SHORELINES

21 a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om | 2015 Vol :3 The first cold front of the fall is an exciting time for a bass fisherman. The cool temperatures and cool wind means the dinner bell will be ringing for bass. These pleasant temperatures, along with shortening days, will have a significant cooling effect on the water. The dropping water temperatures cause game fish, especially bass, to give up their summer hiding places and start pursuing and feeding on baitfish. The most prevalent baitfish, threadfin and gizzard shad, will form large schools and migrate to the back of pockets and creeks. The large concentrations of baitfish in a small confined area create an all-you- can-eat buffet for all game fish, but especially bass. OK. So you know where they are headed. What's the best way to find these areas, since there are so many places that could potentially be productive? • Look first to the western areas of lakes or rivers. These pockets and creeks will be shaded from the afternoon sun, allowing the water temperatures to drop faster than the sunnier areas. • Find areas where runoffs or natural springs add cooler water to the lake or river. The cooler water temperatures act as a magnet for the baitfish. • Look for a clue from Mother Nature. If there is an abundance of baitfish in a small area, there will also be an abundance of predators feeding on them. You should keep a look out for fish-eating birds including herons, kingfishers and ospreys. • Once you locate the schools of baitfish, look for predatory fish feeding on them. When feeding on the baitfish, the predators always leave some kind of disturbance on or just under the water's surface that gives away their location. • Another giveaway that there are lots of fish in an area is the concentration of fishermen. If you see several boats in one area you can safely assume there are also a lot of fish there. With the tracking underway, what are some of the best lures and baits for catching bass this time of year? 1. Topwater baits like walking or popping lures can be productive and very exciting to use. Use bright colors like white, chrome or chartreuse. Cast the lure into the school of baitfish and work it back, waiting for the explosion. 2. Rattling baits are a good choice in chrome or shad colors. These baits can be cast long distances and allow you to cover lots of water. 3. Crank baits can also be productive. Try different sizes and colors until you find the magic combination. 4. Soft plastic minnow baits and swim baits are a smart choice, since they look almost exactly like the shad the larger fish are feeding on. 5. Always try a spinnerbait during these fishing conditions. Again, try different combinations of colors and blade sizes until you find what the fish prefer. Here's a term to know: School fishing. This is literally what is happening: You are fishing for schooling bass that are eating schooling baitfish. There can be hundreds of bass feeding on the shad in one area, which means you can sit in one spot and load the boat. Always watch the water. If you see a swirl or ripple on the water, cast your lure as fast as possible to that spot and hold on. Once you locate one of these magical spots, it's easy to see why fall is one of the best times to be on the water. – CLINT NAIL Opposite: Photo by mark sandlin — A pending proposal to raise the winter lake level will extend the summer pool and give more time for recreation on Lake Martin.

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