Where Bass Go During The Fall Transition ( And The Baits To Catch Them )

Fall is coming, here's what you need to know! If your fish are starting to disappear and you don't know why, you're not alone. As the nights get cooler, bass fishing goes through a huge change! Bass transition toward their Fall patterns and many anglers are left wondering what happened. We're here to help!

The Fall Transition comes much earlier than most anglers realize. It's not a slow progression either, in most situations, bass will begin their movements overnight. One day you're on an awesome topwater bite, the next you can't find a fish. When this happens it's time to step back and look at what is motivating these fish to move. Whether you're targeting shallow bass or deep, the bass' next movement is motivated by the bait fish's location. As the bait begins to gather, so will the bass.

Below is a breakdown of the gear we recommend using during this season. We've included rigging components where applicable and even included our favorite colors for each technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RELATED VIDEOS...

•Megabass Karashi: Why This Little Bait Could Take Over Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/R4oTU0CmJ-8

PITCHING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Pitchin' Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, True Shad

•Rapala DT 16 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Lemon Shad

SPOONS...

•Nichols Blade Runner Duh Spoon: https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Size: 3/4 – 1 3/4 oz

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Morning Dawn UV, Sierra UV

CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan Baby Jack Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/4jvWTMx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Clearwater Shad

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Colors: Electric Shad, Spot Remover

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•ZMan 3.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: The Deal, Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Green Shad

FINESSE BAITS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: River Bait, Ghost Minnow

•Baitsanity 2" BFS Glide Bait: https://bit.ly/4od827Y

Colors: Baby Shad, Chrome

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Juvy Gill, Spotlight Shad

•Duo Realis 110 Pencil Silent: https://bit.ly/3TdJIoL

Colors: Chrome Tiger, UV Silver Slash B

SQUAREBILL...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Threadfin Flash, Ghost Minnow

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MINNOWS...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Green Shad, Electric Shad

•Damiki Fat Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/435tuCj

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Tennessee Shad

BUDGET "ALL AROUND" CASTING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3VLYWTC

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Seaguar InvizX (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET "ALL AROUND" SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Seaguar Red Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Big Bait Fishing Southern California With Adam Hinkle! – Tactical Family

Come along or an awesome day on the water with Adam Hinkle! Adam has a long history of big bait fishing, and today he's catching big bass with glide baits, wake baits, and topwater. Before its over, he pulls out some of his hand made baits and catches the biggest fish of the day!

We're continuing to expand in 2025 with bonus content featuring some of our closest friends! Meet Adam Hinkle, a serious bass angler from the San Diego area in Southern California. Adam brings a unique perspective to the Tactical Family, having grown up in California's "Big Bass Era", and constantly adapting both power fishing and finesse presentations to the clear, pressured waters of Southern California.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Adam was using, as well as some widely available options that are very similar to his custom gear. All the link go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

ADAM'S WAKEBAIT...

•Discontinued Rago Top Trout: Unavailable today

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE WAKEBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

•Bucca Bull Shad Wake: https://bit.ly/2yceVRt

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Dirty Bone

ADAM'S POPPER...

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Color: Pagani Raigyo

ADAM'S GLIDE BAIT...

•86 Baits Fail Safe: Source Directly When Available

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE SHAD GLIDES...

•Baitsanity Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/44XiYvW

Color: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad

•Bucca Brand Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: ThreadfinTastic, Matte Shad

•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Color: Threadfin Shad

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE BUZZBAITS...

Full Size– Megabass Jamaica Boa: https://bit.ly/3iofbiZ

Loud– Damiki MTB Noisy Buzz: https://bit.ly/2P8PWnd

Subtle– D&M Easy Roller: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

THE FLUKE...

•Zoom Salty Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

•Gamakatsu Superline Hook: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 3/0

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns 7'9" Champion XP 795: https://bit.ly/2aivwYX

Reel– Curado 300K (HG): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line– Maxima Ultragreen (25 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Med Mod Glass: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano SLX DC (XG): https://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUZZBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante 7'5"  EMTF: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel– Shimano Curado 200 DC (XG): https://bit.ly/3QMMb6o

Line– Seaguar InvizX (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The EASIEST Trick For EARLY FALL Bass Fishing!

Want to catch more fish this Fall?! It's this easy!! The key is to stand out from the thousands of minnows, baitfish, and juvenile panfish in the shallows this Fall, is to add flash and vibration to your lure. We achieve this by adding additional blades to our lures. A simple will blade can add incredible flash and vibration that can instantly take your fishing to the next level!

We know this sounds too easy, but it's the truth! The simple addition of a blade not only adds flash and vibration, it causes other baitfish to stay away from your lure, leaving it in plain sight for the bass. Fall bass are generally feeding aggressively, they just need to notice your lure out of the thousands of real meals swimming around below the surface. Baits like underspins, spinnerbaits, and Alabama Rigs will give you the upper hand this Fall.

Below we'll link our favorite baits, favorite modifications and components, as well as some great budget–friendly combos for fishing these techniques effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNERBAIT...

•Nichols Metal Flake Double Willow (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2Sttxpc

Colors: Blue Shad, JT's Chartreuse Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Elite Evo Tungsten (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Colors: Electric Shad, The Deal

•Zman ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: Bad Shad, Electric Shad

UNDERSPIN...

•Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Shad, Gizzard Shad

TAIL SPIN...

•Jackall Deracoup: https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade: https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad

ALABAMA RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

WILLOW LEAF BLADES...

•Hildebrandt Willow Leaf Blades: https://bit.ly/46l4f0o

•Gamakatsu One Touch Blade: https://bit.ly/4nm4Fu5

•Nichols Spoon Spinners: https://bit.ly/3IhFXMB

•Spro Power Swivels: https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

BUDGET SPINNERBAIT/CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Breaking Down A New Lake To Find And Catch Bass!

We're exploring a new lake, come along! New lakes are always an adventure, and today is no different. We started off with big baits and big expectations, but soon realized we'd need to adapt to succeed. Watch how Matt breaks down the water, develops multiple patterns, and catches fish.

By the end of the day Matt and his dad have developed 4 unique patterns that are all producing quality bites. Without question, the Shakey Head worm on outside cover is producing the best quality fish, but in the end Matt opts to move shallow and have fun targeting fish with bait finesse gear.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt and his dad used throughout the day. We've included the exact rod and reel combos, as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: Juvy Gill, Glitz Shad

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Juvy Gill, HT Ito Tennessee Shad

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SHAKEY HEAD WORM...

•Crush City Janitor Worm: https://bit.ly/3Fy6nsd

Colors: Candy Bug, Bama Bug

•Xzone MB Fat Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/4lSgfx4

Color: Junebug

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 1/4 oz

DICE...

•OSP Dice Rubber: https://bit.ly/4e0DII9

Color: Green Pumpkin Pepper

•Gamakatsu TWG Dropshot Hook: https://bit.ly/2zGX441

Size: 1/0

•VMC BET Dropshot Weight: https://bit.ly/4gFECei

Size: 1/4 oz

STROLL SHAD...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Sexy Shad

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten HD Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

GILL GLIDE...

•Baitsanity Explorer Gill: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Color: Dark Bluegill

SHAKEY HEAD COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 892S JWR: https://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

DICE/UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Flyssa": https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Daiwa Tatula 200: https://bit.ly/4ig0woA

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (25 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz