| When the first cool nights of fall arrive, bass often surprise anglers by pushing into extremely shallow water. This movement can be linked to oxygen changes or baitfish movements, and it creates short-lived windows where bass are accessible in just a few feet of water. The small coves, pockets off the main lake, and the edges of shallow flats become prime areas to check. On grass lakes or rivers, bass may stop on the outer edges of thick vegetation close to deeper water. They can also position in small drains that cut through the grass, using them as travel lanes. While not always easy to find, these shallow fish are aggressive and worth seeking out when conditions line up. Anglers should be prepared to cover water quickly, since these shallow groups of bass can be scattered and unpredictable. Visual cues like surface activity or baitfish flickering near the bank often reveal where fish are holding. A soft plastic worm or lizard worked along shallow cover can tempt big strikes from bass cruising just under the surface. Pay close attention during the early morning hours, as low light often makes these fish more active and willing to feed. Staying alert to these brief windows can turn a tricky fall outing into a productive one.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also Restocked 6-inch Worms, including Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Fire TGR, Wild Berries, Bone, 10w30 Synthetic, Zombie Blood, and Chocolate MNT! — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater. |
| As fall progresses, bass make a dramatic shift in behavior and begin to focus heavily on baitfish. Large schools of shad and other forage species migrate into the backs of creeks, and the bass follow them closely. In many cases, the sheer volume of bait can be overwhelming, but this also makes location easier. Find the bait and you’ll usually find bass nearby. Birds diving and sonar screens filled with bait are clear giveaways that you’re in the right spot. During this period, bass become more predictable, feeding aggressively in preparation for the cold winter months. Success often comes from targeting the areas where bait is concentrated rather than chasing scattered fish. One of the key challenges in late fall is standing out among massive schools of forage, which means bait presentation and placement become critical. Worms, beetles, or craw-styled baits rigged lightly can mimic natural movements without spooking pressured fish. Look for the last available deep water in the back of creeks, as bass often stage there to ambush passing baitfish. Time of day can also play a role, with late afternoon feeding windows often sparking bursts of activity. By staying focused on bait-heavy zones, anglers can consistently tap into some of the most aggressive feeding behavior of the season.The newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass. |
| In fall, bass feed most consistently on baitfish, so imitating them is usually the most productive approach. A Neko-rigged soft plastic worm, beetle, or lizard can mimic the movements of a wounded forage fish. As the bait sinks, it has a natural gliding motion that looks realistic to bass on the hunt. When twitched or shaken, the bait produces extra quivers that trigger strikes from fish following closely. Craw-styled baits or insect larvae can also play a role when bass turn attention to the bottom, especially around cover. By choosing the right shape and color, you can effectively match the forage that bass are focused on in any body of water. Experimenting with different fall rates by adjusting the weight can make your bait stand out among real schools of forage. Small color changes, like switching from a dark hue to a translucent shade, can also make the difference when bass are finicky. Working the Neko rig along structure edges, dock posts, or submerged vegetation helps trigger strikes from fish waiting to ambush prey. It’s important to fish with patience, letting the natural action of the bait draw in bites rather than overworking it. This approach often shines in clear water and pressured lakes where bass have seen more aggressive presentations.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| One of the greatest strengths of the Neko rig is its ability to adapt to different depths with a simple change in weight size. A lighter weight allows the bait to fall slowly and naturally, perfect for shallow fish or when bass are finicky. A heavier weight speeds up the fall, letting you reach deeper fish quickly and cover more of the water column. This versatility means you can fish anywhere from a few feet to very deep structures with the same rig. The weight also changes how much action the bait gives off, with lighter setups producing a more subtle quiver. Mastering these adjustments ensures you can present your bait naturally no matter the depth. Anglers can fine-tune their presentations by matching weight sizes to conditions such as wind, current, or water clarity. In calm, clear water, a slower fall can look more realistic and entice wary bass. In contrast, deeper or stained water often calls for a faster sink rate to get the bait in front of fish quickly. Switching between different weights throughout the day allows you to adapt as bass move in the water column. By practicing these small but important adjustments, you’ll gain confidence in controlling how bass see your presentation.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes! |
| Although the Neko rig is a finesse technique, the right gear setup makes a major difference in success. A medium spinning rod with enough backbone for hooksets but a soft tip for sensitivity is ideal. It’s best to pair braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader provides both strength and stealth. Hooks designed for wacky-style rigging with light weed guards help the bait move naturally while preventing hang-ups in grass or wood. An O-ring around the bait can also extend its life and keep the hook positioned correctly. By paying attention to your setup, you’ll increase both hookup rates and landing percentages, especially when fishing around tricky cover. Reel choice also matters, as a smooth drag system can prevent break-offs when fighting bigger bass on lighter line. Using the correct line diameter ensures that the bait falls naturally without being hindered by excess resistance. Anglers should regularly check their knots and leaders, since finesse setups rely on lighter tackle that can weaken after repeated use. Balancing all of your components, such as the rod, reel, line, and terminal tackle, creates a system that works together for peak performance. With the right gear dialed in, the Neko rig becomes not just a finesse option but a versatile tool that consistently produces fish in a wide range of situations.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater. |
| In early fall, bass use a variety of shallow structures as stopping points during their transition from summer haunts. Main-lake docks are often productive, giving bass easy access to both shallow and deep water. Vegetation plays a major role as well, with bass holding on the deepest available grass before moving shallower. In certain cases, small drains or cuts in the grass become travel corridors, funneling bass into predictable areas. Early morning can also bring schooling activity near shallow pockets, creating short but intense feeding windows. By rotating through these high-percentage spots, you’ll be able to stay on active fish even as conditions change daily. Wind can also improve these areas by pushing baitfish into cover and making bass less wary of striking. Cloudy or overcast conditions extend the shallow bite, keeping fish active longer into the day. Soft plastics such as worms, lizards, or insect larvae can be worked along these targets to entice strikes from bass holding tight to cover. Paying attention to subtle details, like shade lines on docks or small irregularities in grass edges, often reveals overlooked fish. Combining these clues with steady adjustments will keep you one step ahead of bass during their early fall transitions.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round! |
| Late fall is all about efficiency, and the key is to stay around the bait. If one creek doesn’t have forage, move to another until you find the concentration of both bait and bass. Bass often gather at the last available deep water in a creek or in natural bowls where baitfish collect. Once located, these type of areas can hold large numbers of fish feeding aggressively before winter sets in. Simplifying your approach by focusing less on random structure and more on forage removes much of the guesswork. By following the bait, you’ll consistently put yourself in the best position to catch bass through the late fall season. Electronics can be beneficial during this time, as sonar will often reveal giant clouds of baitfish stacked in the backs of creeks. Watching for bird activity is another reliable sign, since bass and birds often feed in the same places. Patience is key because once the right area is located, the feeding activity can turn on suddenly and last for hours. Soft plastics like worms or beetles fished with light presentations can stand out among thick schools of forage. By trusting these patterns and committing to bait-driven areas, you’ll maximize your chances of connecting with quality bass.We recently restocked all of our terminal tackle, but Owner Mosquito Hooks work perfectly for Neko rigging, and they accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. We’ve also released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The new Owner WEEDLESS Block Head Jig features high-quality construction that helps increase your hook-up ratios and keep your bait clean from snagging rocks or vegetation. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure. |