Top 5 Bait Categories for November

0. November Fishing - Approaching Bass as They Prepare for Winter

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During the heart of autumn, bass tend to disperse and swim throughout the entire field, as the water temperature is comfortable across the whole area. However, as late autumn sets in, bass begin to avoid the surface layer where the water temperature drops more easily, and their range shifts one level deeper.
Bass that still have energy often stay in flat areas near deep water, which will soon serve as their wintering grounds, searching for food. Meanwhile, bass with less energy start moving into deeper, more temperature-stable waters. In other words, the behavior of bass varies depending on the individual, so it's necessary to approach them in different ways according to their condition.

To cover these situations, we'll introduce five bait genres that you should have in your arsenal for November, which is considered late autumn.

  • 1. Compact crankbaits: Not Too aggressive, Not Too finesse, Just Like Baitfish
  • 2. Jerkbait: Drawing in Vigorous Bass with Flashing
  • 3. Spinnerbaits: Slow-Swimming Small Fish
  • 4. Deep-Diving Crankbaits: Making Bottom-Hugging Bass Bite
  • 5. Heavy Dropshot Rigs: Focused Fishing in the Depths
  • 6. Summary

1. Compact crankbaits: Not Too aggressive, Not Too finesse, Just Like Baitfish

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As autumn deepens, the water becomes clearer, and crankbaits may prove to be too aggressive. That's when it's a good idea to switch to so called Shad-baits (compact minnow shaped crankbaits).
If you find a spot where deep water, which will become a wintering ground, is nearby and baitfish are gathering, it's truly a golden spot. If you cast a Shad-bait into that area, the bass should pounce on the prey that comes right in front of them. Since you're casting the bait where the bass are congregating, it won't be a size-selective type of fishing, but you can expect to catch a good number of fish. The key is to choose colors that can mimic baitfish as naturally as possible.
The Megabass SHADING-X R65 is a versatile compact crankbait that can handle various retrieval speeds, from fast to slow, making it useful in many situations. If you want more aggressive action than the SHADING-X R65, go for the Megabass IXI SHAD, which can be used in a crankbait-like manner. Conversely, if you need a more natural presentation, use the Jackall Soul Shad. Start with a steady retrieve to gauge the response, then adjust the strength of the action accordingly.

SHADING-X R62

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I x I SHAD TYPE-3

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SOUL SHAD 58SP

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2. Jerkbait: Drawing in Vigorous Bass with Flashing

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In late autumn, although the mornings and evenings are cold, the sun can warm the surface water considerably during the day, and bass may rise to the middle layer in search of that warmer water. In such cases, it's a good idea to lure them in with the flashing action of a jerkbait and make them bite. The bass will come up to eat the lure on their own, and there's a chance that big, vigorous bass will take the bait. This is recommended for anglers seeking selective fishing. Choosing flashy colors with a high flashing effect to draw bass may also be a key point.

The basic technique is to repeat a technique of two jerks and one pause. If you feel the bass aren't responding well, try a series of consecutive jerks that make the bait dart lightly in front of the bass' eyes, or incorporate longer pauses when the water temperature drops further.
When it comes to classic jerkbaits, the Megabass Vision ONETEN 110 is a top choice. It's easy for anyone to perform desired jerking actions, and the bait's movement distance is controlled, making it easier for bass to chase. If you feel the bass can't keep up with the action of the Vision 110, switch to the Jackall Rerange 110, which is known for its realistic posture during pauses. For targeting slightly deeper areas, the Jackall Dowzvido 90SP is a good option, as it displaces water powerfully, giving it the ability to draw in bass.

