Where Do Bass Go In Fall? (And Easy Ways To Catch Them)

Fall Bass fishing is amazing! Bass are feeding in large schools and BIG bass are mixed in with them! Understanding how they position and what motivates their movements is key to consistently catching fish. Today Matt is explaining where bass position in Lowland and Highland Reservoirs, as well as natural lakes, ponds, and rivers. Each environment is different but when you understand what motivates these fish, you can catch them consistently. 

Fall bass are separated into two groups in any large body of water. You have shallow bass that are focused around backs of creeks and coves, along grass lines, and up against hard cover. You also have deep bass that are focused on bluff walls, creek channel bends, and long tapering points. Both groups of fish are fun to target but each group requires different baits to catch them consistently. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discussed in the video. They're listed in the exact order they appeared in the video, along with specifics on size and color. We've also included some of our favorite gear for fishing this time of year. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

...SHALLOW BAITS...

TOPWATER BAITS... 

-13 Fishing Power Slide: https://bit.ly/3PaQYO0

Colors: Okie Shad, Lucky Charm, Flitter Shad

-Megabass Giant Dog X: http://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Wagin Hasu 2, Sexy Shad

-Rapala Skitter Walk (Size 8): https://bit.ly/37DC2Uz

Colors: Shad Translucent, Chrome, Silver Mullet

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS... 

-13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Olive Crush, Epic Shad

-Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, BP Golden Shiner

-Spro Baby Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Honey Shad, Matte Shad, Nasty Shad

SHALLOW JERKBAIT... 

-Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: Chart silver, Ghost Ayu, Clown

SOFT JERKBAIT... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Electric Shad, Smokin Shad

Hook- Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Sizes: 4/0

UNDERSPIN SWIMBAIT... 

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer (5/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 1/4 oz

SMALL FROGS... 

-Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu, White

-Scum Frog Launch XS: https://bit.ly/3QfCtZi

Colors: Bluegill, Shad, Dusk

...DEEP BAITS...

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: True Shad, Mirrored Minnow, Ghost Minnow

-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Sexy Ayu, Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard

-SPRO RK Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Phantom Green, Ozark Craw, Phantom Watermelon

DEEP DIVING JERKBAITS... 

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: Elegy Bone, Wagin Reaction, Mat Shad, Illusion Tennessee Shad

-Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Elegy Bone, GLX Northern Secret, Western Clown, Mat Shad

UNDERSPINS... 

Bait- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head- Cool Baits DownUnder: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Size: 1/8 oz

Bait- Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Sexy Shad, Albino Shad

Hook- Gamakatsu Underspin Head Mini: https://bit.ly/3PbOduU

Size: 3/8 oz

SPOONS AND METAL BAITS... 

-Blade Runner Duh Spoon (1 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn

-Jackall Deracoup Tail Spin (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

-Damiki Vault Blade (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Holo Ayu, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

MATT'S JERKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline FC 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MATT'S CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL A XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 12 lb Sunline Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- 12 lb Sunline Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Where Do Bass Go In Fall? (And How To Catch Them!)

Don't worry, we can help! As the nights get cooler and your water temperatures begin to drop, you might notice the fish you've been catching are beginning to disappear. At first the cooler nights help, the fish become more active and start feeding on baitfish throughout the day but the farther we get into Fall, the fish start behaving differently and in some cases, they disappear completely. Where do they go and how can you keep catching them? Let's find out...

As we progress through Fall there are two distinct groups of bass. The Fish that go shallow will ambush baitfish around cover. If grass is present they will congregate in the liveliest grass beds, if not they will use pockets along the shoreline to corral bait. The deep fish have already made the transition to hard bottom. You will find them congregated around rock with quick deep water access. 

