Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 35
quickly, and much can depend on the prevailing weather
patterns. If we get some extended, unseasonably warm
weather, as is prone to happen in the fall, it can often move
schools of bass back into the shallows to hunt, only to see
fish return to the deeper water when the weather again
turns colder. When you find bass, the action may be fast
and furious as fish are frequently tightly bunched together
in the fall.
Medium- to medium-heavy action spinning and
baitcasting gear is ideal for pursuing the Smallmouth
Bass of fall. Eight and 10-pound-test fluorocarbon or
monofilament line is perfect for the often ultra-clear
waters of this season. Another good line option is braid
tied to a length of fluorocarbon leader. I really like this
set-up for fishing drop shot baits due to its sensitivity
and minimal stretch. It makes it easy to detect bites and
immediately set the hook. Fishing in the early morning
and evening can be good, but what I love most about
fall Smallmouth Bass fishing is it is often spectacular
throughout the day. On numerous occasions, I enjoyed the
best bite of the day in mid to late afternoon.
Great fall baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, grubs,
small plastic drop shots and jerkbaits. Bass are typically
keying in on schools of baitfish, so look for Smallmouth Bass
on the edges of deep drops and around other structure. In
the rivers near my home, it is not uncommon to find bass
stacked along retaining walls and bridge pilings adjacent to
deep water. Channel edges may also be productive.
I especially love jerkbaits during this time of year,
because I can cover water quickly until I find actively
feeding schools of fish. As you work the bait, vary the pause
and the depth until you figure out how the fish want the
lure presented. If the water is still 60 degrees F or above,
shorter pauses in the retrieve cycle can prompt vicious
strikes. Generally speaking, the colder the water, the longer
I let the bait sit still. Good live bait choices include medium
and large shiners. Fish shiners vertically on a 1/8 jighead
and bounce live bait along the edges of deep drop-offs.
Once you find a spot that fish congregate in the fall, go
back to that same location year after year. Make a record of
productive locations.
Take some time this year to enjoy the splendor of fall in
Pennsylvania and get in on a Smallmouth Bass bite that is
often hotter than the dog
days of summer.
Medium and
large shiners
are good bait
choices for fall
Smallmouth
Bass fishing.
A nice Smallmouth Bass.
www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2019
35
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 14
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 18
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 21
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 28
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 35
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 36
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 37
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 38
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - Cover4
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