Fall Transitioning Bass Behavior -

A common theme that dominates many fall kayak bass anglers’ is called fall transitioning bass behavior. As we transition toward fall climate, kayak bass anglers’ minds want to know: Where will we find largemouths after the shallow-water bass bite ends?

High Water

Indeed, despite high water levels across the State of Georgia, lakes, ponds, and river temperatures are dropping. Time to readjust to the fall transitioning bass behavior.

High water won’t really affect fish locations if food and cover are present, and ample supplies of both still exist. During this final solid month of open-water bass fishing, I begin my big bass search at the first deep-water break line. Green weed cover edges such as milfoil and coon tail edges are key spots to check on that break line. Electronics provide a great, fast way to locate weeds, so use this technology to your advantage.

Lure Choice

As for your presentation of lures always consider depth, retrieve speed, and lure choices. Include crankbaits, wacky rigged plastics, jigs-and-creatures in your tackle bag along with the classic, uniquely Texas Rig plastics.

If using cranks, present them close to the bottom, and experiment with crankbait size, profile, color, and running depth. To cover more water, use alternate casting angles in correlation with steady kayak control. Small finesse cranks, jerk baits, and finesse jigs cast with a spinning rod and reel are arguably my most productive fall presentations.

Crankbait for Fall Transiting Bass Behavior

Cooler Water

Cooler water slows the metabolism of fish, so try to spark reaction strikes. As water temps get colder, bass aggressiveness will decrease. Use extremely slow retrieves, and set the hook whenever you feel a tick. To avoid missing those light bites, I run the line over my thumb and forefinger, whether I’m using a spinning or baitcasting reel.

A good year-round rule is after one bait catches a couple of bass in one spot, try a different bait to trigger a few more, and always remember that late morning and early afternoon can be one of the best times to catch bass. This is when the bass is more active in their feeding times.

Fall fishing often produces big bass, but we must work areas thoroughly. Some days bass will be on fire, and the next may require a ton of patience. Either way, it’s a beautiful time to be on the water. Patiently grind out fish by putting in time in your kayak chasing that bass.