02 Fall (Fishing bass)
Description
This article is from the Fishing bass FAQ, by Bass Rogue with numerous contributions by others.
02 Fall (Fishing bass)
- Warren (don...@erols.com)
(Note: the following discussion was offered in response to a question
asking if it was too late (fall) to bass fish - ed.)
It's never too late to fish, provided you "dress for success." When the
water temperature drops below the 50 degree mark, the bass should be
following very distinct migration routes from their shallow water fall
feeding areas to their wintertime haunts. And they are feeding very
heavily. It may take a little work to define the routes on your favorite
body of water, but once you do, you can really slay 'em. This is also one
of the best times of year to hang a real trophy. Down here in
Pennsylvania, I do some outstanding fishing right up through New Years.
The key is to work large, meal-sized baits slowly. The fish's metabolism
is down during this time, so they're seeking large offerings that they
don't have to exert lots of energy to capture. 1/2 to 3/4 ounce jig and
pig combinations are great, as are large deep-diving crankbaits with wide
wobbles. You don't have to work the crankbaits in deep water, as the fish
should be in transition. I drag the bottom in 6 to 12 feet of water with
great success this time of year. Large single-bladed Colorado
spinnerbaits throbbed along the bottom in a slow-roll fashion can also
bring massive strikes in the late fall.
Once the water temperatures approach 38 degrees, I usually hang up the
rods until the first mild weather of Spring. If you fish rivers, you can
find concentrations of wintertime bass in deep eddies, slow flowing
tributaries and coves, if you're brave enough to face the cold. Good
Luck!
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