Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 19

During the fall, these lures are used for predator gamefish in Presque Isle Bay, Erie County.

Lipless rattle baits

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass bite in cooling
water. In doing so, we also discovered many of the same
baits catch steelhead, Northern Pike, Walleye, and even
jumbo Yellow Perch. After all, these gamefish species
are chasing and eating the same forage- Emerald
Shiners and Gizzard Shad.
Here is a rundown of several productive lures along
with tips on when and where to fish them in Presque
Isle Bay in the late fall.

If the jerkbait is for lethargic fish and a spinnerbait is for
hyperactive fish, consider the lipless rattle bait as bridging the
gap. A steady retrieve over weeds or along the outside edge
is great for triggering Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass,
pike, and steelhead. When bass move deep as the water chills,
try a slow pull-pause along the bottom or a vertical lift-drop
retrieve to generate smashing strikes. The smallest size lipless
crankbait jigged vertically is deadly on Yellow Perch.

Suspending jerkbaits

Soft swimbaits

Suspending jerkbaits are particularly effective for
bass and pike that are in a neutral mood. Best when
water temperature is in the mid-50s falling into the
mid-40s with gamefish still hanging around weedbeds.
Figure out the right cadence of pull-pause to draw the
strike. Sometimes, simply twitch it and let it rest for
a minute or two. Steelhead love to smash minnowresembling jerkbaits and then speed off.

Swimbaits are available in a wide range of sizes-3- to
5-inches are best for all Presque Isle Bay predator fish. Have
several sizes in your tackle box, because some days matching
the size of baitfish will be critical. You can throw these baits
shallow in early November and deep in December when
bass are in deep water wintering sites. For the coldwater
period, cast the bait, count it down to the bottom, and swim
it slowly.

Spinnerbaits

Blade baits and jigging spoons

During certain late October and early November
days when predators are tearing into baitfish schools,
perhaps the easiest bait to throw is a shad-colored
spinnerbait. The single hook makes landing and
releasing fish much easier than treble hooks on hard
baits. Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, pike, and
steelhead will all hit spinnerbaits.
www.fishandboat.com 		

Some anglers prefer blade baits. Other anglers favor
jigging spoons. Lift and drop the blade. Jiggle and rip
the spoon. Both will get the job done when bass, perch,
and crappies are sharing the same deep water pockets
in December. These sites will be roughly 20- to 27-feet
deep and adjacent to a weedy flat. Do not be surprised if a
steelhead nabs the shiny metal as it falls.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2020

19


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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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