As temperatures drop in October, Ott DeFoe embraces fall fishing with his balsa crankbaits, which he designed in his youth near Knoxville, Tennessee. These custom baits evolved into the renowned OG (Ott’s Garage) series by Rapala, prized for their unique qualities stemming from balsa wood’s buoyancy and slow rise.
DeFoe focuses on shallow waters, casting his crankbaits amid brush and rocks in Tennessee’s coves where shad congregate. The Rapala OG Tiny is his go-to for fall, featuring a tight wobble perfect for targeting bass feeding on shad.
For optimal success, DeFoe pairs his crankbaits with a Bass Pro Shops 7-foot medium-heavy Crankin’ Stick and 12-pound fluorocarbon line. His specialized cranking style, featuring erratic retrieves and finesse, ensures that these baits spend more time in the strike zone, increasing his chances of success with each cast.
The bass fishing legend owes his skill to early mentors and years of trial and error with handmade lures. This dedication has contributed to DeFoe’s celebrated career, including a Bassmaster Classic win in 2019. His work inspired countless anglers who now use Rapala’s OG series to chase big bass during fall.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
