Where Do Bass Go During The Fall Transition? (And How To Catch Them!)
Cooler nights are coming and if your fish haven't vanished already, they're going to! The Fall transition happens overnight and if you're not prepared you'll be left scratching your head. There are two distinct groups of fish during this transition, some that go shallow and others that go deep. Today we're going to take a look at where these fish are headed and how you can get ahead of them.
The fish that move shallow are there to eat baitfish. Its critical that you cover water quickly because the fish are congregating in schools. Vast areas will be devoid of life while small pockets and cuts will be packed with dozens, even hundreds of bass that are ambushing bait. If you're not covering water quickly you may never find the mega-school you're searching for.
The fish that move deeper are focused on structure. Many of these fish are still going to be feeding on baitfish but they will use main lake structure for their hunting grounds. Focus on offshore rock piles, humps, channel bends, and main lake points. If baitfish are present you'll target these fish with reaction baits, if baitfish are not present the jig is your best bet.
Wether you go shallow or deep, Fall is an amazing time to be on the water! Bass are congregated into schools and the bite can be incredible. Below are links to the different baits we use for both shallow and deep schooling fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
Shallow Water Baits...
Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft BDS-3 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2blTVwI
Rattling Squarebill- River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo
Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Toad- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI
Deep Water/Offshore Baits...
Ultra Deep Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0
Deep Crankbait- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2ery44M
Jig- Dirty Jigs Flippin' Jig 5/8 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI
Jig Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
Flutter Spoon- Nichols Lake Fork 1 1/8 oz (Purple Threadfin): http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL
Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Clear Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0
Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/sdviwv6PTOM
All-Around Squarebill Combo...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
All-Around Deep Crank Combo...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget Crankbait Combo...
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G