Let’s talk about my top four baits for the month of November. I’m going to break this down for my anglers up North—think Virginia and above—then I’ll give you my picks for the Southern states down to Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. So, let’s get into it!
Understanding November’s Transition
November is a unique month for fishing. For those of you in the northern states, it’s the tail end of fall, but it also marks a transitional period for our fish friends. As they move away from their feeding areas and start migrating towards their winter spots, this is the time to adjust your tactics. Water temperatures are dropping into the mid to high 50s, so the fish are definitely on the move. Meanwhile, down South, the fall feeding frenzy is still going strong! Warmer waters mean that bass are still gorging on bait, making November one of the best times of the year to catch them. So, let’s get into my top baits for each region!
North: Crankbait and Jig
For the northern guys, my number one bait in November is definitely a crankbait. Now, I’m not talking just any crankbait; you want one that dives in the 6 to 15-foot range, with a moderate to tight wobble. The Berkley Dime is a go-to for me, especially in those depths. As these fish transition, they’ll often be found near rocky points or other bottom structures, so that crankbait should be bouncing off the bottom. You’ll cover a lot of water and feel what’s down there. Often, you’ll find schools stacked up!
Once you locate those fish, it’s time to switch it up with my number two bait: the jig. After catching a few on the crankbait, I’ll start dragging a football head jig, like the Missile Headbanger. Why? Because in November, as the fish transition away from bait like shad and herring, they start turning back to their natural forage—think crawfish and bluegill. Use a trailer like a Chigger Craw for that perfect presentation. This combination is lethal for those bigger bites as they move deeper.
South: Spinnerbait and Topwater
Now, let’s switch gears to the southern states! In November, it’s all about fall feeding, and my number three bait down here is a classic: the spinnerbait. You can’t go wrong with this versatile lure, especially when the fish are schooling on baitfish. I love to use a dual-blade spinnerbait, like the Molix Venator, because it mimics a small school of baitfish swimming through the water. When you see shad busting the surface or bait on your depth finder, cast that spinnerbait!
Last but definitely not least, my number four bait for the South in November is a walking topwater lure. I’m talking about the classic “walk the dog” style, like the Drift Walker or the Jay Walker from Berkeley. These baits do an incredible job of imitating baitfish that are trying to escape, and that side-to-side action drives bass wild! Use this tactic in creeks, pockets, or anywhere you see fish busting the surface. This is a killer way to take advantage of their aggressive feeding.
So there you have it! My top four baits for November—two for the northern anglers and two for those down South. This month is prime time for both areas, but you’ve got to adjust your strategy to fit the transition. If you’re in the North, grab those crankbaits and jigs. And if you’re in the South, don’t leave home without your spinnerbaits and topwaters.
Get out there, give these baits a try, and I promise you’ll have a blast catching some fish!
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