve: Mimic the erratic movements of injured baitfish by occasionally jerking your rod and then pausing. This action can trigger aggressive strikes.

5. Pay Attention to Water Temperature: As the water cools in the fall, bass become more active during warmer parts of the day. Try fishing during these periods for better results.

6. Be Patient: Bass may not always strike on the first cast. It often takes several presentations to trigger a bite, so be patient and persistent.

Bass often feed aggressively duting the fall as they prepare for the cold winter months. Fall bass fishing with underspins is an exciting and productive technique to add to your angling arsenal during times of increased feeding activity.

By selecting the right gear, understanding the habits of bass in the fall, and applying the correct right approach to fishing underspins, you can increase your chances of success.