Strike King pro Denny Brauer suggests his favorite spots and baits for Zone 1 in October.
In Zone 1, fish are still in summer patterns near the main lake or deep water. Brauer says finding structure is key. “On lakes with vegetation the fish will be in it or nearby. If no vegetation is available, concentrate on deep brush piles or boat docks,” shares Brauer.
In October specifically, Brauer has a particular focus on main lake spots. “No matter what, I concentrate on main lake places on most bodies of water in this region in October. Keep in mind that ‘deep’ in Texas may be 20-feet to 30-feet and in Florida it could be 5-feet to 10-feet,” said Brauer. He also advises that points, channel swings, and humps can all be good places to look.
In clear water, Brauer grabs Green Pumpkin in sunny situations and uses Blue Craw if it’s cloudy. In stained or muddy water, he prefers Black Blue Flake or Summer Craw. He pairs the Punch Bug with a 1 ¼ oz Tour Grade Weight.
With a unique and exclusive tail design, Rage Punch Bug provides anglers with a custom, hi-grade soft bait with superior action. Brauer’s rig helps him penetrate heavy grass and get down to fish who are holding deep in the vegetation.
Brauer’s choice for clear water is Double Header Red or Green Pumpkin, while he opts for Plum if the water is stained. In muddy water, Brauer reaches for Junebug or Black Blue Flake. He pairs the Bull Worm with a 5/8oz Tour Grade Weight.
Infused with just the right amount of coffee scent and salt, the Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Bull Worm offers a big-time profile and a super-soft construction that is perfect for targeting ledge-dwelling lunkers.
He opts for Sexy Blue Back Herring or Sexy Shad in clear water, and switches to Chartreuse Sexy Shad or Chartreuse Blue Back if the water is stained.
The curved bill of the 6XD causes faster and deeper dives, making it a top choice in Brauer’s line up.
If the water is clear, he will throw Natural Shad, while more stained water calls for Bone. Brauer grabs The Shizzle if the water is muddy.
Brauer chooses the KVD Sexy Dawg because it’s a premium, “walk- the-dog” topwater lure with great action. When bass are chasing bait near the surface, he always has one tied on.
He opts for Shad Spawn in clear water. If the water is stained, Brauer will throw White Shadow, while he will switch to Bottoms Up if the water is muddy.
Resembling an injured baitfish, the Popping Perch skips, walks, splashes, and pops like wounded prey, resulting in the finest topwater, hollow-body, popping lure.
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.
