Randy Howell’s 5 fave early fall baits

Randy Howell's packing some big hitters right now, and you should, too.

For Bassmaster Classic champ Randy Howell, covering water is the name of the game in the early fall. Bass are becoming more baitfish oriented, chasing them into creeks. Howell probes depths from the top down to 10 feet in his search, then refines the patterns once he begins getting bit. Here are his five favorite baits for early fall.
For Bassmaster Classic champ Randy Howell, covering water is the name of the game in the early fall. Bass are becoming more baitfish oriented, chasing them into creeks. Howell probes depths from the top down to 10 feet in his search, then refines the patterns once he begins getting bit. Here are his five favorite baits for early fall.
<p><strong>1. Livingston Lures Howeller.</strong></p>
<p>“I like a good mid-depth crankbait as a search bait,” Howell said. It’ll get down in the 9- and 10-foot depth range and casts really easily.” Threadfin shad is his favorite color. He throws it on a surprisingly fast reel — a 7.3:1 Daiwa Tatula Type R — but when you pause and think about it, a faster reel is better for covering water more efficiently. He flings it on a 7-foot medium-light Daiwa Tatula rod.</p>
1. Livingston Lures Howeller.
“I like a good mid-depth crankbait as a search bait,” Howell said. It’ll get down in the 9- and 10-foot depth range and casts really easily.” Threadfin shad is his favorite color. He throws it on a surprisingly fast reel — a 7.3:1 Daiwa Tatula Type R — but when you pause and think about it, a faster reel is better for covering water more efficiently. He flings it on a 7-foot medium-light Daiwa Tatula rod.
2. Livingston Pro Ripper
If Howell is trying to cover slightly shallower water, he’ll reach for this lipless crankbait, most often in chrome/blue. “This is great for working in shallow pockets or the backs of creeks, especially if there’s grass there,” he said. He uses the same casting gear for this as the Howeller.
2. Livingston Pro Ripper
If Howell is trying to cover slightly shallower water, he’ll reach for this lipless crankbait, most often in chrome/blue. “This is great for working in shallow pockets or the backs of creeks, especially if there’s grass there,” he said. He uses the same casting gear for this as the Howeller.
3. Livingston Walking Boss
“Early in the morning, there’s usually some kind of topwater bite, and sometimes if the conditions are right it’ll last all day,” Howell said. He throws this walking stickbait on a 7-4 heavy action Daiwa Tatula rod paired with 50-pound Daiwa Samurai Braid and a Daiwa Tatula Type R casting reel. “You can really bomb this thing with that thin braid and the Tatula reel. Plus, with the heavy action rod you almost always get a hook in ’em even on a long cast.”
3. Livingston Walking Boss
“Early in the morning, there’s usually some kind of topwater bite, and sometimes if the conditions are right it’ll last all day,” Howell said. He throws this walking stickbait on a 7-4 heavy action Daiwa Tatula rod paired with 50-pound Daiwa Samurai Braid and a Daiwa Tatula Type R casting reel. “You can really bomb this thing with that thin braid and the Tatula reel. Plus, with the heavy action rod you almost always get a hook in ’em even on a long cast.”
4. Lunker Lure Hawg Caller spinnerbait
“You always need a spinnerbait tied on this time of year,” Howell advises. He opts for a chartreuse-and-white Hawg Caller with double willow blades and tips it with a complementing Yamamoto Swim Senko. He lobs it with a 7-2 medium-heavy Tatula road and a 6.3:1 Tatula reel.
4. Lunker Lure Hawg Caller spinnerbait
“You always need a spinnerbait tied on this time of year,” Howell advises. He opts for a chartreuse-and-white Hawg Caller with double willow blades and tips it with a complementing Yamamoto Swim Senko. He lobs it with a 7-2 medium-heavy Tatula road and a 6.3:1 Tatula reel.
5. Yamamoto Senko
“This is my cleanup bait,” he says. “It’ll catch ’em anywhere or when the fishing gets tough, and it’s a good follow-up bait, like if you miss a strike on top or what spinnerbait. Skipping docks is also a pretty good way to catch fish this time of year.” Howell throws his Senko on a 7-2 medium-heavy Tatula spinning rod.
5. Yamamoto Senko
“This is my cleanup bait,” he says. “It’ll catch ’em anywhere or when the fishing gets tough, and it’s a good follow-up bait, like if you miss a strike on top or what spinnerbait. Skipping docks is also a pretty good way to catch fish this time of year.” Howell throws his Senko on a 7-2 medium-heavy Tatula spinning rod.