The fall months provide an excellent opportunity for bass fishing, and using the right lures can make a big difference in your success. In this article, I will share the top fall baits for catching bass, including crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and finesse worms. These lures are effective in shallow water and can imitate the forage bass feed on during the fall. Using these lures can enhance your autumn angling adventures and increase your haul.
Angler’s Essentials:
- Bass fishing during the fall months can be highly productive with the right lures.
- Crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and finesse worms effectively target bass in shallow water.
- These lures imitate the forage that bass are feeding on during the fall.
- Using the recommended lures can increase your chances of catching more bass and having a successful autumn angling adventure.
- Stay tuned for more in-depth information on each type of lure in the following sections.
Crankbaits for Fall Bass Fishing
Crankbaits are a favorite among anglers when it comes to fall bass fishing. As the temperatures drop and bass becomes more active, these versatile lures can help you reel impressive catches. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, incorporating crankbaits into your fall fishing arsenal is smart.
The squarebill crankbait, one of the top choices for fall bass fishing, is versatile. Its design allows quick water coverage, perfect for mimicking the bass’s food source. This crankbait is particularly effective during the fall season, whether it’s shad, minnow, or sunfish patterns. The square bill crankbait’s erratic action and enticing wobble are a surefire way to attract hungry bass.
A lipless crankbait can also produce excellent results as the fall season progresses. This type of crankbait features a tight shimmy action that works wonders in cool water. It’s especially effective when fished shallow on windy days and near grass beds, where bass often gather.
Key Features of Crankbaits for Fall Bass Fishing:
| Type of Crankbait | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Square Bill Crankbait | Ideal for covering water and imitating forage |
| Lipless Crankbait | Tight shimmy action works well in cool water |
By incorporating crankbaits into your fall bass fishing strategy, you increase your chances of landing impressive catches. These lures are designed to entice and mimic the prey that bass are targeting during the fall season. So, whether you’re a fan of the square bill crankbait or prefer the tight shimmy action of a lipless crankbait, be sure to have these shallow-diving crankbaits in your tackle box for a successful fall fishing adventure.
Jigs for Fall Bass Fishing
Jigs can be a versatile and highly effective choice for fall bass fishing. Whether targeting bass in grassy areas, around wood cover, or near underwater structures, a well-presented jig can entice even the most finicky fall bass. One of the best jigs to use during this season is the hybrid jig, which offers a combination of enticing features that can trigger strikes.
The hybrid jig is designed to be versatile, allowing you to utilize various techniques and retrieves to tempt bass into biting. You can drag the jig along the bottom to mimic a crawfish or a baitfish scavenging for food. You create a lifelike action that imitates a wounded or fleeing prey by hopping the jig off the bottom. Another effective technique is swimming the jig slowly through the water column, mimicking a swimming baitfish.
When fishing with jigs during the fall, targeting areas where giant bass might congregate is essential. Look for underwater structures such as submerged rocks, ledges, or drop-offs where bass may be hiding. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and trailer combinations to find what works best in your fishing spot.
Here’s a table showcasing some popular jig colors and trailer combinations for fall bass fishing:
| Jig Color | Trailer |
|---|---|
| Brown/Orange | Green Pumpkin Chunk |
| Black/Blue | Blue/Black Craw |
| Green Pumpkin | Watermelon/Red Flake Twin Tail Grub |
| White | Pearl White Twister Tail |
Remember, each fishing spot and condition is unique, so feel free to experiment with different combinations and techniques until you find the winning formula for fall bass fishing success.
Spinnerbaits for Fall Bass Fishing
Spinnerbaits are a classic fall bait that can be effective at various depths and speeds. They work well when banged off docks, wood, and other cover, triggering bites from bass throughout the fall. Two common types of spinnerbait blades, willow blades and colorado blades, are practical choices for fall fishing.
When fishing in open water, giving your spinnerbait twitches and pops can create irregularity in your retrieve, often enticing bass to strike.
Spinnerbaits are versatile and can be customized with different blade combinations, colors, and sizes to match the specific conditions and preferences of the bass. The flickering and pulsating action of the blades and the vibration produced by the spinnerbait’s wire frame can trigger aggressive strikes from nearby bass.
Choosing the Right Blade
The choice between willow and Colorado blades depends on the conditions and the bass’s behavior. Willow blades are long and slender, creating a fast and tight spinning motion, producing significant flash and attracting bass from a distance. They excel in clear water and when bass are feeding on small baitfish. On the other hand, colorado blades are more comprehensive and produce a slower, thumping action that displaces more water. These blades are ideal for low-visibility situations and when fishing in stained or murky water.
| Blade Type | Features | Best Time to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Blades | – Long and slender shape – Fast and tight spinning action – Creates significant flash | – Clearwater conditions – When bass are feeding on small baitfish |
| Colorado Blades | – Wider and slower spinning action – Displaces more water – Creates thumping vibrations | – Low-visibility situations – Stained or murky water |
When targeting bass near docks, wood, or other cover, consider using spinnerbaits with skirts that imitate the local forage, such as shad or bluegill. Additionally, incorporating trailers, like soft plastic trailers or swimbaits, can add bulk, create more action, and enhance the lure’s overall appeal to bass.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different blade combinations, skirt colors, trailers, and speeds to find what works best in your fishing spot. Remember, bass can be selective, so don’t be afraid to switch things up until you find the winning combination.
