Randy Howell Swears by Walking Topwaters When Fish Move Shallow in the Fall

Long casts over shallow flats can result in surprisingly great action on sunny fall days

Bass Pro Tour pro Randy Howell readily admits that fall fishing in Southern reservoirs can be tough. Unpredictable weather and rapidly changing conditions can make fish difficult to pattern as they roam around in search of food.

One tool that Howell keeps on deck this time of year is a walking topwater bait, which he throws over shallow flats to target bass moving shallow in pursuit of baitfish. And contrary to most anglers, Howell keeps throwing topwaters when the sun is high and bright. Long casts are key when Howell is slinging baits like the Livingston Walking Boss: he loads up a Daiwa Tatula Elite Reel (8.1:1 gear ratio) with 50-pound Daiwa J-Braid x8 Grand and pairs it with a 7-foot, 4-inch Daiwa Tatula Elite rod built for the technique.