The shift from summer to fall brings big changes to the behavior of bass across the southern US. This is a prime time to catch big bass as they feed heavily in preparation for winter. To succeed during this period, it's important to use the right baits and techniques. Here are some of the best options for the summer-to-fall transition, with links to purchase them from 44 Tackle.
1. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are an excellent choice during the summer-to-fall transition. They allow you to cover water quickly and are great for imitating the shad and baitfish that bass are chasing. Medium-diving crankbaits are particularly effective as bass move from deeper waters to shallow flats.
- Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill Crankbait - With its erratic action, this bait is perfect for shallow water and mimicking baitfish.
- Rapala DT6 Crankbait - Ideal for maintaining a consistent depth, the DT6 is perfect for targeting bass near structure.
- 6th Sense Crush 50X Squarebill - This aggressive crankbait is designed to provoke reaction strikes with its realistic 3D detailing.
2. Swim Jigs
Swim jigs are a versatile tool during the summer-to-fall transition, especially when fishing around grass, docks, or brush piles. Pairing swim jigs with soft plastic trailers mimics the natural motion of baitfish and triggers strikes from hungry bass.
- Greenfish Tackle Gaff Swim Jig - Known for its strength and action, this swim jig excels in thick cover.
- Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig - Designed for heavy vegetation, this swim jig has a strong weed guard, perfect for pulling bass from dense cover.
- Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer - Though technically a bladed jig, the JackHammer’s vibrating action makes it a must-have for covering water quickly.
3. Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits are perfect for imitating shad and baitfish during the fall. Their tight wobble and versatility allow you to fish them at different depths. Use them in shallow flats or along drop-offs to find feeding bass.
- Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap - The Rat-L-Trap's loud rattles and tight action make it an essential tool for fall fishing.
- Strike King Red Eye Shad - With a unique fall action, the Red Eye Shad is excellent for triggering bites during pauses.
- Yo-Zuri Rattl’n Vibe - The Rattl’n Vibe’s compact design is perfect for covering large areas in search of schooling bass.
4. Soft Plastic Jerkbaits
Bass love feeding on shad during the fall, and soft plastic flukes are an excellent imitation. These baits can be rigged weightless for a subtle presentation or with a weighted hook for fishing deeper water.
- Zoom Super Fluke - The Zoom Super Fluke is a versatile option that can be rigged in multiple ways to match different conditions.
- Strike King Caffeine Shad - Known for its soft body and realistic action, the Caffeine Shad mimics dying baitfish.
- Yamamoto D-Shad - This heavier soft jerkbait sinks faster and offers excellent darting action, ideal for deeper water.
5. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are highly effective for fall fishing, particularly in windy conditions or around baitfish schools. Their flashing blades and vibrations mimic shad, triggering reaction strikes from aggressive bass.
- War Eagle Spinnerbait - The War Eagle Spinnerbait is known for its ability to draw strikes in a variety of water conditions.
- Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait - Built around a light wire frame for maximum vibration, the willow blades will bring constant pulsing flash even when retrieved at slow speeds. The new Tour Grade Spinnerbaits also come armed with a hand-tied skirt capable of standing up to countless aggressive fish and vicious strikes.
- Booyah Spinnerbait - Designed for maximum vibration, the Booyah Spinnerbait works well in dirty water and low-light conditions.
6. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are a thrilling choice as the water cools. Bass often strike these lures aggressively, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Target areas near grass edges, lily pads, or shallow flats where bass hunt for baitfish.
- Heddon Super Spook Jr. - The walking action of the Super Spook Jr. makes it a favorite for surface-feeding bass.
- Booyah Pad Crasher - This hollow-bodied frog is perfect for fishing through heavy vegetation and lily pads.
- Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg - The KVD Sexy Dawg is designed for aggressive walking action, making it a great choice for windy or rough conditions.
Techniques for the Summer-to-Fall Transition
- Follow the Baitfish Migration: As the water cools, baitfish move from deep waters into shallow areas, and bass follow. Focus on points, flats, and creek channels where baitfish are likely to be present.
- Look for Schooling Bass: During this period, bass often school up to chase baitfish. Surface disturbances or diving birds are good indicators of active fish.
- Fish the Wind: Windy conditions can concentrate baitfish along windblown banks and points. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits excel in these conditions.
- Time Your Fishing: Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the best times to fish, as the cooler temperatures make bass more active.
- Speed Up Your Retrieve: In cooler water, bass become more aggressive. Speeding up your presentation with lipless crankbaits or spinnerbaits can provoke reaction strikes.
By using these baits and strategies, you can take advantage of the summer-to-fall transition and target big bass feeding up for winter. Visit 44 Tackle to stock up on all the gear you need for a successful fall fishing season! Tight lines!