Top 5 Best Bait Categories for September
0. Summer’s End
By September, subtle signs of fall start to emerge—cooler mornings and evenings, and a shift in the wind. Just as we sense the change, so do bass. After spending the peak of summer buried deep in cover or down in cooler water, they gradually begin to move toward the shallows and open water as their feeding instincts return.
Still, with the effects of global warming, extreme heat can continue into September. It’s important to assess each field condition and the stage of the season before choosing your approach.
- 1. Bass Starting to Look Outside of Cover – Swimbaits –
- 2. Bass Moving Up to the Surface in the Shallows – Buzzbaits –
- 3. Scattered Bass – Vibration Baits –
- 4. Bass Suspended in Mid-Depths – Crankbaits & Mid-Strolling –
- 5. Bass Moving to the Bottom – Heavy Carolina Rig –
- 6. Summary
1. Bass Starting to Look Outside of Cover – Swimbaits –
Bass that spent the summer tucked deep inside overhangs and heavy cover begin moving toward the edges as fall approaches. Their attention shifts from inside the cover to the outside. This is when swimbaits shine—cast them into cover and draw the fish out.
The Maekon 180SF (JACKALL) features a jointed body with a slight delay between the front and rear movement, enabling a tight, dog-walk action with minimal travel. Its body shape and firm tail create strong water displacement, making it ideal for precise, pin-point targeting of bass that are starting to look outside their cover.
MAEKON 180SF
For more complex, overgrown areas, Bounty Fish (JACKALL) is a great option. Known for its skipping performance and excellent snag resistance, it mimics small baitfish patrolling the edges of cover.
BOUNTY FISH 158
2. Bass Moving Up to the Surface in the Shallows – Buzzbaits –
During the heat of summer, bass avoid the shallows due to high water temps. But as fall sets in and the water cools, they begin expanding their range into open, shallow areas. To cover water quickly and target active bass cruising the surface, a fast-moving buzzbait is a go-to choice.
New Mad Waver (DEPS) comes equipped with a large prop that stirs up water aggressively while producing strong vibration and sound for maximum appeal. It stays true even during high-speed retrieves—perfect for fast-paced shallow water fishing this time of year. Focus your search around bridge pilings and riprap banks.
new MAD WAVER
3. Scattered Bass – Vibration Baits –
When bass become scattered and it’s hard to pinpoint their location, it’s time to rely on high-appeal search baits. Vibration baits are perfect for covering wide areas quickly. They cast long distances, maintain a tight profile when hitting structure, and allow for faster retrieves than crankbaits—making them ideal for quick scanning.
TN series (JACKALL) offers a wide variety of sizes, colors, and materials, so you can adjust to the day’s conditions. The standard TN60 swims with a slight head-down posture, reducing the risk of snagging—common with vibration baits—and making it a versatile choice.
TN60
| SIZE | SOUND | WHEN TO USE |
|---|---|---|---|
TN50 | 52mm (2.04 in) | Normal Sound | Shallow water; effective when targeting smaller bass |
TN60 | 60mm (2.36 in) | Silent | Standard choice; go-to size when unsure |
TN65 | 64mm (2.51 in) | Full Tungsten | Perfect middle size when TN60 feels too small and TN70 too big |
TN70 | 70mm (2.75 in) |
| Best for long casts and fishing large lakes |
TN80 | 80mm (3.15 in) | One-Knock Sound | Built for big bass |
4. Bass Suspended in Mid-Depths – Crankbaits & Mid-Strolling –
As fall progresses, dissolved oxygen spreads deeper into the water column, allowing bass to occupy a wider range of depths. If you’re not seeing fish on the surface, try working different ranges using crankbaits.
Deep-X series (MEGABASS) is a great starting point. These crankbaits hold depth consistently and give excellent feedback on underwater terrain. They also change action just before and after reaching maximum depth, often triggering bites—so stay focused on your retrieve.
Another great mid-depth tactic is mid-strolling, ideal for bass that haven’t fully recovered from summer heat. Hazest (MEGABASS) features a unique fan-shaped tail that delivers subtle vibrations, perfect for finesse presentations.
For a bit more roll and appeal, go with Shad Impact (KEITECH). It has a slightly bolder action, making it great for bass that need a little extra convincing.
HAZE-ST 3.4"
SHAD IMPACT 4"
5. Bass Moving to the Bottom – Heavy Carolina Rig –
By late September, as we head into true fall, bass start shifting deeper. Cold snaps after autumn rain often signal this movement. These deeper bass often roam around rocky bottoms in search of bait, and a heavy Carolina rig is perfect for feeling the bottom and covering ground roughly.
Instead of targeting tight spots, focus on broad area coverage. For example, casting out to about 4 meters depth and dragging back toward shore allows you to target bass transitioning between deep and mid-depth zones.
For your soft plastic, use craw-style baits like Escape Twin (NORIES) or Bottle Shrimp (MEGABASS). These resemble nutrient-rich crustaceans that bass crave in fall.
ESCAPE TWIN
BOTTLE SHRIMP 3"
Recommended Weight
DS-16 DECOY SINKER Type Calo
6. Summary
September marks the transition from summer to early fall. Though the heat may linger, some waters begin to shift toward autumn patterns. Your approach should reflect whether bass are still buried deep to escape the heat—or already feeling fall and feeding in open areas.
- 1: Use swimbaits to draw bass out from deep cover
- 2: Buzzbaits to cover shallow topwater zones
- 3: Vibration baits for aggressive search when bass are scattered
- 4: Crankbaits or mid-strolling to work specific depth ranges
- 5: Heavy Carolina rigs to explore the bottom as bass go deeper
Tips for Fall Bass Fishing
