Strike King pro Clark Wendlandt shares his insights on fishing in Zone 2 during the month of October.
Throughout Zone 2, October represents a true transition for fish as weather begins to change and water begins to cool. Fish will often be moving from one area to another, and patterns will work one day and not the next. Throughout October, it is important to be versatile and tie on an arsenal of diverse lures to track down how fish are responding to current conditions.
If the water is clear, Wendlandt prefers the Natural Shad. In stained or muddy water, he switches to the TN Shad 2.0.
Wendlandt chooses the KVD Sexy Dawg Hard Knock because it’s a premium, “walk-the-dog” topwater lure with great action.
Wendlandt likes to Texas rig the Rage Bug for flipping.
Wendlandt’s choice for clear water is the Green Pumpkin, while he opts for Blue Craw if the water is stained.
In muddy or low-vis water, he will pick up a Summer Craw.
Wendlandt Texas rigs the Rage Bug to get down deep into cover.
He opts for the Green Pumpkin Thunder Cricket in clear water, and switches to a White if the water is stained.
Ideal choice when fish are chasing baitfish around vegetation. The Blade Minnow trailer allows efficient movement through grass.
If the water is clear, he will throw a Natural Shad, while more stained water calls for a TN Shad 2.0.
Wendlandt picks up a Chartreuse Perch in low-vis or muddy water.
The KVD 1.5 is perfect for shallow water, power fishing. The squarebill design and unique “hunting” action will constantly emit erratic movement while still running true.
Wendlandt chooses to wacky rig the 5” Ocho.
He opts for Green Pumpkin in clear or stained water. Wendlandt will switch to a Blue Black Flake if the water is muddy.
Wendlandt will turn to the wacky rig to target fish that are not interested in a fast-moving bait. He can slow it down and really pick apart a piece of structure.
