Looking for a super-effective late season bass bait? Go with good ol’ Mr. Versatile himself: the spinnerbait.
I know, I know…people often think of throwing spinnerbaits for bass early in the season but the truth of the matter is these big flashing hunks of metal and vinyl work great year-round if you know when and where to throw them.
Towards the end of the summer, bass can still be pretty hunkered down and lethargic, but if you can find some moving or off-colored water like the mouth of a creek — or you’ve got some wind, you could be in business. The fish tend to shake off the cobwebs a bit in those situations and will be more actively feeding.
Baitfish this time of year are going to be about as big as they’re going to get, so you want something with some serious thump to it — baits with big Colorado or Indiana blades are often the lures of choice.
Color is kind of a case-by-case deal and pretty basic: stick with your whites and silvers in lakes with shad and go with darker browns and oranges if hitch, crawfish or other dark baits are present.
Some of the best late summer fishing comes when you slow grind your spinnerbait, but don’t be afraid to kick up the speed a little if you’re not getting bit. Speaking of no fear — toss that baby into the thick, heavy stuff when it’s hot out. Sure, you’ll lose a few lures that way but you’ve also got to fish where they live, ya know?
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