In the last 2 weeks the lake has been drawn down for Fall, then a hurricane dumped flooding rains and filled it back to full pool! Where did the bass go and how do you catch them during these crazy changing conditions? Come along for a day on the water as we strategize about the changing conditions, implement 2 patterns, and put fishing in the boat.
Fall brings so many great fishing opportunities. The bite can be amazing and there are so many awesome techniques that come into play as the water cools. But what about when the weather doesn’t cooperate? What do you do when it blows, or a cold snap happens, or it floods? Can you still catch fish? Today was a grind for the guys but watch closely as they analyze the conditions, pick key spots based on those conditions, and start catching fish.
Using a 2-pattern approach Matt and Tim were able to have consistent action on what should have been a brutally tough day. While they didn’t catch giant fish they got a ton of bites and identified a pattern for quality fish. When they just wanted to get bit, they ran the backs of shallow pockets with topwater, lipless crankbaits, blade baits, and a fluke. When they needed a better bite they moved to main lake grass mats and covered water until the right fish ate the frog.
Below you’ll find links to the gear the guys used throughout the day. Some of these baits are staples in their arsenal that you’ll immediately recognize, some of them came out to help mimic the small shad that had gathered in the shallows. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you’ll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
Topwater…
Walking Bait- Rapala Skitter Walk (Shad Translucent):
Tim’s Frog- Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill):
Matt’s Frog- R2S Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen):
Tiny swimbaits and Crankbaits…
-Spro BBZ-1 Baby Shad (Blue Back Herring):
-Spro Fat John 50 (Honey Shad):
-Jackall TN-50 Lipless (Scale Minnow):
Blade Baits…
-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response (3/8 oz):
-Damiki Vault (1/2 oz):
Fluke…
-Zoom Fluke (Electric Shad):
-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 2):
-Owner CPS Spring (Small):
Tim’s Frog Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Extra Heavy:
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG:
Line- Sunline FX-2 60 lb Braid:
Matt’s Finesse Crank Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Deep Flex 864 (7’2″ MH):
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG:
Line- Sunline 10 lb Assassin Fluorocarbon:
Fluke Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium Light:
Reel- Shimano Stradic 2500 HGFL:
Line- power Pro Braided 15 lb:
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Mono:
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Hat:
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie:
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie:
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt:
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt:
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor:
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics:
Minn Kota Talons:
Hot Foot Throttle Control:
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security:
Favorite Storage Box:
Favorite Pliers:
Favorite Split Ring Pliers:
Favorite life jacket:
Favorite sunglasses:
Hero8 Camera:
ElectroSamson Scale:
Frabill Net:
Lure Retriever:
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#bassfishing #Fallfishing #Chickamauga
