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 $78^{\circ}\text{F}$! This unseasonable warmth was a massive factor. While we had good, strong wind that created a nice chop and current, it was this heat that kept the water temperature elevated, preventing the fish from settling into their typical cold-weather lethargy.
The Warmth Effect: I believe this exceptional temperature is precisely 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.
The mood out on the bank was simply wonderful. Mid-November fishing offers such a unique sense of solitude and peace. The lack of fishing pressure this time of year almost guarantees a good number of catches, and today was no exception.
⚙️ The Winning Gear Setup
When the wind is blowing and the bass are keying in on moving bait, confidence is everything. My trusty setup handled the job perfectly:
Rod: My reliable 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.
Line: Spooled up with 10 lb test monofilament—just enough stretch to handle the reaction strike and enough strength to pull them away from any late-season weeds.
💥 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 perfectly suited for the weather. While I occasionally utilized a slow and steady retrieve, the true producer was the "Burn and Kill" technique. I would reel the bait as fast as I could and just hang on, waiting for the sudden thump. For November in Illinois, having bass chase down a bait burned back to the bank is truly amazing and speaks to their aggressive nature when they sense the water is still warm.
⭐ Successful Lure Combination: Underspin Finesse ⭐
| 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