There’s a front moving through Guntersville today. This is the one that set the fall bite on fire, and not only around here. I’m thinking this is the official start of the fall feeding frenzy almost everywhere.
To give you an idea of how good it is, I had a 10-pound largemouth a few hours ago flipping a Luck “E” Strike prototype plastic bait. I wish I could tell you more about it but I can’t. The companies are real serious about playing it close to the vest when it comes to new products, and with good reason.
The great thing was, though, that was just the biggest one. I had a ton of other, good keepers. They’re biting like crazy all over the lake. And it’s not all about flipping.
The topwater bite is every bit as good. They’re in the thick grass and hitting anything that’s up above them. Of course, I’m showing them a Snag Proof Guntersville Frog. For my money, that’s one of the best ways there is to catch them when the grass is really think and nasty.
That’s the Guntersville picture. But it’s not the only picture. I’d say that right now is about as good a time as there is to be on the water bass fishing almost anywhere. The water’s cooling, the shad are moving into the creeks and backwater areas and the bass are right behind them.
If you can find some thick stuff — weeds, wood or whatever — try flipping a plastic bait right into the thickest of the thick. If they’re there, they’ll bite. If you have just a little more open space around try tossing a frog. Don’t work it too fast, however. Slow and easy is most likely your best option.
Now, if the grass is starting to die I suggest you reread the grass column from a couple of weeks ago. Make sure you target what’s still green and alive, or the stuff that’s already dead. Do not fish anything that’s in the process of dying. That’s almost always a waste of time.
I know I’m talking about fishing a couple of lures that are a little bit out of the ordinary. A lot of guys talk about spinnerbaits at this time of the year, and crankbaits, too. Those two lures will catch their fair share of bass when they’re eating shad like they are now. There’s no doubt about it.
But I still say that flipping heavy cover and working a topwater frog over the same stuff is a great way to catch a big one. It works for me, anyway.
Before I go I want to say something about Jimmy Johnson, the angler who was shot and killed earlier this week. It’s a tragedy beyond words. All the man wanted to do was fish the Central Open on Ross Barnett and have a good time. The Lane family is keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you and your family does the same.
Chris Lane’s column appears weekly on Bassmaster.com. You can also find him on www.twitter.com/ChrisLaneFish and www.facebook.com/chrislanefishing or visit his website, www.chrislanefishing.com.
