Whether getting ready for the last derby of the season or heading to put a smackdown on ‘em before the ice sets in, fall fishing is right around the corner.
As the temperature changes, the fish begin to come out of their summer feeding slump which means they’ll be feeding.
Shallower structures are more enticing as colder temps bring more oxygen into these areas. The crushing heat of summer drains the oxygen from those shallower areas.
Here are 6 tips to help you find success out there as the temps reduce and the fish change patterns.
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Think Big
This is the one time of the year where you can let yourself go as big as possible.
Expect that these fish are going to be looking for a meal whether it’s giant hollow bellies for smallmouth or glide baits for largies.
Think about it this way, if you had a biological clock, telling you that food was going to be scarce for a while, wouldn’t you belly up and pack on some calories? Some great options are the Glidesdale and the Pleasure Shad.
2. Learn To Judge The Water You’re Fishing
Changes will happen more rapidly in a stained body of water.
After a cold front, a body of water that is “dirtier” is going to warm up faster than a body of water that is clear.
3. Follow The Bait
Now more than ever the predator will not be far from prey.
When you find the bait wads, there will be stalkers nearby looking to take advantage of those that stray too far from safety in the pursuit of food.
That includes moving offshore to avoid ambush locations or sticking to tight structures for safety.
4. Fish In The Afternoon
For us out there fun fishing, this is a good one. Most of the year the key to epic success is being on the water for the first light feeding window.
In the late fall, the fish you’re targeting have a higher metabolism and are more likely to mow down a meal if you wait for the water to warm up. Even more so if there’s been a cold stretch.
5. Make Some Noise
With the pressure turned up to get their munch on, fish are hyper-aware when something is making noise and in peril.
This is when it’s time to bust out the loudest lure in the box and chatterbaits, like the Jabber Jaw, are extremely effective.
The extra noise triggers attention from greater distance resulting in more eyes on the bait. And more eyes mean a greater chance of getting walloped.
6. Be Patient
There is merit to switching up lures when you’re not catching, but you can’t run around like a cracked-out squirrel in a peanut factory.
After all, you’re on the water at the best time of year because a good number of the boats are in storage with their owners either in the stands or walking fields.
Be aware of the duck hunters sharing the water with you. Bringing a fishing pole to that confrontation is the equivalent of… well you know.
Above all, have fun out there! Following these 6 tips will help you be a more effective angler and lead to greater success during the fall season.
And always remember, if it doesn’t work you can blame me.
~ Written by Reid Miller 13 Fishing Marketing Coordinator
