Expectations

[Guest]

Fall is right around the corner. That means its big bass season.

What are ya'lls expectations this fall?

Are you looking for that trophy smallmouth or sheer numbers?

I'm hunting the biggest river pools in search of 4lb smallmouth and 8lb bass.

I know its a high expectation, but I know where those fish live. It's just a matter of can I make them bite.

Typically the gin clear water and low flows make it hard to fool old wise bass. All we need is a good rain, to bring the river up (not a flood)

Best case scenario: the river rises 1-2ft and crests quickly and the next few days its got a stained or cloudy blue look.

The churning of heavy current is enough to get them going.

My bait of choice?

#1 Buzzbait- for trophy largemouth

#2 Finesse jig- for trophy smallmouth

It seems, the cold fronts make fishing better in early fall when its been hot for a week or two.

Then again, leaf drop around Halloween all the way to Thanksgiving is the best window for absolute Giants.

Do you expect to catch a big one before this year's over?

[Mitch f]

Yes, Much to Al's chagrin, I'll say it once more, that I always catch my biggest fish in the fall and expect to catch another big one this fall/winter. Maybe its the difference in the rivers we fish in the summer. Topwater and jig are my fav's but cranks and jerks too under the right clarity and water temps. Just hope it muddys up right before gigging season and stays muddy for a couple of months.

[Guest]

I learned a hard lesson about suspending jerk baits last fall. My ex brother in law caught a 7-11 largemouth in early November at this same spot. He was using a generic cabelas bait in the snakehead color (Houdini)

[Goggle-Eyed]

I have learned to love the Jerk Bait's. The biggest fish of my labor day trip came from a white LC78 (i think 78). I can't seem to fish a fluke to save my life so the jerk bait is my savior... The second biggest fish came off a 5" Senko Trigged with 1/4oz. I am trying to start fishing faster and focus on feeding fish but man I love the soft plastic bite... My goal for this fall is 20"+ off the Niangua, now I just need more time on the water!!!!

[LittleRedFisherman]

I'm hoping to get some fishing in this fall, but because of work will probably be late Nov. before I can fish much. I also have learned to love the jerkbaits. My go to bait this past year for bigger fish is a 5 inch senko. However, i'd love to catch that 4 pound smallie your talking about on topwater!

[Mitch f]

Then again, leaf drop around Halloween all the way to Thanksgiving is the best window for absolute Giants.

The leaf drop is an annoyance to the jet intake and for the topwater bite, but like you said....my favorite time is opening weekend of deer season (yes, I've worn blaze orange while fishing) to thanksgiving. Then it's the full winter bite depending on the weather

[Greasy B]

This fall as usual, my expectations are low, I'm never disappointed.

These past few years almost all my smallmouth trips are overnighters, more fishing for the drive. With gig season starting soon avoiding the irritating drone of generators all night will be my primary goal. The quality of fishing and the quanity of big fish will take care of itself.

[Guest]

I didn't realize gigging was such a big deal in other parts of the ozarks.

My 3 favorites:

Leaf drop, hunter orange & finesse jigs

[Mitch f]

I didn't realize gigging was such a big deal in other parts of the ozarks.

I hate to be so negative about gigging and beating a dead horse, and I also believe the majority of giggers are ethical, but it only takes one or two poachers to destroy 10 years of smallmouth growth in one area. Its like a weapon of mass destruction.

[Justin Spencer]

I hate to be so negative about gigging and beating a dead horse, and I also believe the majority of giggers are ethical, but it only takes one or two poachers to destroy 10 years of smallmouth growth in one area. Its like a weapon of mass destruction.

Same thing holds true for one or two hook and line poachers, they can wipe out a good hole pretty quickly also. Most fishermen are pretty ethical too, but it only takes a few ...