As the nights get cooler, the water temperatures drop, and grass begins to die. The shallow fish will begin to behave like their deep water counterparts and immediately move to hard structure. You'll find them on laydown trees, dock pilings, and rock. Just like the deep water fish, the best spots to find shallow fish will be where they have quick access to deep water. As this transition happens the baits we use to target them will immediately change. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits we have the most confidence in during Fall. We've separated them for shallow and deep water fishing to make it easier for you to choose the right options for where you fish. Many of these techniques will be discussed in-depth in the coming weeks and months but we wanted to give you a head start on them now so you're prepared as the transition happens. All of the bait and gear links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's Shallow Baits For Fall... 

Squarebill- Lucky Craft 1.5 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Frog- Live Target Hollow Body 65 (Bright Green): http://bit.ly/2Q40BAk

Walking Bait- Teckel Kicknocker (Lime Ice): http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Swimbait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Underspin- Owner 1/8 oz Flashy Swimmer 5.0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Tim's Deep Baits For Fall... 

Crankbait- Tactical DD Crank 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Favorite Colors: Mirrored Minnow, Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow

Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Dera Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Blade Bait- Damiki Vault 1/2 oz (Black Holo): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Spoon- Blade Runner 1 3/4 oz Duh Spoon (Morning Dawn UV): http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Jig- Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Pitchin Jig (Go To): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Jig Trailer- RI Sweet Beaver (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Tim's Tactical Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 12 lb Sunline Crank FC: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Tim's Tail Spinner Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL HG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Speed Cranking Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Try This Easy Trick To Trigger Winter Bass!

Winter bass fishing can be really frustrating! You know the fish are there but they just won't bite! Sometimes the difference between struggling and having an amazing day is as easy as knowing how to TRIGGER a REACTION Strike. Come along with Tim and JD and see what a difference cadence changes can make while fishing for Bass in cold water. 

Tim and JD used a 3-part approach to find success on Clearlake. Tim relied on an Alabama Rig and a Tactical DD Crankbait to trigger reaction strikes from lethargic bass while his son JD crept an Underspin along the bottom to pick of more aggressive fish. The key to all 3 methods was speed and cadence. 

Last week we explored how to catch Winter bass if you didn't want to "power fish". Today Tim shows exactly how powerful an aggressive approach to Winter fishing can be. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using to find success on the Water. 

Crank... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD Crankbait (DD Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

A-Rig... 

Rig- G Funk Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Heads- Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Baits- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact (Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Underspin... 

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer (3/16 oz 3/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Tim's Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

JD's Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- 20 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 10 lb Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Insane Crankbait Bite! Fishing Lake Fork, Texas!

We're in East Texas and the big bass are biting! Our 3rd stop on this bass fishing adventure is Lake Fork! It only takes a few minutes to discover the shad are spawning on shallow points and the bass are ambushing the baitfish. We put our electronics to work and located a big school with BIG fish in the mix. Out came the crankbaits and the pattern unfolded from there.

May is an awesome time to fish large bodies of water. If there is deep water access you'll almost always find bass in all 3 stages of the spawn. In this case we found a secondary point leading out to main lake structure that had a large school of fish. Some of the bass were heading in to spawn, others were already done and headed back out, but all of them were making a stop to ambush Threadfin and Gizzard Shad as they spawned along the wind blown point.

We've explained in recent videos that the shad spawn is an amazing time to catch big fish that are aggressively feeding in shallow water. Today we put that video to work and caught them on squarebill crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and paddle tail swimbaits. Below is a breakdown of the gear we used to catch these fish.

The baits...

-Biggie Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

(Gizzard Shad, Abalone Shad, Horizon Shad all have the necessary flash)

-Bling Spinnerbait 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq

(I Know It, Abalone Shad)

-4.8" Keitech Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Owner Flashy Swimmer 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Upgraded Treble Hooks...

-Owner ST-36 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

-Hyperwire Split Rings Size 3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Matt's Crankbait Combo...

Rod- Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 20 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

CC's Crankbait Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Champion 805CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Reel- Shimano Curado HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Electronics...

Humminbird Solix 15: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Humminbird Solix 12: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB