Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 09/07/2010: Follow the Shad for Great Fall Fishing

Fall is right around the corner and the cooler temperatures are on the way. During this seasonal transition the shad migration towards the shallows occurs. Shad often follow migration routes from deep water to coves and flats when the water starts to cool and with the shorter daylight hours. The largemouth bass are not far behind and feed with veracity when their prey enter these shallower waters.

Largemouth can stage on points and cruise the flats in pursuit of these huge schools of baitfish. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and rattling crankbaits are some common lures to use when shad are prevelent in shallower waters. Various retrieves can work from the jerk-jerk pause for the hard jerkbait to the ripping speed retrieve for the rattling crankbait.

Watch for feeding birds that dive on the shad schools as these birds often target the shad that are being driven to the top by their predators the largemouth bass. In these conditions a prop type topwater can also be very effective.

So start looking for these migrating shad as the cooler fall temperatures approach and don't be surprised when you fill your livewells with aggressive bass.

So until next time, Tight Lines and Do More Catching with Less Fishing,

The Largemouth Herald