Fall brings one of the best opportunities of the year to catch aggressive bass across the East Coast. Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff member Andy Montgomery—a Major League Fishing pro known for his precision casting and dock-skipping mastery—shares how to target fall bass as they chase shad into the creeks and coves.

A Clemson engineering graduate and longtime Bass Pro Shops Pro, Andy Montgomery is one of the most consistent anglers in MLF history. Known for his finesse with heavy line and shallow-water power fishing, Andy has earned a reputation as a master of precision casting and seasonal patterning—especially during the fall shad migration.

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When the days grow shorter, shad begin their annual migration to the backs of creeks and bays. Bass follow them closely, using this abundance of baitfish to feed heavily before winter. Andy explains, “It’s just like me heading for a plate of shrimp—wherever the shad go, that’s where I’m headed too.”

For fall bass, success means thinking shad-first. Nearly every bait you throw should be shad-colored and high in the water column.

The Strike King Spinnerbait has long been a staple for fall fishing. In clearer conditions, Andy reaches for willow-leaf blades that flash like schooling shad.

Tip: Use blue glimmer or silver hues to mimic baitfish in East Coast waters. Keep your retrieve fast and steady just below the surface.

When bass are active near docks or flats, wind that spinnerbait high in the column to stay where the shad are moving.

When the water turns murky, vibration becomes key. The Strike King Thunder Cricket creates strong movement and flash to draw strikes. Pair it with a Strike King Blade Minnow or other straight-tail trailer to complete the shad profile.

Pro Tip: Choose solid white in muddy water so it “pops,” and blue glimmer for clearer conditions.

Fish it around targets like laydowns, docks, and grass edges, keeping it moving just above cover.

Nothing beats a buzzbait bite in the fall. Andy designed the Strike King Skipping Buzzbait, built to skip under docks and call fish up from below. Rig it with a Rage Swimmer trailer for extra flash and vibration.

Best on windy or overcast days, a buzzbait triggers reaction bites from feeding bass.

“Wind is your friend,” Andy says. “If you’ve got ripple on the surface, the buzzbait shines.”

Even on tough days, some bass won’t chase moving baits. That’s when Andy flips a Strike King Rage Bug around stumps, docks, and shallow wood.

Use 20-lb fluorocarbon and a 3/8-ounce weight to stay accurate in shallow water.

It’s a great follow-up bait after you’ve covered an area with faster-moving lures.

Andy’s setup runs on 20-lb fluorocarbon, heavy rods, and Lew’s Pro SP Skipping & Pitching Reels, built for shallow precision.

He also reminds anglers not to overlook the weather:

“Some of the best fishing happens on rainy, overcast days—just make sure you’re wearing your Bass Pro Shops GORE-TEX Guide wear rain suit to stay dry and comfortable.”

What’s the best spinnerbait color for clear East Coast waters in fall?
Blue glimmer or silver with willow blades best imitates natural shad in clear conditions.

When should I use a Thunder Cricket instead of a spinnerbait?
Choose the Thunder Cricket when the water is stained or muddy—it throws off more vibration.

What line weight should I use for fall power fishing?
Andy recommends 20-lb fluorocarbon for durability and control with power baits.

What’s the best weather for buzzbait fishing?
Windy, overcast, or light rain days produce the most topwater strikes.

What gear helps keep you dry on rainy fishing days?
The Bass Pro Shops Guidewear Heavy-Duty Rain Suit keeps you warm and comfortable through long, wet days.