A Guide to Fall Turnover -Best Baits & Techniques-
1. What is Turnover?
Turnover is a phenomenon where the surface water cools down and sinks, spreading the bad water containing dead plankton and other debris from the bottom throughout the entire area. This occurs mainly in autumn when the temperature drops sharply in the morning and evening, making it easier for the temperature inversion between the air and water to occur. It actually happens in early spring as well, but in autumn, when the water temperature is warmer than the air temperature and the difference tends to be larger, large-scale turnovers are more likely to occur. Therefore, overcoming the turnover is crucial in autumn.
2. How to Identify Turnover
The characteristics after a turnover include persistent bubbles on the water surface, small debris floating on the surface, murkier water than usual, and a rotten smell or foul odor. If you encounter such conditions, change your fishing spot while keeping the following strategies in mind.
3. Strategies to Overcome Turnover
The most effective way to deal with turnover is simply to fish spots unaffected by it. Areas less susceptible to turnover include places with active water movement, shallow areas where bottom water is less likely to enter, and areas protected by vegetation or weeds. Also, points unaffected by turnover often attract baitfish, so it's essential to identify what kind of creatures are present at those points.
(1) Areas with Active Water Movement
Fields with constant water movement, like rivers, and areas around inflows and outflows, do not experience turnover, so it's a good idea to focus on checking such points. Baitfish may also gather at these spots, so use lures that mimic the bait. For example, if bluegill are present, T.H.tackle's Zoe is a good choice. Its ultra-realistic appearance, modeled after real bluegill, prevents fish from spotting it even in clear water and can be used under high-pressured situations. It can be fished in various ways, from i-motion to twitching and bottom dead-sticking.
(2) Shallow Areas Where Bottom Water is Less Likely to Enter
Shallow areas are also effective spots less affected by turnover. Although the impact varies depending on the presence and direction of wind, terrain conditions, and situations, shallow areas furthest from the bottom where bad water accumulates can be considered the least affected areas in the field. Often, even if other points are unproductive, shallows may still be active, so be sure to check them. Use a shallow-diving crankbait with high buoyancy to quickly explore the shallows. Among crankbaits, MEGABASS boasts the widest variety among Japanese manufacturers. The SR-X Griffon (3rd Generation), known for its irregular pinball action when contacting obstacles, is used when you want bass to react strike, while the SUPER Z series Z1, which has less bounce even when hitting obstacles, is used when you want to make bass clinging to structure bite. If you feel that the Griffon's action is too aggressive and the bass aren't responding, you can also try using the IxI SHAD series.
(3) Areas Protected by Vegetation or Weed
Inside vegetation and weeds, external water is less likely to enter, making these spots less susceptible to water quality and turbidity. Moreover, the surrounding aquatic plants have a high effect of clearing up the water, making these areas quick to return to normal conditions. If a spot is less affected and recovers quickly, it's a promising location with high potential even in the midst of a devastating turnover. When combing weed tops, use a buzz bait with high snag-less performance. The Jamaica Boa and NORIES' Volcano Gripper, which can be retrieved slowly while still catching water well, are recommended.
When swimming a lure underwater, use a swim jig equipped with MEGABASS' Uoze Swimmer, which excels in weedless performance. For its trailer, when high appeal is needed in dense weeds, JACKALL's Ammonite Shad, with its voluminous body and strong vibration, is attractive. When bass are finicky or anglers are gathering and a more natural approach is needed, use IMAKATSU's Javallon.