Strike King pro Clark Wendlandt shares his insights on fishing in Zone 2 during the month of October.
Throughout Zone 2, October represents a true transition for fish as weather begins to change and water begins to cool. Fish will often be moving from one area to another, and patterns will work one day and not the next. Throughout October, it is important to be versatile and tie on an arsenal of diverse lures to track down how fish are responding to current conditions.
If the water is clear, Wendlandt prefers the Natural Shad. In stained or muddy water, he switches to the TN Shad 2.0.
Wendlandt chooses the KVD Sexy Dawg Hard Knock because it’s a premium, “walk- the-dog” topwater lure with great action.
Wendlandt likes to Texas rig the Rage Bug for flipping.
Wendlandt’s choice for clear water is the Green Pumpkin, while he opts for Blue Craw if the water is stained.In muddy or low-vis water, he will pick up a Summer Craw
Wendlandt Texas rigs the Rage Bug to get down deep into cover.
For the Strike King ½ oz or 5/8 oz Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig with a Blade Minnow trailer, Wendlandt opts for the Green Pumpkin in clear water, and switches to a White if the water is stained.
Ideal choice when fish are chasing baitfish around vegetation. The Blade Minnow trailer allows efficient movement through grass.
If the water is clear, he will throw a Natural Shad, while more stained water calls for a TN Shad 2.0.
Wendlandt picks up a Chartreuse Perch in low-vis or muddy water.
The KVD 1.5 is perfect for shallow water, power fishing. The squarebill design and unique “hunting” action will constantly emit erratic movement while still running true.
Wendlandt chooses to wacky rig the 5” Ocho.
He opts for Green Pumpkin in clear or stained water. Wendlandt will switch to a Blue Black Flake if the water is muddy.
Wendlandt will turn to the wacky rig to target fish that are not interested in a fast-moving bait. He can slow it down and really pick apart a piece of structure.
Strike King pro Todd Faircloth calls out a few key factors when fishing in Zone 2 during October.
“In October, you will find that most of the lakes in Zone 2 will be below normal pool elevation with water temps in the 70's,” shares Faircloth. With changing water conditions, Faircloth expects to see bass start transitioning to shallower vegetation. “The fish will start their fall migration into the creeks. Look for the shad and schooling activity and fish whatever cover is available – grass, pads, wood, or rock in 3- to 10-feet,” advises Faircloth.
If the water is clear, Faircloth prefers Mouse. In stained water, he switches to Spot Remover. For muddy water, he will favor Chartreuse White.
Crafted to travel through heavy cover with ease, Strike King’s Tour Grade Spinnerbait has a weight forward head design, light wire frame, and Gamakatsu® hook.
Faircloth’s choice for clear water is the Clear Ghost Sexy Shad, while he opts for Chrome Sexy Shad if the water is stained. Bone is Faircloth’s first option in muddy conditions.
The KVD Splash is the perfect balance of spitting, chugging and walking to entice topwater strikes. Splash features premium components, feather enhanced rear treble hook, 3D eyes, ultra-realistic paint jobs and strike-inducing action.
He opts for Bullfrog in clear water, and switches to Pearl White if the water is stained. Faircloth goes for Black in muddy water.
Designed and approved by Kevin VanDam for open water and heavy cover applications, Strike King’s KVD Sexy Frog features a sealed nose, which minimizes water entry, and a free-floating rattle to create the noise needed to get those lunkers' attention.
If the water is clear, he will throw Clearwater Minnow, while more stained water calls for Oyster. When fishing in low-vis conditions, Faircloth opts for Chartreuse Black.
Strike King’s Hybrid Hunter has an incredibly loud rattle system and travels through grass better than any other hard bait.
He opts for Sexy Blue Herring in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Chartreuse White, while he will switch to Black if the water is muddy.
Strike King’s Tour Grade Buzzbait is made with premium components, such as a sculpted quick-planing head and an exclusive Gamakatsu® hook, making it a go-to in Faircloth’s lineup.