Jerkbaits for Fall Bass Fishing
Jerkbaits are a must-have lure for fall bass fishing, significantly as the weather cools and leaves start to turn. These suspending jerkbaits, with their realistic shape, lifelike cadence, and erratic action, are highly effective during this season.
The traditional twitch, twitch, pause retrieve often successfully triggers reaction bites from the bass. By imitating injured or fleeing baitfish movements, jerkbaits can entice strikes from even the most finicky bass.
However, varying the speed and pause lengths of your retrieve can be the key to unlocking more bites. Experiment with different rhythms and cadences to find the one that triggers the most aggressive reaction from bass in your fishing spot.
During the fall, rip your jerkbait hard every once in a while. This technique creates sudden bursts of speed, added flash, and increased distance in the lure’s movement. These factors can force the fish into eating, especially when they are actively feeding on shad, minnows, or other baitfish.
“The fall months are a great time for fishing jerkbaits. Bass are feeding heavily before winter, and the erratic action of a jerkbait can trigger reaction bites. Vary your retrieve speeds and experiment with different cadences to find what works best. Don’t be afraid to rip your jerkbait hard to generate a reaction from the fish.”
– Professional angler
Effectively Using Jerkbaits During the Fall
When fishing with jerkbaits during the fall, keep these tips in mind:
- Select jerkbaits that closely match the size and color of the baitfish in your area.
- Focus on areas near submerged vegetation, rockpiles, drop-offs, and the other regions bass use as ambush points.
- Please pay attention to the water temperature, as bass activity and their response to jerkbaits can vary depending on these conditions.
- Target areas with acorns and other natural food sources, as bass often congregate near these areas in the fall.
Top Fall Jerkbaits
| Jerkbait | Length | Weight | Depth | Color Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megabass Vision 110 | 4 1/3 inches | 1/2 ounce | Suspends at 3-5 feet | Multiple color options |
| Rapala Shadow Rap | 4 3/8 inches | 7/16 ounce | Suspends at 3-4 feet | Multiple color options |
| Lucky Craft Pointer | 4 1/2 inches | 3/8 ounce | Suspends at 4-5 feet | Multiple color options |
| Jackall Rerange | 3 3/8 inches | 1/2 ounce | Suspends at 4-5 feet | Multiple color options |
These jerkbaits have proven to be highly effective in fall bass fishing and offer a range of options to match the conditions and preferences of the fish. You can just experiment with different colors and see which ones the bass are most attracted to in your fishing spot.
Finesse Worms for Fall Bass Fishing
Finesse worms are versatile lures that anglers should not overlook during the fall period. They can be rigged and worked in various ways, making them a valuable tool in your tackle box. If you encounter a tough fall bite, a finesse worm wacky rigged or on a drop shot can turn the situation around and trigger extra bites. By thoroughly fishing an area with finesse worms, you increase your chances of success, even when the conditions are tough.
During the fall bass fishing season, finesse worms can be a game-changer. Whether targeting bass in shallow water or exploring deeper areas, finesse worms provide finesse and finesse in a tiny package. Their slim profile and realistic action make them irresistible to bass, even when the bite is tough.
One popular way to rig finesse worms is the wacky rig. This setup involves hooking the worm through the middle and letting it fall naturally through the water column. The wacky rig mimics the movement of injured prey and can entice even finicky bass to strike. It’s a finesse presentation that excels in clear water or when the bass is sluggish.
Another effective technique is the drop shot rig. This rig involves attaching the finesse worm to a weight at the bottom and keeping it suspended off the bottom. This presentation is perfect for targeting bass in deeper water or when the fish are suspended. The finesse worm’s natural movement in the water tempts bass into striking, even on a tough bite day.
Finesse worms are incredibly versatile and can be fished in various ways. You can swim them slowly along the bottom, hop them across rocks or structures, or drag them through grass or weed beds. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for the conditions and the fish’s behavior.
“Finesse worms are my go-to lure for fall bass fishing. Whether I’m fishing in a lake or a river, they have consistently produced great results. The wacky rig and drop shot techniques have saved the day on tough bite days. I recommend having finesse worms in your tackle box this fall.”—Pro Angler.
Best Finesse Worms for Fall Bass Fishing
| Finesse Worm Brand | Length | Color Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkley PowerBait MaxScent D-Worm | 4 inches | Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red, Black | $5.99 |
| Zoom Trick Worm | 6.75 inches | Watermelon Seed, Watermelon Red, Junebug | $4.99 |
| Roboworm Straight Tail Worm | 4.5 inches | Morning Dawn, Aaron’s Magic, People’s Worm | $5.99 |
Consider the length, color options, and price when selecting finesse worms for fall bass fishing. Different brands offer variations that can cater to your preferences and the fish’s behavior. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of colors in your tackle box, as bass can be picky depending on the conditions.
