| When water levels drop in late fall, it often creates some of the best bass fishing opportunities of the year. As reservoirs reach their lowest points before winter rains refill them, bass are forced to gather in smaller areas, concentrating the action. These conditions make it easier to locate active fish as they feed heavily in preparation for colder months. Launching from alternate spots, such as old roadbeds or exposed shoreline areas, can help anglers access productive water when ramps become unusable. Focus your time around deeper channels, rocky structure, or remaining vegetation where baitfish congregate. With fewer areas to search, a patient approach and an understanding of fish positioning can turn these low-water conditions into a season of fast-paced success. When the water is low, the landscape of the lake changes dramatically, revealing features that are often hidden during high-water months. Exposed points, ditches, and submerged roadbeds become easy to identify and can serve as prime ambush spots for bass. This is also an excellent time to mark key structural elements on a GPS or map for future trips when the water rises again. Bass tend to hold tighter to cover in low water, making precise casts around visible brush, stumps, or rock piles especially productive. Patience and observation go a long way during this period. Reading clues like bait movement or water clarity shifts can quickly lead you to concentrations of feeding fish.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. We recently restocked the HellaMite Pro Pack, which is loaded with 60 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 restocked our Green Pumpkin and 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. |
| As water temperatures cool, bass become less aggressive and respond best to slow-moving presentations. A wide-wobble lure or soft plastic bait, like a craw or beetle imitation, can be highly effective when fished slowly with frequent pauses. The key is to retrieve just fast enough to maintain subtle action, allowing the bait to imitate sluggish prey. Many strikes occur as you resume movement after a pause, so paying attention to those moments is critical. Natural color patterns that mimic baitfish or crustaceans will draw more bites during this transition period. The slower pace may require patience, but it matches the mood of the season and consistently triggers reaction strikes from feeding bass. During this time of year, bass are often found around mid-depth structure where the water is slightly warmer and baitfish are still present. Working your bait along rocky points, submerged timber, or the edges of weed lines can produce steady action. It’s also beneficial to experiment with different retrieval cadences, mixing in long pauses or smaller twitches to imitate wounded prey. Using a lighter line can enhance sensitivity and help maintain a more natural presentation in clear water. When conditions are calm and the bite feels tough, downsizing your soft plastics or switching to a more natural shade can make all the difference in getting bass to commit.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! |
| As November progresses and surface temperatures continue to drop, bass shift toward vertical structures such as rock bluffs, channel walls, and deeper ledges. These areas provide both depth and stability, allowing bass to move vertically in response to changing conditions. Working a soft plastic bait like a lizard or craw slowly along these structures can be incredibly effective. The goal is to maintain bottom contact and let the bait appear natural as it glides or hops through key zones. A deliberate pace and light line setup help detect subtle strikes that are common in cold water. Anglers who slow down and focus on these steep, structural areas often find some of the biggest and most consistent fish of the season. Bass often use these vertical areas as staging zones where they can feed efficiently without expending much energy. Pay close attention to depth changes and transitions where a rocky wall meets a softer bottom or where a ledge drops suddenly, since these are prime ambush points. Electronics can be especially valuable for pinpointing suspended fish that hold tight to these structures. When bites are scarce, try adjusting your fall rate or switching to a more compact soft plastic to keep your presentation in the strike zone longer. Patience and precision are key, and every movement should feel intentional, allowing your bait to stay near fish that are conserving energy in the colder water.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. |
| Natural lakes in late fall fish differently than drawdown reservoirs since their water levels remain relatively stable. Bass don’t concentrate as tightly but still feed actively around deeper weed edges and points. Slow presentations like soft plastic worms or craw-style baits rolled just above the vegetation line often attract heavy bites. Focus on areas in 14 to 16 feet of water where bass group up along weed edges or near small bottom changes. Once you catch one, work that zone thoroughly. These fish often hold in schools during late fall. Remaining patient, maintaining bottom contact, and experimenting with retrieve speeds can all help fine-tune your success in these more balanced, natural environments. Because natural lakes are usually clearer, paying attention to light penetration and water clarity can make a big difference in your approach. On sunny days, bass may hold deeper within the weeds, while overcast conditions often push them slightly shallower to feed. Using more natural, subtle colors and quiet presentations can help avoid spooking fish in clear water. Wind direction can also influence positioning. Baitfish tend to gather on the windblown side of the lake, drawing bass close behind them. Just by adjusting your presentation angle and staying mindful of environmental cues, you can turn a slow day into one filled with steady, quality bites.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! |
