Fall Fishing Tips with Mark Zona: Catch Big Smallmouth Bass Using Big Baits

Fall Fishing Tips with Mark Zona: Catch Big Smallmouth Bass Using Big Baits

By Mark Zona, Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff

Fall is hands-down one of the best times of year to target trophy smallmouth bass and few anglers know how to make the most of it like Mark Zona. With decades of experience chasing big bronze backs across North America, Zona has refined a high-impact approach that’s built around power fishing with big baits and adjusting tactics as the water cools. Whether you fish natural lakes, reservoirs, or rocky rivers, this guide will show you how to catch more and bigger smallmouth bass in both early and late fall.

Why Fall is Prime Time for Smallmouth

As the water temperatures begin to drop in fall, smallmouth bass go on an aggressive feeding spree. They're preparing for the long winter ahead, and that means one thing: they want big meals.

Mark Zona explains that many anglers mistakenly believe smallmouth only hit finesse presentations. While that’s sometimes true, fall is a different story.

“The reason you're able to power fish in the fall is the size of the forage. Big gobies, perch, and crawdads and that's what they want before it gets frigid,” Zona says.

Fall also allows you to use heavier line, larger baits, and bold presentations without spooking fish. It’s the perfect time to cover water fast and collide with active feeders.

Early Fall Power Fishing (55–65°F Water Temps)

Where to Fish

• Focus on shallow flats, typically 10 feet of water or less.
• Look for visible structure like isolated boulders, weed clumps, and gravel transitions.
• These areas concentrate forage and aggressive smallmouth.

Best Techniques

• Bladed Jig
  Product: Strike King Thunder Cricket
  Great for covering water and triggering violent reaction strikes.
• Spinnerbait
  Product: Strike King Burner
  Burn it across flats for high-speed strikes and long-range attraction.
• Umbrella Rig
  Use a shallow umbrella rig with soft plastic swimbaits to imitate schooling baitfish.

“You want your baits moving. Don’t lollygag, cover water until you collide.”

Late Fall Adjustments (45–55°F Water Temps)

Where to Fish

• As temps dip below 55°F, smallmouth shift to deeper flats and slopes (15–30 feet).
• Key structure: slow tapering flats, isolated rock patches, or sand-to-gravel changes.

Best Techniques

• Weighted Tubes
  Use a 3.5” tube with a 3/8 to 1/2 oz weight.
  The heavier weight increases fall speed, triggering bites on the descent.
• Drop Shot
  Product: Strike King Z-Too
  Upsize your drop shot bait and increase your weight to maintain bottom contact.
• Slow-Rolled Umbrella Rig
  Use it to locate fish, then switch to bottom contact presentations.

“The heavier your bait, the more falls you get, and that means more bites,” Zona emphasizes.

Zona’s Gear Setup

• Line: 20 lb fluorocarbon or braid with a fluoro leader
• Rod Power: Medium-heavy to heavy setups for better hooksets and control
• Upsized Tackle: Don’t be afraid to go big; even with finesse gear
• Colors: Match your forage; greens, browns, and natural hues to imitate goby, craw, or perch

Featured Products

• Strike King Thunder Cricket
• Strike King Burner Spinnerbait
• Strike King Z-Too
• Assorted umbrella rigs
• Coffee tubes and drop shot weights
• Available online and in-store at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Final Takeaways from Mark Zona

• Fall is your chance to catch the biggest smallmouth of the year, but only if you adapt.
• Use power fishing techniques early in the season when fish are aggressive and shallow.
• Shift to slower, heavier presentations as the water cools and fish go deeper.
• Upsize your baits and line to match the size of fall forage.
• Cover water fast, adjust depth, and don’t be afraid to throw something bold.

“Some of the best days of my life have happened in the fall. Don’t be scared to power fish for smallmouth.”

Ready to Gear Up?

🎣 Mark Zona’s Fall Fishing Setup
🛒 Shop online at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s — or visit your nearest store for expert advice.

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🎥 This article is just the beginning. Watch Mark Zona’s full video to see these fall smallmouth tips in action—straight from the boat.

Top FAQs About Fall Smallmouth Bass Fishing

• Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in the fall?
  A: Bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, umbrella rigs, tubes, and drop shots are top producers.
• Q: Do smallmouth bass still bite in cold water?
  A: Yes, they feed aggressively in fall, especially before winter, making them ideal targets for power fishing.
• Q: How deep should I fish for smallmouth in late fall?
  A: Look for 15–30 feet flats, especially those with subtle structure or baitfish presence.
• Q: Can you use big baits for smallmouth?
  A: Absolutely. Mark Zona recommends upsizing in the fall for more bites and bigger fish.
• Q: What’s the best line for fall smallmouth fishing?
  A: 20 lb. fluorocarbon or braid with a fluoro-leader offers the strength and sensitivity needed.