Toledo Bend in October can be a great time for bass fishing. Based on the video context, there are a few techniques that you can try to increase your chances of success.
Target Shallow Water: In October, some bass will be in shallow water, especially in creek arms or river arms. Look for off-colored or dirtier water, as there tends to be a population of bass in those areas. You can fish various types of cover like docks, shallow grass, laydowns, and rock transitions. This is a good opportunity to use baits like buzzbaits or walking topwater lures to cover a lot of water and entice shallow bass to bite.
Deep Diving Crankbaits: Another effective technique is using deep diving crankbaits. Bass will start making their way into the backs of creeks and stop off on key pieces of cover like brush piles, rock piles, or standing timber. By using a deep diving crankbait, you can cover a lot of these areas quickly. The crankbait imitates shad, which bass feed heavily on during this time of year. Look for offshore pieces of cover in water depths ranging from 5 to 25 feet, depending on the crankbait you choose.
Spinnerbaits: If you're fishing a lake with largemouth bass and shad, throwing a spinnerbait can be very effective in October. Parallel every piece of laydown or wood you can find in the water and cover the bank in between. This technique allows you to cover a lot of water and target bass that may be transitioning back up the creek following the baitfish. As the baitfish start to come back down for the winter, the bass will move back to the main lake. This is a great time to use spinnerbaits and catch a ton of bass, including big ones.
Speed Cranking: When targeting bass in deeper water, consider using speed cranking techniques. Focus on creek channels or funnel points where the fish are likely to be coming through to funnel into the backs of bays. Use deep diving crankbaits or other lures that can be retrieved quickly to cover water and trigger reaction strikes. The video context mentions the use of a specific crankbait, but you can experiment with different options based on the depth and conditions of Toledo Bend.
Remember, fishing conditions can vary, so it's always a good idea to adjust your techniques based on the specific conditions of Toledo Bend during October.