Lures/Bait for this time of year

[amateurfishing]

I have only been catching fish on lures with spinners on them last 2 weeks, is this normal fish behavior after the first big chill comes?

also been doing research on leaders & lure patterns, how does one know what size weight or weighted lure to use in conjunction with water depth? in other words what is the proper depth usage for a lure or weight that is 3/8 oz, 1/4 oz, how does one calculate or determine weight to depth ratio or chart?

[mainbutter]

Last fall I was chasing bass, and I was ONLY having luck on stuff that I could work over the entire water column, and SLOOOOWWW. I bet suspending crankbaits would have worked too, but I fished some weed beds pretty hard that would cause trebles to get hung up on.

Slow falling nose-hooked soft plastic jerkbaits and wacky rigged senkos were the ticket for bass and pike. I did get a few pike in more open water while I trolled shad raps while canoeing to a particular spot. Especially since I fish out of my canoe and can't cover as much water, I find I get the most success by ALWAYS having a lure in the water.

[reinhard1]

i tend to use larger baits this time of the year. especialy live baits. instead of fatheads, shiners for walleys or creekchubs when available. but like mainbutter said, your best bet is to keep your line wet. good luck.

[Grum]

I've always had good luck with Beetle-spins or similar, jig and spinner w/ a curly tail grub works great for me or any plastics, even live bait too. They don't get hung up as easily and will catch just about anything. Size and colors can be quickly be changed.

[Northlander]

Lindy rigs and jigs with minnows and even crawlers still will catch you plenty of fish. A couple more frosty nights and I will go to all minnows.

[Fish Head]

I don't hear a lot of guys talk about jigging spoons much, but they can be deadly in the fall. Snap them hard and let them flutter down. When the fish hit them, they smack 'em.

[scott b]

Stop thinking paper and start thinking water. You will learn from experience on what weight to use. Young grass hopper will have many walleye/bass to catch this fall if he fishes 1/16 oz. jig heads in shallow water. And 1/4 in water that is 5-10. For water that is 10-15, you just broke daylight and I don't fish then this time of year.

Fish shallow and light at night in clear water to have the best fishing of the year.

And if your trolling with weights then buy the Trollers Bible.