Zone 1 – October

Strike King pro Dakota Ebare notes some of the typical transitions that will be happening in Zone 1 during October.

At this point in the year, water temperatures are continuing to drop. “I'm expecting water temperatures to range in the mid 70's to low 80's,” shares Ebare. Highly sought after prey begin to migrate to shallower areas in mid-fall. “Baitfish and their transition will be key at this time of the year as they make their way back into the creeks. There will be a lot of suspended bass at this time of the year as well as some relating to shallow cover,” Ebare says.

BAIT 1: Strike King KVD J300

If the water is clear, Ebare prefers the Pro Blue. In stained water, he switches to Chartreuse Sexy Shad. For muddy water, he will favor a Citrus Shad.

Diving up to 7-feet, the KVD J300 has great castability, 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks for lethal action. Anglers from coast to coast keep the J300 on the boat deck this time of year.

BAIT 2: Strike King Gravel Dawg

Ebare’s choice for clear water is Brown Craw, while he opts for Demon Craw if the water is stained. Fire Craw is his go-to when fishing in low-vis conditions.

Delivering a wide wobble action in a bite-sized, 1.5 profile, Strike King's Gravel Dawg 8 grinds through rock, wood, and grass better than any medium-diving crank bait in its class. Strike King pros Todd Castledine and Kevin VanDam worked diligently to design the ideal, “go to” crankbait for anglers across the country.

BAIT 3: Strike King Hybrid Hunter Shallow

BAIT 4: Strike King Thunder Cricket with Blade Minnow trailer

If the water is clear, he will throw Mouse, while more stained water calls for White. Ebare prefers the Chartreuse Blue Glimmer when fishing in muddy conditions.   

When bass are hunting baitfish in and around vegetation, the Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig is the ideal choice. The Blade Minnow trailer efficiently moves through grass.

BAIT 5: Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait

He opts for Mouse in clear water. If the water is stained or muddy, he will throw the White Silver.

A proven go-to bait in the early fall, the Tour Grade Spinnerbait can be fished at virtually any depth and any speed. Ebare will let the fish dictate exactly what retrieval speed he needs to employ.

Bait 6: Strike King KVD 2.5

Ebare favors the Clear Ghost Shad in clear water but prefers the Citrus Shad in stained water. For Ebare, muddy water calls for the Black Back Chartreuse.

Perfect for shallow water and power fishing, the squarebill design and unique “hunting” action of the KVD 2.5 will constantly wander with erratic movement, while still running true.

Bait 7: Strike King Premier Pro-Model Casting Jig with Rage Craw trailer

Green Pumpkin is Ebare’s top choice when fishing in clear or stained water. He uses the Black Blue in low-vis conditions.

The Pro-Model Jig is Ebare’s top choice when fish are around docks, in shallow grass, or in wood cover. 

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