Strike King pro Greg Hackney shares why October is the perfect time to attract that fall bite.
Anglers can expect lower water levels in October, Hackney says. “October is one of the lowest water level months of the year from lack of rainfall in the late summer months and a combination of reservoirs being lowered for winter drawdown in preparation of spring rains,” shares Hackney. While the change in precipitation is a huge factor, there are some other factors that also influence bass strikes in the fall. “The combination of these conditions with cooler temperatures and shorter days triggers the fall bite,” assures Hackney.
If the water is clear, Hackney prefers White. In stained or muddy water, he switches to Chartreuse White.
The Tour Grade Buzzbait is made with premium components, such as a sculpted quick-planing head and an exclusive Gamakatsu® hook, making it a go-to in his lineup.
Hackney’s choice for clear water is Mouse, while he opts for White Silver if the water is stained. Chartreuse White is Hackney’s choice in muddy conditions.
With heightened effectiveness in cover, the Tour Grade Spinnerbait is designed with a light wire frame to help produce maximum vibration and comes complete with a hand-tied skirt.
He opts for Olive Shad in clear water, and switches to White if the water is stained or muddy.
Strike King’s Tour Grade Tungsten Thunder Cricket has changed the game for vibrating jigs. Its innovative design provides maximum swimming action, flash, and thump, with a superior hookup ratio.
If the water is clear, he will throw Sexy Shad, while more stained water calls for Chartreuse Blue Black Splatter. Hackney opts for the Chartreuse Copper in low-vis conditions.
The Chick Magnet is one of the best options for flat sided crankbaits on the market. The flat size allows for incredible thump while maintaining a tight action.
He opts for Craw Daddy in clear water. If the water is stained he will throw Summer Craw, while he will switch to June Bug if the water is muddy.
Crafted to be the ultimate flip bait, the unique streamlined shape of the Rage Bug body allows it to easily move through cover with an unmistakable crawfish glide.
Strike King pro Dakota Ebare shares the places and factors that he is focused on during the month of October in Zone 1.
Expect water temperatures to fluctuate between the mid-70s to low 80s during this period. The movement of baitfish is crucial, as they begin their transition back into the creeks, which will directly influence fishing success. Expect to find a significant number of suspended bass in the water, alongside some that are positioned near shallow cover. Understanding these patterns will be vital for maximizing your fishing efforts and contributing to a successful outing.
He opts for Chrome Blue in clear water. If the water is stained or muddy, he will throw Rayburn Red Craw.
The Red Eyed Shad has incredible action and features some awesome paint jobs, premium hooks, 3D eyes and free-floating rattles to give you the best action and sound of any lipless crankbait on the market.
If the water is clear or stained he will throw Pro Bone. While muddy water calls for Chartreuse Sexy Shad.
The jerkbait is weighted perfectly to sink nearly 0.5-feet per second and maintains the amazing erratic action of the standard KVD 300 Deep Jerkbait.
If the water is clear, he will throw Pro Blue, while more stained water calls for Chartreuse Sexy Shad. If the water is muddy, he will throw Pro Bone.
The KVD J300 has the perfect combination of roll, wiggle, and flash. High quality features and advanced technologies give this jerkbait the advantage over others of its kind.
If the water is clear or stained, he will throw a Green Pumpkin Craw with Rodent trailer. In more muddy water Ebare uses Black Blue.
Designed to be the ultimate jig for skipping under docks, Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is built with a super strong and sharp Gamakatsu® hook for strong hooksets and resistance to bending when fished in hard cover.
If the water is clear, Eubare prefers Chartreuse Sexy Shad. In stained or mauddy water, he switches to Chartreuse with Blue / Black Splatterback
The 5XD dives to around 15-feet and is ideal for deflecting off deeper structure as fish make their way back into shallower flats.
If the water is clear, Ebare prefers the Tour Grade Spinnerbait in Mouse. In stained water, he switches to White Sliver. For muddy water, he will favor a Chartreuse White.
This can be an ideal choice for covering water quickly on structure-filled flats. It can be worked through vegetation, bounced off wood cover, and burned just beneath the surface to create a wake.
