In this action-packed video, Wired2fish joins the “GMAN”, Gerald Swindle, on Lake Guntersville. As temperatures drop and shad activity ramps up, Swindle goes through a dynamic rotation of baits to keep fish biting that are keying in on the shad. Fall fishing requires anglers to be versatile, and Swindle breaks down the importance of adjusting techniques and bait selection to keep up with changing fish behavior.
FEATURED TACKLE
- JIG – Buckeye Lures G-Stroll Jig Head: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- MINNOW – Zoom Winged Fluke, color – Gizzard Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- TOPWATER – Storm Rattlin’ Chug Bug, color – Bone: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- GLIDING JIG – Rapala Jigging Rap (1-1/2″), color Blue Chrome – Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
SPINNING ROD SETUP
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Spinning Rod, 6’10” Medium – Extra Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – 13 Fishing Ascent Competition G-Man Spinning Reel: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon, 7-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
CASTING ROD SETUP
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Series Casting Rod, 7’2″ Medium Heavy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – 13 Fishing Inception G2 Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sunline Super Natural Monofilament: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
THE IMPORTANCE OF BAIT SIZE AND PRESENTATION
Fall bass are often keyed in on small baitfish, so Swindle highlights downsizing your bait presentation to match the forage size. Using compact options like the Zoom 4-Inch Winged Fluke or the Rapala Jigging Rap can make all the difference when fish are acting finicky. He advises anglers to always carry a variety of baits and remain flexible as conditions change throughout the day.
WHY VERSATILITY MATTERS
Fall fishing is unpredictable, but Swindle’s ability to experiment with different baits and techniques helps generate consistent success. Whether targeting active fish on the surface or going for stubborn bass in the grass, his strategies prove that adaptability is key.
BOAT SETUP
- BOAT – Phoenix 921 Elite II Bass Boat: Check out at Phoenix
- OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDERS – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- Garmin GPSMAP 8616 16″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LVS34 Live Scope: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR: Power Pole 8 ft. Blades: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRUCK – Toyota Tundra: Check out at Toyota