Journal Entry: November 14, 2025
It’s always a treat to hit the water on a weekday, especially in the late fall. Today, November 14th, 2025—an unbelievably warm Friday—was one for the books, proving that the colder months can hold some of the most aggressive fish of the year. It was a successful solo mission spanning two key spots: the local neighborhood pond and the nearby strip pit lake.
☀️ Conditions, The November Vibe, and the Warmth Factor
The conditions were far from typical for mid-November. The air temperature soared to an astonishing 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This unseasonable warmth was a massive factor. There was strong wind that created a nice chop and current, and it was the heat that kept the water temperature elevated. I think it kept the fish active on this day.
The Warmth Effect: This warmer water is why the bass were keyed in on a moving bait. The warmer water meant their metabolism was higher than normal for this time of year, making them willing—even eager—to chase down a fast meal.
My mood out on the bank was peaceful. Mid-November fishing offers a unique sense of solitude and peace. The lack of fishing pressure this time of year opens up the possibility of a good number of catches, and on this day this was no exception.
⚙️ The Winning Gear Setup
When the wind is blowing and the bass are keying in on moving bait, confidence is everything. What I was using:
Rod: Abu Garcia Veritas Micro Guide Series rod. It provides the sensitivity and backbone needed to detect subtle bites and handle a good fight from a cold-water bass. This is my "Go To" for just about anything. It is versatile.
Line: Spooled up with 10 lb test monofilament—I use this a lot. I am a bit old school. I use mono for most of my everyday fishing exploits.
💥 The Hot Lure & The "Burn and Kill" Retrieve
The key to unlocking the bite today was speed, a surprise tactic given the time of year, but maybe answered by what the weather was doing on this day. While I occasionally utilized a slow and steady retrieve, the true producer was the "Burn and Kill" technique. I would reel the bait with a faster retrieve and keep the bait at the top of the water column waiting for the sudden thump. For November in Illinois, having bass chase down a bait burned back to the bank is a fun bite!
⭐ Successful Lure Combination: Underspin and Finesse Trailer⭐
| Product | Specs Used | Why It Worked |
| Jighead | Great Lakes Finesse Sneaky Underspin (3/16 oz, Silver) | The small blade kept the bait high in the water column during the fast retrieve and offered that critical flash on the "kill" pause. |
| Trailer | Keitech Swing Impact Sight Flash 3" (Blue) | The subtle blue tint was perfect, and the Keitech's legendary tail action gives off a powerful vibration even when retrieving quickly. |
🛒 Product Notes & Links
For my records, and anyone else looking to put this setup to work:
Great Lakes Finesse Sneaky Underspin 3/16 oz Bait
Find it at Academy Sports:
https://www.academy.com/p/great-lakes-finesse-sneaky-underspin-3-16-oz-bait
Keitech Swing Impact Sight Flash 3 in. Unrigged Swimbait (Blue/Sight Flash)
Find it at Academy Sports:
https://www.academy.com/p/keitech-swing-impact-sight-flash-3-in-unrigged-swim-baits-10-pack
Another productive late-season trip is logged. The quiet of the outdoors, the aggressive strikes spurred by unseasonable warmth, and the knowledge that the pressure is off make November fishing truly special.
No comments:
Post a Comment