HOW TO FISH THE BASS IN THE FALL

Bass fishing strategy points and Introduction of recommended lures

1.Characteristics of autumn bass fishing

In the summer, water temperatures are high, so it’s a season when bass retreat to limited areas with cooler water or find cover for shade.

Once summer gives way to fall, the air cools and water temperatures begin dropping. As water temperatures drop, the dissolved oxygen content increases throughout the entire lake (or pond), bringing bass shallower and making them more active.

The same can be said of the bass’s prey, and when the baitfish become more active and scatter over a wider area, the bass follow. Since it’s difficult to narrow down a specific location for bass during this period, it’s advisable to attack a wide range of depths and covers without targeting one specific area. One of the most popular ways to do this is by using moving baits in all their various forms. Additionally, it’s important to know whether the ‘fall turnover’ has begun, so we’ll discuss that in detail in the coming paragraphs.

2.Autumn bass location.

In autumn, the bass are very active and scattered over a wide area, but that doesn’t mean the angler can catch them by just casting blindly. Remember, bass are ambush predators. It is necessary to select areas with an awareness of the bait that the bass feeds on, the cover available, and the influence of turnover.

(1) Where the bait is

Baitfish are the key to autumn bass fishing. Depending on the lake, the location of the bait will vary depending on the cover, depth of water, and food. By identifying the location of the bait, the angler can simply find the cover bass are likely to use, and fill the livewell.

(2) Turnover strategy

(a) What is turnover?
During the summer, lakes are divided into three strata, or layers. The top layer is the warmest and highest in oxygen. The middle layer is cooler, but still has sufficient oxygen.The bottom layer is where decomposition occurs. This layer is cold, and has little oxygen.

 Turnover is a phenomenon in which the water near the surface cools and sinks, cycling the water at the bottom upward. This circular exchange brings the low oxygen level water from the bottom up, and the high oxygen level water at the surface downward till the oxygen levels in the lake balance, which happens at 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees C). Turnover begins when air temps start cooling the surface. Although turnover also occurs in early spring, large-scale turnover tends to occur in autumn. Turnover can best be identified by smell, as the decomposers from the bottom of the lake are brought upward, the water will actually smell different. To be successful fishing in the fall, it is important to identify when turnover is occurring

(b) How to fish the turnover
The most effective strategy for fishing the turnover is to attack shallow points where turnover is not occurring. Areas that are less likely to be affected by turnover include areas with active water movement, shallow bottoms where deep water doesn’t cycle, and areas protected by vegetation and weeds.

(i) Areas with active water movement

Turnover is most likely to occur, and it will be affected for a long time in areas where water is deep and movement is slow. Turnover does not occur in waters that are constantly moving, such as rivers, or in the surrounding waters of any inflows and outflows on lakes and ponds.

(ii) Shallow water with cover

 Shallow areas with vegetation, weeds or other cover are great locations not affected by turnover. Depending on the presence and direction of the wind and the topography of the lake, the shallows are the least affected area in the lake. However, shallow points near drop offs or deeper water can be affected by turnover and cloud the water with decomposers, so be sure to attack multiple spots.

(iii) Areas protected by vegetation, weeds, etc.

  Vegetation and weeds act as a filter and current suppressor, not easily affected by water quality and turbidity. Additionally, heavy weed and vegetation areas clear up turbid water faster due to its action of the wind, photosynthesis, and passive currents. It is a promising spot with high potential even in the midst of a large-scale turnover, especially when on a point or in shallow water.

(c) How to distinguish turnover
During and after turnover, there are a few signs to let the angler know what's occurring, such as a lot of water bubbles. Fine dust floats on the surface and the water becomes cloudier than usual. But the best indicator of turnover is the smell. Decomposed material from the bottom being churned to the top will make the water smell. This smell can vary from a faint odor to a bad sewage smell. If such a situation occurs in a familiar lake, time to go to areas mentioned above!

3. Recommended lures for autumn bass fishing

When it comes to autumn bass fishing, the first thing that comes to mind is stick baits, or ‘moving baits. Fast moving and able to coerce powerful reaction strikes, these versatile lures allow you to choose how you want to attack the weeds and/or shallows. Varying the lure, the angler can attack the bottom, surface, or anywhere in between. The recommended lures are mainly those with strong visual and situational appeal, but let's use them according to the situation.

<Spinnerbait>
 Best for weedless, when you want to attack around cover.

A ‘go to’ Spinnerbait

Fineness spinnerbait with weak water push

Spinnerbait with extra-fine wire arm

Spinnerbait with a slightly different wave motion

<Chatterbait> To cover large areas, including obstacl

<Lipless crankbait>
 Fish efficiently in open water with a strong visual appeal over a wide range.

 The best-seller in Japan

<Crankbait> When a specific target range is needed

Variable swimming action

Variable swimming action

Oversized crankbait that won't get tired even when winding

High-performance small-body low-appeal crankbaits created in collaboration with Imakatsu

 Megabass crankbait that pursues straightness 

Japan's longest-selling crankbait

 Super Erratic Swimming action like a bat

 20% increase in flight distance achieved by Winglet Trip [pat.]

Crankbait designed for tough fields

(Ref.) Crankbait diving depth

<Buzzbait>
 When you want to quickly attack around the cover or when aiming for the surface or near the surface

Big blade making strong drawing power

Megabass only buzzbait*2022

<Swim jig>
 Use as a search lure when you want to have less appeal than spinnerbaits and chatterbaits

Swim jig with the appeal performance of the blade added to the slip-through performance

<Stick bait>
 When you want to target the surface layer

Overwhelming Fish Collection Power of Spit & Bubble

Surface walker that can use for i-motion technique as well

Long-selling product of Megabass