Which flies to use for bass fishing in autumn?
As with all fishing, it's a good idea to have a wide range of flies on hand for every situation. Sea bass can sometimes be selective, and you'll need to try out different sizes, colors and patterns over the course of a session to find what works best. By changing flies regularly, you'll soon realize what works and what doesn't.
Animation can also be an important factor. Personally, I always animate very quickly, varying the length of the shots or strips. Short pauses can also be used. It's important to remember that sea bass are fast-moving predators. You can never strip your fly fast enough when you compare it to lure fishing!
Depending on whether I'm fishing from shore or from a boat, I use a variety of lines, from float to sink, but it's mainly an intermediate line such as Rio Striper that's most often suitable. I use a leader about one rod long (shorter diving leaders: 1.20 m) with a 25° to 30° fluorocarbon tip. A tapering leader with a thick butt (first section) makes it easy to turn the flies.
For my bar flies I most often use the following colors:
All-white (with a little pearl gloss), white/chartreuse, white/olive, white/grey, white/yellow, white/blue gave me the best results.
1-Candy minnow
You should always have a few imitations of small fish, because even though bass regularly feed on large prey, they sometimes feed on fry of all kinds, especially in late summer and early autumn.
The size of the fly can be a determining factor, and in this case, this type of fly will allow you to get the most out of your game by varying the colors.
Here, I present a variation on the surf candy, a model renowned for sea fishing.
Assembly sheet :
- Hook: Gamakatsu SC 15 size 1/0
- Wing: EP, Dickers or Pike and sea fiber + angle hair pearl
- 3D Eyes 5mn Ice
- Head: Loon Thin UV resin
2-Clouser minnow
The essential clouser-minnow is a benchmark, but here I present it mounted with synthetic fibers that are longer and stronger. The fly's tail is more mobile and attractive for my taste.
A fly that catches a wide variety of fish in both cold and tropical seas.
They make for a jerkier swim and provoke bass. Don't hesitate to take breaks during the animation to let the fly sink like a wounded prey.
Be careful with your rod, however, as they are weighted with diabolo lead eyes. If they collide with your rod, they could cause real damage.
Assembly sheet :
- Hook: Tiemco 811S size 2
- Body: EP fiber or equivalent + angel hair + nayat
- Diabolo eyes size 4 to 5 mn
- Head: Nano silk 12D mounting silk + UV resin
3-Deceiver chartreux
The deceiver is one of the models I use most often. It comes in 10, 12 and 15 cm sizes, or even larger. It imitates the vast majority of sea bass prey in a variety of colors.
Chartreux is a basic color for the sea, as it's a bit of an all-purpose color and also shows up well. In autumn, this color is very eye-catching as the light fades.
The nayat gives it a very appealing undulating stroke that bars love.
Assembly sheet :
- Hook: Arhex SA 280 size 2
- Underbody: on the hook I sometimes wrap flashabou in the same color as the wing + a thin layer of UV resin. Then attach a touch of white bucktail at the head to give volume and support to the wing.
- Wing: White nayat + angel hair pearl + chartreuse nayat + chartreuse grizlly saddle on each side
- Head: 3D eyes size 5 or 6 + UV resin between the eyes to fix them in place.
4-EP minnow
Flies made from EP (Enrico Puglisi) synthetic fibers are very useful for tying light flies. On the first cast, the water drains away, making it easier for beginners to cast at the right distance. Available in a wide range of colors.
The greatest difficulty lies in the assembly, which may look simple but is far more complex, especially when it comes to cutting. Don't hesitate to watch some assembly tutorials.
Assembly sheet :
- Hook: Gamakatsu SC 15 in size 2/0
- Body: Fibre EP or equivalent in white and olive (shown here)
- 3D eyes + epoxy resin
5-Bucktail streamer
Another deceiver model, but this time in bucktail which is stiffer and therefore pushes more water. The shape of the fly will also be stubbier than the deceiver model. A fly that's easy to assemble and effective, adapting to the different colors of the prey of the moment.
Assembly sheet :
- Hook: Arhex SA 280 size 2
- Body and wing: Bucktail white then pink (but can be any of the above colors) + Angel hair pink/pearl.
- 3D Eyes 5mn
Enjoy your assembly and the end of the bar season!
