HOW TO CATCH BIG FISH THIS FALL - PART 1

By: Ray Hansen

I like to keep things as simple as possible when chasing larger fish during the fall season here in the Midwest. A favorite strategy is to drift breaklines (drop-offs) with an electric trolling motor ready to provide course corrections, while I work a live bait rig. I’m actually targeting walleyes, but largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, muskies, channel catfish, and a few other species have come aboard long enough for me to unhook and release them in this way. In this blog I’ll pass along some ideas that can help you catch some heavyweights this year.

THE BASIC RIG

I generally use a six-foot, one-piece medium/heavy action spinning rod and reel spooled with ten-pound test monofilament, or a high-tech line in twenty-pound test, six-pound diameter. You might consider a medium action rod and lighter line, but the slightly heavier action with stronger line is standard. This method targets larger fish.

As a terminal rig, tie on a one-half ounce bottom bouncer like the Northland “Rock Runner”. On the free arm of the bouncer, tie on a three to five foot leader (usually ten-pound test monofilament line) and finish with a size 2 hook. There are a few variations on this set-up, which may more closely fit the situation you are facing. One of my favorites is to use a Northland Tackle brand Gum-Drop Floater jig with the “built-in” stinger hook. This rig allows the use of larger baits such as chubs and small suckers.

Bait should be something substantial. Among my favorites are four or five inch suckers, but roach minnows, chubs, and big shiners will all work. If you can get some jumbo leeches, they are worth a shot. Remember, you can downsize this rig somewhat, using a one-quarter ounce weight and smaller bait if you want to use a smaller rod and lighter line.

BASIC STRUCTURE

As I mentioned, sharper drop-offs leading to main basin areas are a great starting point. You might also elect to follow the base of the breaklines while running a locator, and stop to work any larger fish you show on the screen. On some lakes however, this will result in you spending time inadvertently working a school of carp or other rough fish. Some anglers use cameras to check out what their locators are showing them, but most (including me) just work the area for a while to see if they can trigger a hit.

On some lakes an abundance of structure presents varied opportunities. In this case also try points that taper out underwater toward a deep basin area, and humps or rock piles found out on deeper flats or at the base of the drop-offs you have chosen.

In part 2 of this blog I'll pass along some additional details. Watch for it tomorrow!