Tips from Pro Anglers
Regarding fall bass fishing, pro anglers have some valuable tips to share. One of their main strategies is targeting shallower creek arms to find and catch bass. Instead of solely relying on fish finders, these experienced anglers use their lures as a tool to locate fish-holding areas.
I recently spoke with a few pro anglers who shared their insights on fall bass fishing. They emphasized the importance of starting in known fish-holding areas and then exploring creek arm drains to find those hard patches where bass frequently gather.
One recommended approach is to switch up your choice of lures and retrieve styles. By experimenting with different baits, you can better understand which will yield the most success in shallower creek arms. Additionally, varying your retrieve styles, such as slow and steady, fast and erratic, or pausing intermittently, can entice bass and increase your chances of a successful catch.
Pro Angler Tip:
“Remember to try different lures and retrieve styles when fishing in shallower creek arms. Bass in these areas are often more aggressive and willing to strike. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for each day and location.”
Following these pro angler tips will give you a better chance of landing those fall bass in shallower creek arms. Remember, it’s all about using the right lures, exploring fish-holding areas, and adapting your retrieve style to the conditions. Happy fishing!
Kevin VanDam’s Favorite Fall Lures
Fall bass fishing pro angler Kevin VanDam has a few favorite lures. These lures are carefully chosen to imitate the preferred prey of bass during this season. VanDam’s selection includes the following:
- A squarebill crankbait: This lure is highly efficient in shallow water and an excellent choice when bass move closer to the surface. With its realistic action and shad imitator design, it will surely attract attention.
- A topwater walking lure: VanDam recommends using a topwater walking lure like the Sexy Dawg. This lure possesses incredible drawing power, making it perfect for creating a commotion on the water surface and enticing bass from a distance.
- Jerkbaits: Jerkbaits are another top choice for VanDam during the fall season. These lures locate bass on shallow, flat points in the main lake. By imitating injured shad with their erratic movements, jerk baits are highly effective at triggering strikes from hungry bass.
Kevin VanDam emphasizes matching these fall lures with the right equipment to ensure success. This includes selecting the appropriate rod, reel, and line for each lure. Using VanDam’s favorite fall lures and following his expert advice can significantly increase your chances of landing more bass during the autumn months.
Conclusion
Fall bass fishing is an exciting and productive time of year, especially when utilizing shallow fall jigs and crankbaits. These lures offer various options for targeting bass in shallow water, allowing anglers to adapt to different conditions and preferences. Whether it’s the erratic action of crankbaits or the versatility of jigs, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and finesse worms, there is a lure for every angler’s style and situation.
Listening to experienced anglers like Kevin VanDam can provide valuable insights into successful fall fishing techniques. By incorporating their recommendations into your fishing routine, you can maximize your chances of landing more bass during this season. Remember to experiment with different retrieves, colors, and techniques to find what works best in your local fishing spot and adapt to the changing behavior of bass in the fall.
So gear up, hit the water, and make the most of your autumn angling adventure with shallow fall jigs and crankbaits. You’re well-equipped for a successful fall bass fishing experience with the right lures and techniques in your arsenal.
FAQ
What are the best lures for fall bass fishing?
The best lures for fall bass fishing include crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and finesse worms.
Why are crankbaits effective for fall bass fishing?
Crankbaits are effective for fall bass fishing because they can imitate the forage that bass are feeding on and can be fished in shallow water where bass are more active.
How should jigs be used for fall bass fishing?
Jigs can be worked through various types of cover such as grass, wood, and structure, and can be dragged, hopped, and slowly swum to target bigger bass in fall.
What makes spinnerbaits a good choice for fall bass fishing?
Spinnerbaits are a good choice for fall bass fishing because they can be effective at different depths and speeds and can be banged off docks, wood, and other cover to trigger bites from bass.
What are the recommended techniques for using jerkbaits in fall bass fishing?
Recommended techniques for using jerkbaits in fall bass fishing include the traditional twitch, twitch pause retrieve, varying the speed and pause lengths, and ripping the jerkbait hard to create reaction bites.
How can finesse worms be used effectively during the fall?
Finesse worms can be versatile during fall fishing and can be wacky rigged or used on a drop shot to turn around tough bite situations. They can be rigged and worked in various ways to target bass.
What tips do pro anglers provide for fall bass fishing?
Pro anglers recommend focusing on shallower creek arms and using lures to find fish-holding areas. They also suggest changing up baits and retrieve styles to maximize chances of catching bass.
What are Kevin VanDam’s favorite fall lures?
Kevin VanDam’s favorite fall lures include squarebill crankbaits, topwater walking lures, and jerkbaits that imitate shad. Matching the right lures with the appropriate equipment is crucial for success.
How can using shallow fall jigs and crankbaits improve fall bass fishing?
Using shallow fall jigs and crankbaits can greatly enhance success in fall bass fishing by imitating the forage that bass are feeding on and targeting bass in shallow water where they are more active.