| When river temperatures cool, smallmouth bass move out of the main current into slower backwaters, sloughs, and areas protected from flow. These zones provide stable conditions and often hold large groups of fish through winter. Anglers can find success by using soft plastics such as small worms or insect larvae imitations, presented slowly to mimic easy prey. Bites may feel faint or delayed, so it’s important to stay in touch with your line and react carefully to tiny pressure changes. As the water gets colder, reducing bait size and slowing the presentation becomes even more effective. Staying persistent in slack water areas pays off, as once you locate one smallmouth, chances are there are many more nearby. Current breaks like bridge pilings, rock jetties, and submerged wood can also serve as excellent holding spots for cold-water smallmouth. These areas give bass a place to rest out of the flow while still staying close to potential food sources. In cold conditions, smallmouth often settle into deeper holes or along gradual drops where the water temperature remains stable. Casting upstream and letting your bait drift naturally with the current can create a lifelike presentation that draws strikes. By methodically covering each section of slower water and maintaining a controlled retrieve, you can consistently locate wintering schools of smallmouth and capitalize on their predictable behavior.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. |
| During periods of low water, bass populations become especially vulnerable due to increased fishing pressure and concentrated numbers. Practicing catch and release helps preserve these fish for future seasons and maintains healthy local populations. Using gentle handling methods and minimizing time out of the water are simple ways to reduce stress on fish. Avoiding deep hooking by using single hooks or circle hooks can further protect the fish you release. Anglers play a critical role in sustaining the sport, and conservation-minded fishing ensures that quality bass remain available year after year. By respecting the resource during these fragile times, we can continue to enjoy productive fisheries even in smaller, more pressured waters. It’s also important to revive bass properly before releasing them, especially after a long fight in colder water. Holding the fish upright in the water and moving it gently back and forth helps oxygenate its gills and increases survival chances. Using rubberized nets instead of rough mesh can prevent scale loss and reduce damage to the fish’s protective slime coat. If you’re fishing from a higher bank or dock, consider using a release tool or lowering the fish gently rather than dropping it back in. Small habits like these add up over time, helping ensure that every fish released has the best possible chance of surviving to be caught another day.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These 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. |
| While late fall and early winter can bring some of the best fishing, safety must always come first. Hypothermia can set in quickly when water temperatures drop, especially in the Northwest where conditions turn cold and wet. Always wear a life jacket and consider adding a swim ladder to your boat to make reentry easier in case of an accident. Packing extra clothing in a dry bag can also make a critical difference if you fall into cold water. It’s easy to underestimate how fast your body loses heat, and having a plan can prevent tragedy. Staying cautious and prepared allows you to safely enjoy all the late-season opportunities that bass fishing has to offer. Checking the weather forecast before launching can help you avoid dangerous conditions such as sudden wind shifts or freezing rain. Letting someone know your float plan and expected return time adds another layer of safety in case of an emergency. It’s also smart to keep a small first aid kit, hand warmers, and a waterproof flashlight on board for unexpected situations. Avoid fishing alone during extremely cold conditions whenever possible. Having a partner can make all the difference if trouble arises. By taking these simple precautions, you can focus on enjoying the fishing itself while minimizing the risks of cold-weather outings. We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve 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. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. 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. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. 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 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 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 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! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. 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. |