Fall is one of the most exciting times to power fish in the Southeast. Bass Pro Tour angler Dustin Connell shares how he tracks bait movement into creeks, selects the right baits for changing conditions, and keeps catching big bass when others put their rods away.

Dustin Connell is a Major League Fishing pro known for his aggressive power fishing style and sharp instincts for bait transitions. A native of Alabama, Dustin has mastered the fall bite across Southern lakes and reservoirs, focusing on current, cover, and the natural movements of baitfish.

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When fall arrives, bass become easier to predict. They move from main-lake structures into creeks and shallow cover where shad are abundant. As water temperatures drop, the bite picks up fast.

“When the air cools and shad start migrating, bass get shallow,” Dustin explains. “They follow the bait. Find the bait, and you’ll find the bass.”

Focus on shallow wood, docks, grass edges, and wind-blown points. Bass feed heavily through this time of year, making fall one of the best times to power fish.

Few techniques beat the excitement of topwater fishing in the fall. Dustin’s go-to is a shad-colored walking bait like the Strike King Sexy Dawg, or a plopper-style bait that creates a steady commotion on the surface.

How to fish it:

• Target shallow points, creek backs, and wind-blown banks.
• Keep your bait moving. Vary cadence until you find the rhythm that triggers bites.
• Throw on braided line with a 7’3” rod for better hooksets and control.

Topwater fishing is especially effective early and late in the day, but in the fall, it can work all day long when fish are schooling near the surface.

As bass follow shad into creeks, many suspend in mid-depth water. Dustin turns to a Rapala Maverick jerkbait, ideal for covering points and shallow brush piles.

How to fish it:

• Use 12-lb fluorocarbon and a 6’8” jerkbait rod for precise action.
• Fish around wind-blown points, wood, or grass flats.
• Experiment with cadence—sometimes fast twitches, sometimes long pauses—to match fish activity.

Jerkbaits are excellent for catching both aggressive fish and followers that won’t commit to topwater.

Sometimes subtle movement wins. A weedless soft plastic jerkbait lets Dustin fish through cover without snagging.

• Rig weightless on a 4/0 hook.
• Skip around grass, laydowns, and shallow brush.
• Let the bait dart and glide naturally to mimic wounded shad.

This presentation is ideal for calm, clear days when fish shy away from loud baits.

When Dustin wants to cover water fast, he picks up the Strike King Rocco 5.0 Crankbait.

• Throw it along transition banks and shallow wood.
• Use 12-lb fluorocarbon and a 7’2” medium-heavy rod.
• Focus on flats and creek backs where shad are feeding.

Crankbaits help locate active schools and trigger reaction bites from bass that are hunting along structure.

When water is stained or slightly off-color, Dustin leans on vibration. His go-to choices are the Z-Man JackHammer ChatterBait or a classic spinnerbait.

Setup tips:

• Pair the ChatterBait with a Rage Swimmer or Freeloader trailer.
• Use 17-lb fluorocarbon and a 7’2” heavy-action rod.
• Fish anywhere baitfish are present: creek mouths, shallow grass, or wind-blown pockets.

Both baits imitate shad and can be fished fast to trigger strikes from aggressive fall feeders.

What’s the best lure for clear fall water?
A soft plastic jerkbait or walking-style topwater in natural shad color works best.

When should I switch from topwater to subsurface lures?
When bass stop breaking the surface or the wind gets too heavy, move to jerkbaits or crankbaits.

How do I find the right creek to fish in fall?
Look for baitfish activity near the back third of creeks and coves where shad have migrated.

Why is wind important in fall fishing?
Wind pushes baitfish against structure and oxygenates the water, making bass more aggressive.

What is the best all-around line size for fall power fishing?
Fluorocarbon between 12 and 17 lb covers most conditions for crankbaits, chatterbaits, and jerkbaits.