Alabama's Smallmouth Bass in Fall and Winter
Capt. Reed Montgomery
October 7, 2013
Birmingham - Freshwater Fishing Report
The cooler months of Fall emerge in north Alabama from early October on into mid November. Then as early Winter arrives, there is another 6-8 week time frame that expands some of Alabama's best action for big, smallmouth bass...until the New Year arrives.
Not to imply the mid Winter months of January and February are not the best months for targeting these trophy-sized Tennessee River smallmouth bass. Its just colder then.
Catching big, smallmouth bass on topwater lures during this cooling down period is always possible. So always have a topwater lure rigged and ready.
Preferably one you are able to cast long distances, in case a school of big, smallmouth bass suddenly erupts on the water's surface, hopefully near your boat, only a good cast away.
Schooling Bass! Which can happen at any time!
Walking-type topwater lures (especially the bigger and more heavier types that can be heaved long distances, due to their size and weight), like Heddon's Zara Super Spook, Lucky Craft's "Sammie" or Kevin Van Dam's signature series model, "Sexy Dog" are good selections.
Selecting shad, bream or baitfish colors will aid anglers in fooling even the most wary of big, smallmouth bass. It is during this "frantic feeding period" (that often continues for weeks), that some of the year's biggest, brown beauties are fooled on topwater lures.
*(Other lure selections are endless.) See: www.fishingalabama.com Lake Reports and Fishing Tips links for Fall and Winter tips.
Then you must successfully hook and land them!
After the "bite" landing these hard fighting and high jumping brown bass is for sure the job at hand. For an angler that does get one in the boat...he/she has their work cut out for sure.
So the use of heavy line, good equipment, sharp hooks and a good landing net assures success!
* Before, or right after your first cast of the day, check your reel's drag system. Most reels drags are locked or frozen, especially in cool weather and all types of reels need unlocking!
Loosen the reels drag and then pul off a few feet of line. Tighten it back down (according to line strength), until you can barely pull it back off the reel.
Good Luck and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery, Owner of Reeds Guide Service "Alabama's oldest, professional, bass fishing only, guide service for over 40 years" Birmingham, Al. Phone (205) 663-1504. Website 
" target="_blank" title="www.fishingalabama.com">www.fishingalabama.com
Birmingham Fishing Forecast:
The first week of October has shown only one day with heavy rain, Sunday, October 6. As Alabama's mid October forecast shows, there is no predicted rain or cold, severe weather expected for the next one-two weeks! Lows in the mid-to-upper 50's with sunny, midday highs in the mid-to-upper 70's. Perfect fishing weather!
Target Species:
Smallmouth bass
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