This time of year, you really start to see the bass key in on smaller bait fish
by Zeke Gossett
Photos submitted
On Logan Martin
The months of September and October on Logan Martin is when bass start to make their big move to shallower water.
A couple of things cause this transition. First, the cooler nights in the fall cause water temperature to go down. Second, the shad begin their move to the backs of the creeks. Moreover, oxygen is depleted in the deeper water causing the bait fish and bass to move up shallower.
This time of year, you really start to see the bass key in on smaller bait fish. Baits I use to target these fish are small top waters like a popper.
Find rocky banks or seawalls first thing, and you should have success. As the sun comes up, I’ll usually switch over to a squarebill crankbait in any type of shad color using it in the same types of places.
Piers become a big factor as well this time of year. I’ll throw the squarebill or a finesse jig in and around the docks. I’ll usually target piers in water ten foot or less.
This time of year, remember to focus on shallow water in creeks, and you should find success on Logan Martin.
On Neely Henry
Neely Henry is going to have a lot of similarities to Logan Martin this time of year. The bass will make a push toward the backs of the creeks.
The main difference between Logan Martin and Neely Henry is the winter draw down will begin on Logan. Because of the draw down, there will not be as much grass to fish, especially starting in October.
Starting out in the morning on Neely Henry, I will usually either start in grass or seawalls toward the back of any major creek. I’ll throw either a popping style frog or whopper plopper down the edge of the grass or seawalls. Both of these will be in any shad color.
Keep an eye out for baitfish on the surface because the fish will usually be hanging around close by. As the sun comes up, I’ll start focusing on shade, whether it be from a tree limb or docks.
For docks, I will either use a finesse jig or some type of creature bait in green pumpkin. If it is cloudy, I will just keep the topwater in my hands throughout the whole day.
As these months progress, and the water temperatures start to cool, the fishing will only get better.
Editor’s Note: Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.
