Autumn fishing is all about appealing to the bass’ instinct to defend its territory. The Florida largemouth bass, just like other bass, move to cooler waters and become slower and strike more from anger than from hunger.

Cooler Waters

Even though Florida is very warm compared to the rest of North America, its waters start to cool off in October dropping to below 32°F/0C at night. Due to the continental climate cold spells can drop daytime highs below 32°F on occasion in the north of Florida.

Lure Selection

1.The best crankbaits imitate baitfish or crawfish, which just happen to be top bass foods. Right-size your crankbait for the bass. Too big and you’ll go home empty and too small and you’ll end up with every other fish in the lake on your hook.

 

2. Spinnerbaits should be used when you need to cover a lot of water really fast. They work very well when casting from a standing point such as a dock or a boat. They tend to catch bigger bass, partly because of their size. These are best used in the early part of autumn when the waters are still relatively warm as the fish are still moving around.

 

3. The jig and pig is the most successful bait. It’s no wonder when you realize that they resemble a crayfish which is the most popular bass food. Work them from the bottom as this is where the crayfish live.

 

4. Another popular jig is the bucktail jig. When all other jigs fail, give this jig a try as it works under a variety of conditions that the jig and pig doesn’t.

 

Some anglers have a real problem with fall fishing, trying to figure out the bass and why they aren’t biting. The techniques that worked so well in the summer and spring seem to stop working all of a sudden.

 

Temperature is a real big factor on the lives of bass during the fall months. They slow down and don’t eat as much. Having the best lures in the world or the freshest baits aren’t going to help you that much. Having a good casting techniques will help, but it’s not going to make for a good fishing outing.

 

To catch bass in the fall you must be aware that they move deeper and into colder water, slowing down and not eating as much. Fish these lower depths, but as we’ve said before, it’s imperative that you fish close to where the bass are. This will get them to strike out of an instinct to defend their territory. Don’t be surprised if you end up hooking them in strange places as they don’t always bite, sometimes preferring to ram the hook out of anger.