Article
Date: 9/16/2008
Fall
Bass
- By Dan Mathisen
Fall
bass action is heating up and crankbaits are now drawing the attention
of bass on the fall feeding binge. Anglers on the delta have found
crankbaits to be one of the falls best baits for delta bass. I’ve
used crank baits for a limited amount over the years, now more
and more often I’m going to these baits with success. My
biggest problem is putting down the flippin’ stick long
enough to give the crankbaits
a chance. The best fall bass action though, comes to those who
learn to tie the two techniques together. I haven’t yet
become prowess at the combination, but have seen others bring
big sacks to the scales using the cranking flippin’ combo.
Those who aren’t familiar with crankbaits,
the best way to describe them as baits that dive and wiggle when
reeled in. Here on the delta, crankbaits
need to have a way of producing noise or vibration to get the
attention of Mr. Bass. The bass use their lateral line to key
on these types of baits making wobble and vibration so very important.
Colors are pretty simple shad and bluegill patterns do get some
fish but Crawdad patterns are tough to beat.
Choosing the type of crankbait for the area your fishing takes
some time. Shallow flats and weedline channels start to see more
activity from baitfish seeking bass. The Luhr
Jensen Speed trap has become a favorite for area anglers like
Dee Thomas for covering these areas.
The
new Fat
CB BDS (Big Daddy Strike) from Lucky Craft is a bait that
creates a wide wobble in the water to attract fish from a distance.
This non-rattle bait delivers the same roaming action as some
of the balsa baits from years past and bounces around cover like
no other crankbait on the market. The positions of the hooks and
the design of the lip are designed to be pulled through the nastiest
of hang-ups. Try this shallow runner out and get some Big Strikes!
Colors to try are Splatter Back and Mad Craw for sure.
On The Delta, when the fish seem to hang a bit deeper the Bomber
Model A has been a favorite here for many years. Again a wide
body bait that put out a pretty good thump when cranked back to
the boat. The Model A works well along those RipRap or weed walls
with 6 to 10 feet of water on the outside. Consistency of your
retrieve is important working the bait fast enough just to make
occasional contact with the bottom is important to success.
Those looking
for something new and exciting alternative to try check out the
Jackall Aragon The Aragon is a two-piece, jointed crankbait that
comes in two different diving depths. The SR, Shallow Runner dives
to about 3 feet and the MR, Medium Runner will run about 8 feet.
This innovative joint not only gives the Aragon more action, it
also produces great fish-attracting sounds when the two halves
of the bait knock together. The noise generated is similar to
that created by the more successful wooden swimbaits. Super-sharp
hooks round out the package, making the Aragon one of the most
unique crankbaits you'll ever use.
Of
course the years of productivity of the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap
is hard to forget yet it is still favorite choice of many anglers.
Tight weed lines and current breaks is a favorite area for many
delta anglers to target. Fast working bait like the noisy Rat-L-Trap
proved effective here for years. Although the Rat-L-Traps
don’t create the hard wobble of their rounder lipped counter
parts they are still one of the fall best baits. Traps are great
fish catching baits and very versatile. Try Traps slowly cranked
along the tops of deep weed beds works well once the water temperature
drops.
There’s
no question you will need a follow up bait when working these
faster moving baits. If you get bumped and don’t hang the
fish that Jig ‘n Pork combo can often trigger a strike.
Once you see that swirl or get that bump follow up by flippin’
a jig and pork and shaken’ it slowly through the area. I
was turned on to this last fall, and now I Know why many pros’
often don’t even finish reeling in before making that follow
up pitch. Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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