Early fall strategies

[poncho]

I have never really fished much in the fall, I am usually in the timber! this year I have been invited to a friends place up by Hackensack for bass fishing the weekend of September 17th. I know you guys don't have a crystal ball or anything, but could you guys tell me where bass, Largemouth and smallmouth are typically located this time of year ( in mid september).
I am a shallow water bass fisherman and love to fish the slop and rocks, I am hoping that some of the bigger fish will be located in these areas. Its only the weekend so I won't have time to screw around, thats why I am asking for your help. thanks in advance

[Stratosman]

It's hard to say what the weather will do between now and then, but typically the water temps are just starting to drop as nightime air temps are slowly on the fall. The weeds will still be green and will hold a good population of fish. But check out a lake map and look for deeper humps and bars, and points that extend out into deeper water. Work these with deep running cranks if possible or carolina rigs. I have also had good luck staying right on the weedline and casting crankbaits right along it and slightly inside of it, also a good way to pick up some bonus walleyes. Also, unlike id summer, fish typically bite better throughout the entire day as the sun is lower in the sky not forcing them into the thick vegitation.

[Wayne Ek]

Poncho, by Sept. 17th we should have started to get cooler nights, that usually all it takes to start the larger fish moving towards the flats. Look for large flats of deep water. I usually toss large rattle baits 3/4 to 1 oz. large spinner baits or a Spence scout, Once the crank bait bite starts... look out it can be fast and furious.

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Wayne
Agape Fishing Guides
www.agapefishingguides.com

[sami0115]

i fish in Park Rapids around that time of the year and they definatly should be shallow. spinnerbaits into the bullrushes should work, but also deeper cabbage should be hot as well. last year about that same weekend was one of the best fall outings i ever had. good luck!

[Dynasty]

Usually in the fall I fish cranks on the deep weedlines. The shallow weeds will begin to die and the fish will start to move out to deeper water where they can find greener weeds.

But then again Sept. 17th isnt to late into the fall. You could probably still get them in summer spots if it hasnt been getting to cold.

[This message has been edited by Dynasty (edited 07-29-2004).]

[East Rush Rules]

Fish BUZZBAITS in any kind of weeds n youll kill them!!!

Trick'em n Stick'em

[Dan Wood]

please don't start talking fall already .. Seems like the season just got going as short as it is!

[say_der]

Dan, in less than 90 days there will be ice forming on smaller lakes (maybe).

[poncho]

When you say shallow, do you mean lily pads? I usually fish shallow for bass, and that is usually in 3 feet or less. What about smallies? I usually fish for them in the pre-spawn time of the year when they are on every boulder you can find. Will they be right back where I found them in the spring?
Thanks for all of your advise guy's!!!!!!

[Dan Wood]

Yea say_der, thanks for cheering me up on that one