Top 4 Lures for Bass Fishing in September
As the water temperatures cool, bass behavior begins to shift, making September a transitional and highly productive month for anglers. Bass begin feeding aggressively, preparing for the colder months by moving from deeper waters to shallow areas. To maximize your success during this time, it’s crucial to use lures that match the bass’s feeding habits. Here are the top four lures you should have in your tackle box for September bass fishing.
Spinnerbaits are a staple during September as they allow you to cover water quickly and target actively feeding bass. This lure's combination of flash and vibration makes it perfect for mimicking schools of baitfish like shad, which bass feed on heavily during this time. The flashing blades and vibrating action resemble a school of baitfish, drawing aggressive strikes. Spinnerbaits are versatile and work well in various water conditions, especially around points, coves, and creek channels where bass are transitioning between deeper and shallower waters. Adjust your retrieve based on water clarity and bass activity. In clear water, a fast, erratic retrieve is effective, while a slower, more deliberate presentation works better in murky water. Spinnerbaits can also be slow-rolled near vegetation to target bass hiding in cover.
Crankbaits are an excellent choice for September because they can cover a range of water depths and imitate the baitfish that bass are chasing. As bass transition from their summer locations to shallow feeding areas, crankbaits can be fished at different depths, making them versatile and effective. Crankbaits allow you to target bass at varying depths, especially in areas where fish are moving from deeper waters to shallower feeding zones. Their tight wobble mimics the movement of injured or fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from feeding bass. Focus on submerged structures, rocky points, and drop-offs. Use a stop-and-go retrieve to simulate a distressed baitfish, which can provoke reaction strikes from bass. Crankbaits are especially useful for covering large areas and finding where bass are feeding.
As the water cools and bass focus on larger prey like crawfish and bluegill, jigs become a key lure for September. Jigs, especially those paired with bulky trailers, offer a realistic profile and are highly effective for targeting bass feeding on bottom-dwelling creatures. Jigs can be fished in a variety of ways, making them versatile for different fishing environments. They excel at mimicking crawfish and bluegill, two key forage species that bass prey on during the fall. A large-profile jig with a slow presentation is perfect for drawing bites from bass looking for a substantial meal. Flip or pitch the jig into thick cover such as grass, timber, or docks, and let it sink to the bottom. Use a slow, hopping retrieve to imitate the movement of a fleeing crawfish. In deeper waters, dragging the jig along the bottom works well for targeting bass transitioning from deeper zones to shallower feeding areas.
Banjo Minnows and jerkbaits are a fantastic addition to your September lure arsenal, as they are highly effective at imitating injured baitfish. Both hard and soft plastic jerkbaits and Banjo Minnows work well during this transitional period, providing different options for targeting bass depending on the water conditions and structure. Hard jerkbaits are excellent for covering water quickly and drawing strikes from bass chasing fast-moving prey, while Banjo Minnows and soft plastic jerkbaits excel in situations where cover is thicker, such as fishing in weedy areas or around docks. For hard jerkbaits, use a jerking or twitching retrieve to create erratic, darting movements that mimic a distressed baitfish. This technique is especially effective in clear water where bass can see the lure’s sudden, sharp movements. Soft plastic jerkbaits and Banjo Minnows can be rigged weedless or Texas rigged to fish over vegetation, allowing you to target bass hiding in cover while still presenting an irresistible, lifelike action.
September is an exciting time for bass fishing, as the cooling temperatures push bass to feed aggressively in preparation for winter. By using the right lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, Banjo Minnows and both hard and soft jerkbaits, you can effectively target bass as they transition between deep and shallow waters. These lures not only cover a variety of water depths and conditions but also mimic the forage bass are focused on during this time, making them essential tools for any angler looking to capitalize on the fall bite.
