Strike King pro Tristan McCormick shares why he refers to October as “splash month” in Zone 3.

“October is probably my favorite time of the year. I call it ‘splash month!’ October is known for topwater,” asserts McCormick. With the drop in water temperature, bass feeding patterns are changing and topwater baits reign supreme during October. “Weather starts cooling off, leaves start changing, and the bass start chasing bait and feeding like sharks! You can literally pick a topwater up and never put it down all day,” shares McCormick.

There are a few key baits that McCormick utilizes during October, especially the Sexy Dawg, Tour Grade Spinnerbait, and KVD 1.5. “Sexy Dawg Hard Knock is my go-to for covering a lot of water, usually fishing from the bank all the way out to shallow bars in the middle of the lake. The more wind you have the better, in my opinion. The wind gets the bait active, and the bass will be right behind them. A spinnerbait is just as good, especially shallow going down riprap or fishing around docks. I would also have my KVD 1.5 on standby to follow up with the spinnerbait!” advises McCormick.

BAIT 1: Strike King Sexy Dawg Hard Knock

If the water is clear, he prefers Clear Sexy Shad. In stained water, he switches to Carolina Chrome. For muddy water, McCormick will favor a Bone.

Strike King’s Sexy Dawg Hard Knock maintains all of the premium “walk the dog” action of the original with an added rattle chamber for a deeper knocking sound to grab attention and entice strikes.

BAIT 2: Strike King KVD 1.5

McCormick’s choice for clear water is Green Gizzard Shad, while he opts for Oyster if the water is stained. Powder Blue Back Chartreuse is McCormick’s top selection in muddy conditions.

The KVD 1.5 is perfect for shallow water, power fishing. The squarebill design and unique “hunting” action will constantly emit erratic movement while still running true.

BAIT 3: Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait with Blade Minnow trailer

He opts for White Silver in clear water, and switches to Chartreuse White if the water is stained. In muddy water, McCormick will pick up Spot Remover.

With heightened effectiveness in cover, the Tour Grade Spinnerbait is designed with a light wire frame to help produce maximum vibration and comes complete with a hand-tied skirt.

BAIT 4: Strike King KVD Splash

If the water is clear, he will throw Sexy Shad, while more stained water calls for Oyster. McCormick prefers Carolina Chrome in low-vis conditions.

Built to fit the specifications of Kevin VanDam, the KVD Splash is the perfect balance of chugging, spitting, and walking action for huge strikes.

BAIT 5: Strike King 1/2 oz Red Eyed Shad

He opts for The Shizzle in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Gold Sexy Shad, while he will switch to Chrome Blue if the water is muddy.

The Red Eyed Shad has incredible action and features some awesome paint jobs, premium hooks, 3D eyes and free-floating rattles to give you the best action and sound of any lipless crankbait on the market.