Topwater Fishing in the Fall: Jeremy Lawyer’s Go-To Setups for the Ozarks' Bass Bite

There’s something magical about fall in the Ozarks — the crisp air, the subtle frost on the ground, and the anticipation of deer season kicking off. But for me, nothing gets my heart racing more than the thought of the topwater bite. It's a signal that a fresh push of bass is coming shallow, feeding heavily on shad, and ready to blow up on a bait.

As the leaves change, and the water cools, it’s the perfect time to be on the water. There’s just something about the rush of casting a buzzbait or a plopper over the water and watching a bass explode on top. If you're targeting these aggressive, shallow-water fish, the setup you use makes all the difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of my favorite rods for tackling topwater in the fall.

  1. Long Casts Along the Bank: Denali Kovert 7'6" Med/Hvy Swim Jig Rod

When the bass are roaming shallow along the bank and you’re making long, accurate casts, my go-to rod is the Denali Kovert 7'6" Med/Hvy Swim Jig Rod. This rod excels in two key areas: casting distance and loading action. The extra length gives me that added distance I need to cover water and make long casts ahead of the boat, especially with a buzzbait or plopper-style bait.  The beauty of a longer rod is its ability to load up smoothly, giving the fish just enough time to commit to the bait. When you’re fishing those long stretches of bank, there’s a lot of water to cover, and being able to make an accurate cast with the right amount of distance means more chances for that explosive topwater bite.

  1. Shorter, Precise Casts: Denali Attax 7'3" MH

Now, when I’m targeting isolated structure like wood, boulders, or boat docks, I need precision. That’s where the Denali Attax 7'3" MH comes in. The shorter rod length gives me better accuracy for those quick, tight casts around structure. Whether I’m roll-casting or backhanding, this rod’s shorter length and fast action allow me to hit precise targets with ease.  Topwater fishing around cover can be tricky, bass will often hang tight to isolated objects like submerged wood or rocky points, so being able to quickly and accurately place a bait in those small windows is key. The Attax 7'3" MH allows me to make those critical casts that land right where I need them.

  1. Dock Fishing and Over Cables: Denali Lithium Pro 7'6" Flipping Stick

One of my favorite fall-time fishing tactics is working around boat docks or over cables where the fish tend to hide in the shade, or just under the dock's edge. For this situation, I break out my 7'6" Denali Lithium Pro Flipping Stick. This rod is a little more specialized, but it's perfect for getting the fish under control right away when they strike.  I’ve found that when a bass blows up on a topwater near boat docks, you often don’t have a lot of time to mess around. These fish tend to dive under the dock or get tangled in cables, so having a rod with a bit more backbone and the ability to instantly set the hook is a must. The Lithium Pro 7'6" flipping stick gives me the power and control I need to get that fish turned around and back to the boat before they can escape into the structure.

Now, I’m not saying this is the only way to target fall bass with topwater — there are plenty of other rods and setups that could work just as well. But for me, these setups have become my go-to for when it’s game day on the water. The versatility of each rod gives me the tools I need to approach any situation, whether it’s making long casts going down the bank or making a precise cast around structure.

As we move into the fall season, remember that topwater fishing can be a game changer. The bass are hungry and aggressive, and there’s no better way to experience that raw excitement than with a topwater lure. So, grab your favorite rod, tie on that buzzbait or plopper, and get ready for the action.

Best of luck this fall on the water — I hope you get a chance to experience the magic of the topwater bite in the Ozarks or anywhere else for that matter!