As fall temperatures drop, smallmouth bass across the country begin to key in on one thing: baitfish. In this action-packed session, Wired2fish’s own Nick Dumke goes through his approach to tracking down bass using a jig and minnow combo to imitate natural forage and trigger aggressive strikes.
Featured Product
- MINNOW PLASTIC – Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- JIG – VMC RedLine Series Tungsten Swimbait Jighead (1/8 oz.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – 13 Fishing Myth Spinning Rod 6’9″ Medium Light: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel 3000 Size: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- BRAIDED LINE – Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braided Line (8 lb.: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- FLUOROCARBON LINE – Sunline FC Sniper Fluorocarbon (12 lb.): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
How to Target Fall Bass With Live Sonar
The strategy begins with reading wind direction. With a south wind pushing bait into north-facing bays, Dumke focuses his search where bait naturally congregates. He identifies bait balls on 2D sonar, then drops the MEGA Live 2 to get a real-time view of both bait and predators. Once the screen lights up, it’s go-time with the Mooch Minnow. From choosing the right jig head size to adjusting casting angles, Dumke emphasizes how subtle tweaks make all the difference. Whether fish are cruising high or hugging the bottom, the jig and minnow combo proves deadly when fished with precision and the right cadence.
The Gear That Gets it Done
Dumke breaks down his full setup—rod, reel, line, and jig selection—to dial in the presentation. He explains why a shorter 6’9” medium rod offers better control, and how an eighth-ounce jig head helps keep the bait above cruising fish for reaction bites. Paired with 8-pound braid and a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader for ideal strength and sensitivity.
Smallmouth Mayhem on MEGA Live 2
From shallow humps to deep basins, Dumke stays mobile, constantly scanning and casting. When bait balls appear, smallmouth chaos follows. At one point, fish even start regurgitating shiners mid-fight—clear evidence that matching the hatch with the Mooch Minnow is the key to success.
Boat Setup
- OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 200hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- FISH FINDER (Console and Bow) – Humminbird XPLORE 12 CMSI+: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- FISH FINDER (Console and Bow) – Humminbird APEX CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR (FFS) – Humminbird MEGA Live 2: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS – Minn Kota Talons: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: Check out here
