Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Alex Wetherell recently shared insights on finesse bass fishing during the fall in New England, emphasizing flexibility and the use of modern technology to find fish. Despite the often challenging conditions, with colder water temperatures and changing fish behavior, Wetherell remains adaptable, using techniques tailored for success in these unpredictable environments.
On a cool autumn morning in Connecticut, Alex began by relying heavily on his forward-facing sonar to locate bass in deeper waters. Equipped with a 3/8-ounce Lunker City Titan jighead paired with a Lunker City Fin-S Fish, he targeted smallmouth bass along rocky drop-offs. His gear setup included a Shimano Expride spinning rod and Vanford reel with 10-pound-test braid and an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader, ensuring he could maintain sensitivity while fishing 10-20 feet deep.
Though the initial attempts didn’t produce immediate results, Alex demonstrated the importance of observing how fish respond to bait using live-imaging technology. By watching the fish’s movements, even if they didn’t bite, he could adjust his approach, switching to a smaller finesse swimbait with a paddle tail to match the baitfish in the area. This change paid off quickly as he hooked into a solid smallmouth bass, reaffirming the value of staying versatile and using sonar to adapt strategies.
As the day progressed, Alex shifted to a rock bluff, switching tactics to target largemouth bass with a ¾-ounce football jig. This lure, combined with a 4-inch Lunker City Karate Craw trailer, worked well around rocky shorelines. Although some fish got away, the presentation proved effective for drawing bites, demonstrating the importance of targeting structure in the fall.
In addition to gear and presentation, Alex frequently monitored the weather and water conditions. As the day warmed and the impoundment’s dam began moving water, he returned to open water areas, using electronics to scan for fish. Patience and persistence rewarded him with multiple catches, including some of the largest smallmouths of the day.
Wetherell’s success comes from his ability to adapt. By continuously adjusting lures, using forward-facing sonar, and refining techniques based on fish behavior, anglers can improve their chances of landing quality bass in fall. In regions like the Northeast, where the environment is constantly shifting, staying versatile is key to mastering finesse fishing.
Image/Source: OnTheWater
