FISHING
NOT TOO LATE FOR TOPWATERS POPULAR BASS TACTIC STILL EFFECTIVE IN FALL CONDITIONS By Capt. Bill Schaefer
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s the air cools off and steam begins to rise from our lakes on fall mornings, it’s time for some topwater bass action. You slide the trolling motor into the water, pick up the rod rigged with your favorite lure – in this case, a Pop-R – and launch a cast down the shoreline. You plop it once, twice and on the third pop, a giant largemouth engulfs it in one shot. Fish on! Indeed, topwater fishing offers anglers one of the greatest feelings on water – a bass doing a tail walk across the lake in front of your boat.
TOPWATER ACTION NOT OVER YET
Yes, even in October it’s still the time for topwater action on your local lakes. It will eventually start winding down, depending on water temperatures, but this fall and winter are predicted to be among the warmest we’ve had in a while. If you haven’t been out yet, you need to get on the water and take advantage of the bite. All up and down California, lakes have been putting out some nice bass, with lots of them caught on surface-oriented baits. With that said, how do you know what to throw to an eager largie? I prefer to go aggressive right off the bat with a propbait such as a Devil’s Horse, Whopper Plopper or an old reliable buzzbait. If they are not hitting those lures, then I usually have another tackle box staple, a
As lakes begin to cool down in fall, the topwater bass bite will eventually decrease, so get out there while you can and throw your favorite buzzbait. You might just have the time of your life. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | OCTOBER 2021 California Sportsman
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