How To Catch Big Bass In The Fall Everglades Bass Fishing Guides: Fall can be an awesome time to catch big bass on top water.

If you want to know how to catch big bass in the fall, everglades bass fishing guide John “King of the Everglades” Pate is one of the best.  He has been an everglades bass fishing guide since 1973 and even though catching big bass in the fall can be a little tricky – Mr. Pate knows exactly how to do it – and how you can do it, too.

Most fishing experts all say the same thing about catching big bass in the fall – so I’m going to give you some advice that is a little different.

The first thing to understand is that as the seasons change – so does bass fishing.  But it does NOT change as much as most fisherman think.  I have written several articles on how bass fisherman like to over complicate things – and the changing of seasons is another great example if this.

For example, in the fall, water temperatures will drop.  In the Florida everglades the water temperature will not fall nearly as much as in the North… but that doesn’t matter.

It’s all relative.

If you have lived in Florida for any length of time – you will understand what I’m about to say…

When the air temperature goes  from 95 every day for months to 75… you see people all over South Florida wearing winter coats!  If you were in New York or New Jersey, you would never see anyone wearing a winter coat at that temperature.

Florida people have adapted and are used to constant, hot weather.  Florida largemouth bass are exactly the same.

And bass like constants in their environment.  That’s why a small change in temperature can have a dramatic effect of the fishing.

And here’s something very important:  Most fisherman wait for the first day the weather changes and drop to go fishing.  They think that sudden change in temperature will “turn the fishing on.”

And I have to say – I have seen this happen.  But I think there are other factors involved that made the bass bite – and not that sudden temperature change.

Know this:  Big bass are much more sensitive to this than small ones.

Here is why:  Like I’ve already said – bass like constants.  So any sudden change is usually  not good.   That’s why a few days… or even a week… after the temperature drop is most likely a better time to catch big bass than at the temperature change.

First the air temperature will change – then the water temperature will change – then the bass will adapt and start feeding.

But understand this - the day of the AIR temperature drop may be good bass fishing – because the water temperature may not have changed yet.  That depends on many factors in the body of water you are fishing in.

How do you catch big fall bass in the everglades?

Once again – don’t over complicate it.

I have read article after article that says – in the fall you have to find the bait fish.  In the fall you have to fish the weedy cover.  In the fall you have to find the structure.

Really?

What’s different about that than during any other time of the year?

Know this and you will consistently catch big bass in the Florida everglades or where ever you fish…

The basics of bass fishing are the same.  Especially if you are fishing for big bass.

Find unique structure (hidden to most fisherman) and use proven big bass techniques and put in enough time – and you will catch big bass.

Unique structure will attract bait fish – which will attract big bass.  ”Unique” is important because it will have less fishing pressure.  For more information on this read this article.

On many bodies off water in the fall you can see big schools of baitfish boiling at the top.  If you see this – you just found bass.

If you have ever fished this way – you know the action can be fast and furious.   Cast a zara spook, jerk bait etc. into the bait fish and you start slamming bass.

But most of the time you will not catch big bass.  You will catch a lot of “schooling bass” in the 2-3 pound range.

Here’s one technique I learned a long time ago that can help you catch big bass when you find these bait fish schools…

Put on a sinking lure – like a 1/4 ounce white jig.  Cast the jig into the bait fish school.  If the jigs makes it past the smaller schooling bass – hold onto your rod.

Many times big bass are hanging out below the smaller bass.  I believe they are being smart and picking up the easy meal of injured baitfish.

But, for whatever reason… you will often times catch much bigger bass getting your lure to sink below the 2-3 pound schooling bass.

If the 2-3 pounders keep hitting your 1/4 ounce jig – switch to a 3/8 ounce.  That will make it sink faster.  Try to count the jig down so it is 5-8 feet down and then swim the jig in.  Methodically keep trying deeper until you get the big bass to strike.

Top water For Big Fall Bass

Top water is one of the best ways to catch big bass in the fall – especially in the Florida everglades.

Bass eyes are anatomically structured looking up.  It is much easier for them to attack bait that is above them.  That why top water is everglades bass fishing guide, John Pate’s favorite ways to catch trophy bass.

And fall in a great time for top water.

Zara spooks, buzz baits, big poppers and those type baits work very well.  Big Zara Spooks catch big bass.

Mr. Pate’s favorite big bass lures for fall are:  Big  12-16 inch worms pulled across the top like  snake.  Mr. Pate has been making his own big bass lures for over 30 years and has perfected it.  He also uses frogs like Tuscaroran Pro Lures Rude Frog.

If you would like to go trophy bass hunting in the fall with one of the best bass fishing guides in the Florida everglades… give John Pate a call.  His number is 954-325-5310.  Email any question to: southfloridabassguides@gmail.com.