We asked Seth Feider this simple question: “what’s your approach to catching bass in the fall, and how is it different than other seasons!?” His response was insightful and commonsense. To paraphrase … “head to the bank with a simple assortment of moving baits and jigs — keep ’em all on deck. Avoid patterns and grab baits that match the cover in front of you.”
As Feider explains, the first few cold fronts of the season drive bass to the bank, where they spread out and set up on any available cover. These are fresh bass new to their environment and wired to eat, so be ready to fish everything from wood and rock to grass and docks. For example, you might choose a crankbait for a stretch of wood and rock, then switch to a big jig when coming up on a dock, then over to a spinnerbait or ChatterBait on a pad field.
The bottom line, use an old-school approach with a handful of power fishing baits (leave the small stuff at home). Patterns aren’t the deal, fish what’s in front of you with the right tool without getting attached to anything. Sounds simple, and it is. It’s also what helped Feider win the 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
