In this informative article titled “How To Fish A Spinnerbait In The Fall | Bass Fishing,” you will discover expert tips from top pro Jason Christie on fishing with a spinnerbait in the fall. The article provides insights on selecting the right equipment, including rods, reels, and bait, to maximize your catch during this optimal season. It also delves into the role of bait, effective casting techniques, and the ideal spinnerbait weights and colors for fall fishing. Don’t miss out on these professional insights to enhance your angling skills and increase your success in catching more fish this fall!
Hello everyone, it’s Jason Christie here with BassResource. Today, we’ll be discussing spinnerbait fishing, with a focus on the fall season. If you want to choose the perfect time to go out and catch the most fish using a spinnerbait, it’s definitely in the fall. But what’s the difference compared to other seasons? In spring, summer, and winter, fish often relate to structure when it comes to spinnerbait fishing. However, in the fall, I’m looking for one thing – the bait. The fish start schooling up and following the baitfish during this time of year. So, let’s talk about the setup. In the fall, I like to use a slightly longer rod. This Falcon Cara rod is 7 feet and 4 inches long, and it’s a medium-heavy rod. The reason I go for a longer rod in the fall is that when they school up, they’re able to make longer casts. With that being said, I don’t wander around bushes or anything like that. I cast…and most likely, I’ll be around the bank somewhere, just in shallow water. I’m still making longer casts, and it allows me to fight those fish out there because there are long ways to go. I still have 22 pounds of drag. All it really is, is making a longer cast with a bait that weighs three-quarters of an ounce, and this bait rolls. As you know, after an hour, the blades get to your line. I just don’t want to break anything on my line. I’m going to a faster reel, even though we’re falling, this is probably the time of year when these fish are more aggressive. This is the 7.5 HyperMag from Lew’s, and I want to move the bait really fast. So, let’s get into spinnerbaits. In the fall, as you know, there are really two types of spinnerbaits that I fish with, half-ounce and three-quarter ounce. And you might say, “Well, if you’re fishing on the surface, why would you want three-quarters?” There’s a War Eagle three-quarter ounce right here, and I’m able to cast that bait further, as you know, when those fish are around the bait, and I’m able to get it back a lot quicker over the top. If I do it with a half, the blades will explode and come out of the water. So in the fall, it becomes a half and three-quarters. Unlike spring, as you know, in spring, you have a lot of rain, and you have a lot of surface runoff. So, usually, the water will be more stained. In the fall, as a general rule, the water will be clear, so we look at willowleaf blades. And notice the difference, spring, dirty water. I mean orange, blue, green. In the fall, as a general rule, the water will be clear. So here you have two double willowleaf blades. And as you know, this is my little boot here, just in the double white willowleaf blade. And as you know, that’s what I’m after, just catching fish, and we’ll call this just catching fish. As you know, I’ll come to the bank, a couple feet, three feet below the water, just steady pull. This is my burnt bait, alright? There’s a time in the fall where, as you know, this bait gets high and turns over, and that’s the deal. White bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, they can’t stand that. We call it burning a spinnerbait or waking it in the fall. And as tiring as it might be, as much as you’re burning it and how fast you’re burning it, I’m just here to tell you, there’s something about that bait coming up and moving fast that really triggers them to come up and eat it. If you’ll notice, as you know, a lot of times they’ll blow up on the shadow school, and when they get a pair by themselves, this is the way they swim it up near the top of the water. But the colors, as I said, they’re shaded and more natural in the fall, just because the clarity is much better than it is in the spring and the summer. Usually, I don’t use a trailer much in the fall, and the reason being I’ve got a trailer here, it’ll slow this bait down. It’s all about speed, movement, and it’s all about finding the baitfish in the fall.
Understanding Spinnerbait Fishing in Fall
Table of Contents
Fall is an incredible season for fishing, particularly for bass. Understanding the unique characteristics of the fall season can greatly improve your chances of success. In this article, we will explore the reasons why bass bite more during the fall, important characteristics of spinnerbait fishing in the fall, gear selection, casting techniques, spinnerbait weights and colors, fishing in shallow and deep water, the impact of weather on fishing, safety measures, and bass behavior during fall. By mastering spinnerbait fishing in the fall, you will have an edge in catching more fish and enhance your angling skills.
Understanding the Fall Season for Fishing
The fall season brings about changes in the water temperature, food availability, and the behavior of bass. As the water cools down, bass become more active and start feeding heavily. They are preparing for the upcoming winter when their metabolism will slow down. The fall season is characterized by schools of baitfish moving to shallow areas, providing abundant feeding opportunities for bass. This increased activity makes fall an optimal season for spinnerbait fishing.
Why Bass Bite More During the Fall
There are several factors that contribute to bass biting more during the fall. Firstly, the cooling water temperatures increase bass activity and their need to feed. Secondly, the abundance of baitfish in shallow areas attracts bass as they follow the baitfish schools. Lastly, the fall is a transition period for bass, as they move from deeper to shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers.
