Finessing The Fall with Forward Facing Sonar
When water temperatures cool in the late autumn months the fish start to migrate to their wintering holes. When this happens, the bites can be few and far between for the average angler. I have found one of the best tactics to entice Bass, Walleye and even Muskie into biting in these tough conditions is downsizing my gear and using a finesse approach.
Last fall I had a lot of success using spinning gear, light braided line and fluorocarbon leaders. I mainly used a drop shot, Ned
rig and a small jig head minnow. I searched for deeper mid lake rock humps surrounded by deep water. Before the advancements in technology this way of fishing was pretty much foreign to me. I used to pound the banks searching for fish with spinnerbaits and crank baits hoping for bites. Now with GPS mapping, side imaging and Forward Facing Sonar, the game has definitely changed. It is now so much easier to find this offshore structure, and thus find the more active fish.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford this new technology, it will definitely open your eyes to a whole different world of fishing. With Garmin Live-Scope and other FFS, you can actually see the fish in real time, see how they react to your bait and presentation. This will allow you to make the appropriate adjustments quicker, you will get more bites maximizing your time on the water.
I get technology is not for everyone – I was in that boat; so to speak. I understand some people just love going out casting a line, or trolling and fishing traditionally. I do as well, but given the opportunity I would invite you to check this technology out. Find a friend with one – or better yet, hire a guide who has it dialled in. At least check it out; it is pretty neat, and I guarantee it will help you get bites when conditions get tougher in the fall.
Tight lines!
Hope to see you on the water.
Mike Williams