Classic Jerkbait

ONETEN 110

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Great Pause Posture

RERANGE 110 SP

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Dives One Level Deeper

DOWZVIDO 90SP

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3. Spinnerbaits: Slow-Swimming Small Fish

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It's not just bass that dive deep when the temperature drops. As winter approaches, the small fish that bass prey on also tend to seek out deeper areas where the water temperature is more stable. By presenting a spinnerbait that looks like a school of small fish swimming in front of the bass, even less active bass will be enticed to bite.
Prime spots are flat areas adjacent to deep water and the actual deep areas that will become wintering grounds. The key is to swim the lure at a slow, steady speed through a consistent depth range, making it easy for even less active bass to bite during this season. For example, casting upstream and retrieving downstream will make the lure swim against the current, allowing for an even slower presentation. Give it a try.
The Megabass SV-3 3/4oz features a compact silhouette designed to make even finicky bass bite. For deep water use, the Deps B-Custom 3/4oz is ideal, as it can handle heavier weights and ultra-slow retrieves.

Compact Silhouette

SV-3 3/4oz (DW)

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Can Be Retrieved Slowly Even in Deep Water

B-CUSTOM 3/4oz (DW)

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4. Deep-Diving Crankbaits: Making Bottom-Hugging Bass Bite

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When cloudy days persist without sunlight, the surface water temperature doesn't rise, and bass sink to the depths. Particularly for less active, weaker bass, their line of sight drops completely, and they may cling to the bottom. In this case, try hitting the bottom directly with a deep-diving crankbait to enter the bass' field of view.
Crankbaits can be divided into straight-swimming and wobbling types. In this situation, use a straight-swimming crankbait to minimize deviating from the bass' line of sight. The Jackall Digle is a deep-diving crankbait known for its high tracking stability - it swims straight even when bouncing off the bottom.
If you feel a more reactive approach is needed, switch to the Megabass DEEP-X 300. Its rapid-diving ability allows it to reach the targeted depth quickly after starting the retrieve.
For targeting even deeper areas, it's good to have the Imakatsu IK-800R2 in your arsenal. When the water temperature drops significantly or in reservoirs with deep water, the IK-800R2, which can reach depths of up to 26ft with dragging, becomes a necessity.

High Stability with No Deviation from Line of Sight

DIGLE +3

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Quick Diving to Stay Longer in the Target Range

DEEP-X 300

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Reaches 26 feet while trolling

IK-800 R2

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On the other hand, there may be times when you feel the action of a crankbait is too aggressive. In such instances, using the Shad-bait Megabass IXI SHAD TX is recommended. Despite its small 2 1/4" size, it can reach depths of up to 13ft, making it suitable for deep water fishing.

The shad-bait for cranking use

I x I SHAD TX

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5. Heavy Dropshot Rigs: Focused Fishing in the Depths

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Even when bass are simply holding in deep water, they choose spots where they can hide as much as possible. If there are rocks or other structures, it becomes a safe gathering place for bass. When you find such a spot, you'll want to target that single point from directly above. If you can position your boat over that spot and fish while looking down, you should experience the unique thrill of this type of fishing.
For precisely targeting a specific spot, it's best to rig up a heavy dropshot. Let the weight fall straight to the bottom in one swift motion. After the weight touches down, the soft-plastic will be in a free-fall state, and bass often bite at that moment. Shake your rod to make the soft-plastic rise and fall, approaching the bass patiently.
The Megabass HAZEDONG SHAD 3inch is recommended for the soft-plastic. Its tail displaces water aggressively, and despite its small size that bass can easily engulf, it can draw attention effectively.

Recommnede soft-plastic for Heavy Drop-shot rig

HAZEDONG SHAD 3"

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6. Summary

We've introduced recommended items in five categories that you should have in your arsenal for November.

  • Shad-baits that match baitfish
  • Jerkbaits that can target vigorous bass suspending in the middle layer
  • Spinnerbaits that imitate slow-moving small fish
  • Deep-diving crankbaits for horizontal fishing in the depths
  • Heavy dropshot rigs for vertical fishing in the depths

If you have these covered, you'll be well on your way to success in late autumn fishing. Be sure to include each genre in your tackle box.

For a more detailed explanation of fishing from late autumn to early winter, please check out the following article.

How to fish the bass in the Late Fall to Early Winter
-What is the best baits-

If you feel that the temperatures haven’t dropped enough yet and the bass are still scattered, refer to this article to guide your fall fishing strategies.

How to fish the bass in The Fall
-What is the best baits-