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When we go fishing, we want to catch a fish. Big is better, but in reality, most people who go fishing just want to feel something pulling back. But if you're one of those anglers who prefers to chase the big ones, autumn is the time to do so. And almost all of the time in the autumn, using a larger than ordinary bait will increase the odds for success at catching a big one. You probably won't get as many bites, but when you do get bit, chances are it's going to be a larger than the average fish. Following are some thoughts on using big baits for big fish.
First thing, and this is a really important consideration in your search for a truly big fish: If you want to catch a trophy, you've got to be on trophy-fish water. Some lakes are known for producing lots of small to medium-sized fish, others have a reputation for being home to fewer but larger fish. Ask around, do some research, find out which bodies of water you should concentrate on in your hunt for the big one.
Why are big baits more productive for big fish in the fall? First, the days are getting shorter and the water is getting colder. This signals to the fish that it's time to put some fat on. The fish prefer to eat one large meal instead of several smaller ones. It requires less energy for them to eat one big meal than it does for them to chase several small meals. Less energy used means more weight added.
Some baitfish that are fall spawners are more accessible to the predator fish. These are oily baitfish like whitefish and tullibee. They're in shallower water spawning and more accessible to large predators. Also, these are larger baitfish and more appealing to larger fish. Predator fish that eat oily baitfish grow big faster. Walleyes, muskies, and northern pike are especially attracted to these baitfish.
Now about baits. If you're after largemouth bass, many of the most successful bass-catchers will have a rubber-legged jig with a bulky piece of plastic attached. A Hack Attack Jig or Tour Grade Swim Jig tipped with a Rage Hawg is a proven big bass bait. Use the Hack Attack when fishing the deep weedline and the Swim Jig when the bass are active and move into the shallower areas.
When a trophy walleye is the target, try trolling crankbaits at night on one of those lakes that has the fall spawning baitfish. Find a shoreline area with a hard bottom that is close to deep water or a shallow reef that is surrounded by deep water. The baitfish move shallow at night and the walleyes follow them.
If walleyes or smallmouth are your quarry, it's hard to beat a big redtail chub on a live-bait rig. Redtails are expensive, and they can be hard to find, but if you can get some, the walleyes and smallmouth really like them. If you can't find redtails, sucker minnows are probably the best alternative.
Autumn is a great time to be on the water. In many places you'll have the lake or river to yourself. The opportunity to see wildlife is good, and the colorful leaves on the shoreline can be spectacular. And your chances for catching a trophy are perhaps better than in any other season. Head to a big-fish body of water, tie on a big-fish bait, and see what happens. This is an opportunity for a truly memorable fishing experience.