Big, Topwater Lures for Targeting Big Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass! By Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504 Alabaster, Al. Website www.fishingalabama.com See us on Facebook too!
The cooler months of November and December signal a time for a change. Not only a change in the weather and the feeding habits of Alabama’s trophy-sized bass (as waters begin to cool down for the upcoming winter months ahead), but a time for a major change in the diet of these predator fish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Meaning bigger meals!
As the meals these bass choose to dine on (end-of-the-year baitfish, most of which have now reached “sizeable proportions”) continue to grow even larger, so should your lure selection. This especially holds true when selecting big, over-sized topwater lures during the late Fall/early Winter period.
Lures that look more like a big, saltwater lure than a normally fished and much smaller freshwater topwater lure selection. Bigger topwater lures, are actually what many anglers avoid using all day long. They say these type of lures are to tiring to fish all day long. Lures like the “James Heddon Zara Super Spook” can bring fatigue by days end! But like a hard days work, there are always paydays for your well earned effort!
Baitfish; such as minnows, bream, (sunfish), perch, threadfin shad and gizzard shad are in the shallows of all of Alabama’s lake’s as waters begin to cool for the upcoming winter season ahead. Many of these prey were born in the earlier season of spring, and others that “hatched out” even as recently as this past summer (as the bass continue to pursue them), have grown! Grown to the lengths of 6-8 inches long.
So do the “appetites” of each and every bass now found cruising the shallows of our lakes, in search of a big, easy-to-catch meal. One that will fill a big belly fast and help add on the fat reserves and needed weight for an oversized bass (with oversized bodies), to aid them in making it through some often, very harse winter’s like seen in the past here in Alabama.
The original version of the James Heddon Zara Spook topwater lure, was carved out of wood (an old broom handle), and made its debut around the late 1920′s. This older version “spook” actually looked more like a cigar, tapering on both ends and it displayed two dangling treble hooks, just like and very similer to the newer plastic model, zara spooks made in the late 1900′s.
After countless copies, the newer version of the old, original zara spook was improved. It is now dubbed, “the Heddon Zara Super Spook” sporting three very sharp Gamakatsu brand treble hooks (instead of two), now featuring built-in internal rattles and the super spook is much bigger than older versions, at five inches in length and 7/8 ths of an inch thick! It also “walks” a whole lot easier than older model zara spooks.
The Super Spook is a “big bass meal” although bass as small as twelve inches in length (with only a weight of one pound!), will often attack this wounded-looking meal. That is, if you walk it just right, in the dying manner that attracts some often very explosive topwater attacks!
When you eventually learn to “walk the walk” then you will see (you can show bass pictures) and talk the talk! Besides utilizing the right retrieve, having the right rod, reel, line and knot helps too! (See article; “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fishing the Zara Spook by Reed Montgomery at www.fishingalabama.com )
The selection of certain rods, reels, hooks, knots, and even the type of fishing line and a certain pound test, are all a matter of preferance for most astute anglers. Usually most anglers that fish for trophy-sized bass have their own time-tested versions. But in light of all that, one thing that holds certain above all rules of selection is; the use of heavy pound test line, sharp hooks, a correct drag on the reel and the right knot.
* The point here is emphasizing the use of big, topwater lures. As usual the weather dictates lure selection.
Mid-to-late October has shown water temperatures traditionally in the low-60′s on most Alabama Lakes. Nighttime air temperatures show lows in the low 50′s and daytime highs still near 80 degrees as November as early winter suddenly rolls around. As cold nights (followed by cooler days and constant cold fronts), increase night time lows will drop into the upper-30′s with daytime highs seasonally reaching the 50′s but could be in the low-to-mid 70′s.
* With early winter warming trends it is possible to see warmer weather right up until late December.
Still, any time is a good time to throw a topwater lure. Why? You may ask. The answer, no matter how cold it gets, is often found (and seen), right in front of you!
No matter what you are fishing for, ask yourself: “How many times have you been on the lake, even during the colder seasons, when suddenly you heard or seen a big bass explode on the water’s surface?”
Usually this attack is targeted towards an oversized, injured-looking bait fish. It could be an easy prey, one that cannot swim correct, or it is hurt or injured and flopping around in an erractic manner on the water’s surface. Or, the big bass missed its target and is returning for the kill on the next attack! This is when you should already be rigged and ready and preparing to throw your lure in that direction!
Where now, only an existing pile of bubbles is the only evidence of the recent attack by another big bass! One you may have just missed…literally. Could it be, because you were not rigged and ready and already prepared? Prepared for; “Fishing for Big Bass in the Late Fall / Early Winter Seasons with Big, Topwater Lures!” So give it a try! Or, you can always call on Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504 …first!
Then you can see how its done!
Thanks and Good Fishin’ Reed Montgomery Owner of Reeds Guide Service, guiding on all Alabama lakes for over 40 years. Alabama’s oldest, professional - bass fishing only - guide service. Be safe during this cold, winter season. Always wear your outboard motor kill switch and your life jacket. It might just save your life!
* Looking for a new or used boat? Always check out www.airportmarine.com first! For all kinds of boats, service, parts and repairs year round!
* Also check out Airport Marine’s Fall Buddy Tournament Trail at: www.airportmarinetrails.com See info on all their buddy bass tournaments, bass solo trails, high school tournament trails and Airport Marines annual bass tournaments for 2016!
