Surprise, Surprise

[joedog]

Just read an article in a Publication from North American Fisherman. Dr. Hal Schramm, "One of the biggest myths pertains to the fall bass bite,", "Thanks to repetition by guides, TV personalities and fellow anglers, many people think the bite happens because fish are 'fattening up' for winter."

In reality, he explains, bass don't prepare for bear-like hibernation by strapping on the feedbag. First, they don't hibernate---let alone conciously gorge themselves to prepare.

Second, bass become more active in fall in reaction to summer's tepid water temps. cooling into the fishes optimum range of 75 to 80 degrees. As fall progresses, shad and other baitfish in many systems often gather in shallow coves, rise into flats and move into choke points connecting knee-deep, weedy backwaters with deeper water. Bass follow, and the ensuing feeding spree---easy for anglers to spot and target---makes for fine fishing.

So what do you guys think?