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Fall 2026
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ANDY MORGAN: SEASONAL SWITCH
Morgan turns to a jig during the cold-water months, starting in late fall and carrying it through winter and into early spring. Once the bass begin spawning, he switches to a Texas rig and keeps it on his flipping stick through early fall.
“It all comes down to efficiency,” he said. “A Texas-rig doesn’t get hung up as much as a jig, and the soft plastic bait choices and colors are endless.”
This is a benefit as Morgan looks to put his jig or Texas-rig in places that other anglers may overlook. And oftenm that is some of the nastiest, snaggiest cover available.
Morgan’s Texas-rig set up for early fall flipping is a 5/16-ounce tungsten weight with a 4/0 hook and a Zoom Z Craw. As the water temperatures drop, he’ll switch to a jig. His go-to is a ½-ounce Strike King Andy Morgan Flipping Jig.
GERALD SWINDLE: COVER MAKES THE CALL
G-Man picks his lure based on the cover he is fishing and when he’s fishing grass or other vegetation it’s a Texas-rig.
“It slides down through it easier,” said Swindle. “I’ll use a ¼- or 5/16-ounce tungsten weight with a 3/0 VMC Redline Straight Shank hook and a Zoom Mag Finesse Worm or Old Monster.”
When the Elite Series pro is fishing wood, he turns to his staple – a 3/8-ounce Buckeye Lures G-Man Ballin’ Out Jig with a Zoom Speed Craw trailer. This jig catches bass for Swindle throughout
Gerald Swindle Photo: BASS
Andy Morgan Photo: NPFL
the year and in and around all forms of cover. Having one jig to build confidence in is something that many of the greatest jig fishermen will attest to: find a jig you like, and can catch bass on, then stick with it.
As the leaves start to turn colors and fall, the flipping bite can heat up. So, depending on your preference, grab a jig, or rig up your favorite soft plastic bait on a Texas-rig and get to flipping.
Glenn has been in fishing tournaments for over twenty years, spreading his passion and knowledge of the sport via articles and videos. •