Fishing for and catching your own dinner is an experience unique to being outdoors. If you’re going to rely on your fishing skills while you’re camping or doing bushcraft, it’s important you have the best fishing gear to give you the highest chance of success. With this post, we’ll cover some of the best gear for bass fishing in Fall.

There can be some challenges when bass fishing in the Fall. But, if you have the right gear and know what you’re doing, you’ll be well-rewarded for your efforts. Having the right fishing reel and bait for bass will increase your catch rate.

How to Buy a Bass Fishing Reel

First, we’ll cover a few basics on how to buy a fishing reel. There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for the best fishing reels for catching bass. Here are a few of the features to look for:

Drag Strength: A typical bass weighs from 2 to 10lbs, so you’ll want to ensure your reel can handle that weight without breaking. Look for a reel with at least 10 pounds of max drag strength or higher if you’re fishing for larger bass.

Gear Ratio: The gear ratio specifies how many times the spool turns per turn of the handle. Higher gear ratios let you reel in your catch faster, but don’t have as much power or torque as lower gear ratios. For bass fishing, a 4:1 to 6:1 gear ratio should provide a good compromise of speed and strength.

Ball Bearings: The ball bearings keep the reel turning smoothly. They’re critical for easy casting and retrieving. When it comes to ball bearings, quality is better than quantity. Look for ball bearings made of durable, quality materials and are protected from dirt, debris.

Durability: When you rely on your gear to catch your food, you need to ensure it’ll survive the outdoors. Choose a reel with strong, durable construction that will survive the elements and the wear and tear of being in the outdoors. Ideally, you’ll want a reel that products the ball bears from rust and debris. Most reels are graphite or aluminum. Aluminum is more durable but graphite is more lightweight.

Best Fishing Reels for Bass

The main types of fishing reels used for bass fishing are baitcasting, spinning, and fly reels. In this post, we’ll share the best baitcasting reels for bass fishing. Baitcasting reels are accurate, offer more control, and are durable, making them a solid choice for bass fishing. If you want to find the best fishing reels for catching bass in the fall or throughout the year, here are a few great reels to consider:

Best All-Around Reel for Fishing Bass

First up, we have the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Striper Baitcast Reel. Striped bass play rough and this reel gives you the means to fight back and win. Supremely designed, you’ll love the 6-pin centrifugal brake that provides superior cast control, a 3+1 system with stainless steel ball bearings to assure smooth winding, and a high-performance Carbon Matrix™ drag, and power knob for maximum torque.

Best Lightweight Reel for Bass

If you’re looking for a more lightweight fishing real, consider the Shimano Chronarch MGL Low-Profile Baitcast Reel. A long-time favorite, this reel has been retooled to deliver seamless high-level performance. At just 6.5 oz., this Shimano reel offers incredibly smooth, silent, effortless retrieves. It’s ready to make a real difference in your catch rate with efficient X-Ship gear support.

Best Budget-Friendly Fishing Reel for Bass

If you’re looking for a superior choice with a more forgiving price tag, look no further than the Bass Pro Shops Megacast Baitcast Reel. Compact and packed with lightweight features, its 4-bearing (3+1) system with PowerLock™ instant anti-reverse teams with easy-to-use magnetic braking to assure smooth performance all around, day in and day out. Designed to withstand the rigors of snagging, the MegaCast® Baitcast Reel features a rugged, lightweight graphite frame and a durable machined, anodized aluminum spool for corrosion resistance and easy handling.

For more fishing reel options, check out Bass Pro Shops’ fantastic collection of baitcast reels and spinnerbaits.

Other Fishing Gear for Bass Fishing in Fall

Once you found your reel, you’ll also want to grab reliable fishing bait. There’s a wide array of fishing bait available, but not every bait is good for catching bass. Bass eat different bait depending on the time of year, so you’ll want to find bait that matches the season you’re fishing for. Bass eat different bait depending on the time of year. Chrome or silver baits are idea for bass fishing in fall. Here are two good choices for bass bait:

Under $5 with a 4.8-star rating, the Panther Martin Deluxe Regular Spinner delivers more range, more vibration, and, with its brilliant premium metallic finish, more fish-attracting flash than any other inline spinner.

Another option for bait is the top-selling Joe Bucher SlopMaster. The design enables this lure to slip, slither, and slide through obstacles with no hang-ups. It’s ideal for targeting bass hanging tight in extra-thick cover.

Whether fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, or another variety, having the right fishing reel, baits, and other fishing accessories can make a difference on your experience. We hope we’ve helped you find the best gear for your next bass fishing trip in Fall.