One of the conditions we see on a regular basis in the fall is clear water although this year has been more rain, the reason being is generally we do not see a lot of rain and the thickness of the hydrilla causes the water to clear as it acts as a filter and cleans the water. The hydrilla cleans the water very quickly after a rain and clear water means it’s time to flip a heavy jig or creature bait or maybe even a tube bait into the holes around the hydrilla.
As the holes become more prevalent in the fall around the grass the bass become glued to the bottom under the grass, causing great concern to get a bite. The only thing that changes the fish from their position on the bottom is cooler water temperatures and grass erosion. This forces you to figure a way to get to the bottom where the fish are hanging the best way to do that is the presentation commonly known as flipping. Flipping allows you to be very successful around the hydrilla grass where the bass are buried into the grass in the sunny part of the day. If you enjoy flipping there may be no better time than the month of October to punch the grass on Guntersville, the grass is thick, yet it has holes in it and you can generally catch good fish with decent size punching baits into the grass.
Some of the best areas of the lake for flipping, is at the mouth of the creeks, the bass are starting to stage around the mouths and as soon as we get the first low 40-degree night they will move more and more toward the creeks, October is just the ideal month!
One key to flipping in October is the matching the food source size with the bait you are flipping and getting it to the bottom quickly. The more the bait looks like the food source in size and profile and color the more bites you get; so, if you do not account for the natural elements and weight it properly you may struggle trying to punch. Match the hatch, get to the bottom and flipping will pay dividends in the fall.
Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service
www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com
Email: bassguide@comcast.net
Phone: 256 759 2270
Captain Mike Gerry