Important Characteristics of Spinnerbait Fishing in the Fall
Spinnerbait fishing in the fall requires a deep understanding of the behavior and preferences of bass during this season. One important characteristic is the use of larger spinnerbaits to mimic the size and movement of the abundant baitfish. Additionally, spinnerbaits with multiple blades and contrasting colors are effective in attracting bass in the clear water of the fall season. Targeting areas with cover, such as submerged vegetation or brush piles, can also increase your chances of success.
Gear Selection for Spinnerbait Fishing
Choosing the right gear is crucial for successful spinnerbait fishing in the fall. This includes selecting the appropriate rod, reel, bait, spinnerbait weights, and fishing line. A medium-weight, 7-foot-4-inch rod is ideal for fall fishing as it allows for longer casts and provides the necessary sensitivity to detect subtle strikes. Pair the rod with a high-speed reel to quickly retrieve the spinnerbait. When it comes to bait selection, opt for spinnerbaits weighing three-quarters to one ounce for the best results. Finally, use a high-quality fishing line that has a low stretch and is highly visible in the clear water.
Importance of Casting Techniques in Fall Fishing
Casting techniques play a significant role in fall fishing success. Accurate and strategic casts can target specific areas where bass are likely to be feeding. It is crucial to cast near cover such as fallen trees, docks, or weed beds. Furthermore, mastering different casting techniques such as pitching, flipping, and casting parallel to the shoreline can increase your chances of enticing more strikes. Overcoming casting challenges, such as fishing in windy conditions, requires practice and adjusting your casting technique accordingly.
Spinnerbait Weights and Colors for Fall Fishing
Choosing the right spinnerbait weights and colors is essential for a successful fall fishing experience. The ideal spinnerbait weight in the fall is usually three-quarters to one ounce, allowing for longer casts and better control of the bait. In terms of colors, consider using shades of orange, blue, and green, as they blend well with the fall environment and are more visible in clear water. Additionally, using spinnerbaits with double willow leaf blades can create a realistic baitfish profile that attracts bass.
How to Fish Spinnerbaits in Shallow Water
Shallow water fishing during the fall can be incredibly productive if approached correctly. To succeed in shallow water fishing, consider factors such as water temperature, wind direction, and cover availability. Target areas with submerged vegetation, shallow rocks, or docks, as bass tend to gather around these structures while feeding on baitfish. Experiment with different spinnerbait designs, such as those with a single Colorado blade or tandem willow leaf blades, to find the most effective lure for shallow water conditions. Adjusting your bait’s speed can also trigger more strikes from bass in shallow water.
Approach to Deep Water Fall Fishing
Deep water fall fishing presents its own set of challenges and requires specialized techniques. Understanding the behavior of bass in deep water during the fall is crucial in locating them. Look for areas with structure and cover, such as drop-offs, submerged brush piles, or rock formations. Use a slow-rolling technique with a heavier spinnerbait to reach deeper depths. Additionally, adjusting the retrieval speed and experimenting with different spinnerbait colors can help identify the most enticing presentation for bass in deep water.
Effects of Weather on Spinnerbait Fishing
Weather conditions have a considerable impact on fall fishing and should be taken into account when planning your fishing trips. The fall season can bring temperature fluctuations, wind, and changing weather patterns. Paying attention to water temperature trends can help identify the best times to fish. Bass are often more active when there are stable weather conditions. However, understanding how weather patterns influence fish behavior, such as low-pressure systems triggering increased feeding activity, can improve your chances of a successful outing.
Safety Measures During Fall Fishing
As with any outdoor activity, safety should be a top priority when fall fishing. The changing weather conditions, colder water temperatures, and potential hazards require anglers to take precautionary measures. Dress appropriately for the weather, including wearing layered clothing, a life jacket, and waterproof boots. Be aware of the risks associated with fall fishing, such as slippery surfaces, strong currents, and increased boat traffic. Always inform someone of your fishing plans and ensure you have the necessary safety equipment on board.
Bass Behavior During Fall
Understanding bass behavior during the fall can significantly increase your chances of success. In the fall, bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for the winter. They often follow schools of baitfish and can be found near structure or cover where baitfish are present. Changes in weather patterns, such as colder temperatures or approaching fronts, can influence their behavior and feeding patterns. By observing and adapting to their behavior, you can maximize your catch and optimize your angling techniques.
Conclusion: Mastering Spinnerbait Fishing in Fall
To master spinnerbait fishing in the fall, understanding the unique characteristics of this season is crucial. Paying attention to gear selection, casting techniques, spinnerbait weights and colors, and adapting to changing weather conditions can greatly enhance your angling skills. Additionally, being mindful of bass behavior and safety measures ensures a successful and enjoyable fall fishing experience. Remember, fall fishing presents its own challenges and learning opportunities, so embrace continuous learning and keep exploring new ways to improve your fall fishing techniques. With practice and experience, you can become a skilled fall angler and increase your chances of catching more fish. Happy fishing!