Entry 8-3
Fishing with Mike Wurm
Fall And Spring Patterns
Editor's Note: Mike Wurm, a 49-year old professional bass fisherman from Hot Springs, Arkansas, first fished competitively in 1978 and began fishing professionally on the BASSMASTER circuit in 1992. Wurm ranked 21st in the Top 150 Tour for 2000-01 and 3rd in the Top 150 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has had eight top-10 tournament finishes and has competed in five BASS Masters Classics.
Question: Describe your best fall pattern for bass fishing.
Answer: I'll use a Series 3 and find some rocky banks and throw that Series 3 down there while the bass are feeding on crawfish. The water temperatures should, ideally, be in the upper 50s or lower 60s. Fishing spinner baits or buzzbaits in the backs of the creeks, or a Bitsy Bug in channel bends or any kind of structure are good fall bassing patterns. They're also great for using around boat docks. I like those small jigs a lot.
Question: What kind of weather is good for fall?
Answer: Anything but snow and ice. I want it to be cool, but not cold, with a spark in the air - like autumn is supposed to be. However, you don't want a bite in the air. That kind of weather gets the fish too active. I also like there to be some sun. Usually, if you get some sun in the fall, it will keep those fish feeding up on the banks.
Question: What is your best spring pattern?
Answer: I like the water to be clear or an off-color. Of course, in the spring, most people like to fish for bedding bass. I don't enjoy catching bedding fish; it isn't my forte. However, I love to throw a wacky worm down in the bushes, when the water is high enough to have 2 to 4 feet underneath the brush. I get a rush throwing a wacky worm down in that brush, letting it sink slowly. That's my favorite springtime pattern.
Also, I like to throw a jerkbait in early spring when the water is still in the 50s, the fish are just starting to come up, and the shad are lethargic. I'll stick a jerkbait down there, let it pause and then reel it in fast. You can use that technique around bushes as well. Or, you can catch bass around rock points or rock channel bends that have some good deep water. You can reach them with a crankbait.
Contents:
- Part 1: Mike Wurm's Tactics
- Part 2: Mike Wurm's Seasonal Secrets
- Part 3: Fall And Spring Patterns
- Part 4: Wurm's Strike King Lure Tactics
- Part 5: Wurm's Goals And Plans
