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We all know that fall is here… leaves are turning… weather is getting cold… water temp is dropping… but the fishing is getting hot! Fall is always to short and seems to be gone before it even starts. While most have already put their boat away for the year, those that seek trophies are still on the water every chance they get. Fall is truely a “trophy” time of year. This holds true especially for the Smallmouth Bass. Living in Western Pennsylvania, we have the privilage to live in an area where you can find big Smallies in both Lakes and River systems. Of course the Allegheny River holds Smallmouth, but the true trophy hunter this time of year heads to the big water of Lake Erie! We all know it’s reputation for being tempermental with the weather conditions, but if you can pick the right day, you can have the time of your life catching these giants. This is the time of year the Smallmouth start feeding up for the winter. They will group up at a certain depth and feed on Threadfin Shad, Gobies, and other bait that is abundant in the big waters. Use of your electronics and drifting around to find the right depth is key. Once you have located the fish, you will find them in that depth elsewhere on the lake. Of course the best lures to use depend on the weather conditions and how effectively you can present the bait. Good fall choices will be lures that mimic what the bass are feeding on… jerkbaits, crankbaits, plastics, and of course the favorite Erie lure, the tube. Select your colors to mimic the bait… get the bait to where they are… and you can have the trip of a lifetime. I fished Lake Erie this week in “perfect” conditions with a good friend of mine (Ken Pate). Had a great trip and landed 20 or more Smallies in the 4 and 5 lb class with at least 2 over 6 lbs! … True trophy Smallmouth Bass. Although the weather and lake conditions may not allow another trip to Erie this year I’m always hopeful and watch the weather an marine forcasts looking for that perfect window of opportunity to capitolize on. More videos at www.skinard.com
