Fall fishing can be a great time to catch fish, with some of the best action of the year! Here are some tips for fall fishing this season:
When to fish
The best time to fish is often in mid-fall, after the first frost, when baitfish gather and bass sense winter approaching.
Where to fish
Fish will stay in shallow water as long as the water temperature is comfortable. In unfamiliar waters, try using a square-bill crankbait to quickly cover water and find fish.
What to use
Some good baits for fall fishing include:
Crankbaits: Can mimic injured prey and dive to different depths. Choose models that resemble local forage.
Spinnerbaits: The vibration and flash of spinnerbaits can be enticing to fish. Willow and Colorado blades are both common options.
X-rap: A long-casting jerkbait that mimics struggling baitfish.
What fish to catch
Fall is a good time to catch trout, largemouth bass, and redfish:
Trout: Cooler temperatures make trout more active and ready to eat. Fly fishing is a good option.
Largemouth bass: Bass feed aggressively in the fall and return to deeper water as the water temperature cools.
Redfish: Fall brings in big spawning females and "tailers" cruising the flats.
Saltwater fishing is great in the fall because of more comfortable water temperatures, plentiful bait, and migrating fish. Aim for early mornings and late afternoons in the fall, as fish are more active during these parts of the day. Incoming tides tend to bring in fish looking for food.
Water temperature: Fish are more active and follow bait more closely in the fall.
Bait: Baitfish are large and plentiful, so saltwater lures that mimic them are effective. Shrimp lures may also be useful if you see shrimp, and live pinfish are useful throughout the year.
Migrating fish: Many fish migrate in the fall, including king mackerel and flounder.
Speckled trout: Also known as "specks", these fish can be found in inshore marshes and creeks, in the surf, and from ocean piers.
Black sea bass: These fish are best in the fall and winter because they are still full of fat before migrating.
Cod: Cod migrate in the fall and can be found in large schools near the surface of the water.
Grouper: Fall is a good time to target grouper, especially gag grouper in the eastern Florida rivers.
Scup: Fall is one of the best times to catch big scup.
Snook: Snook can be found in bigger bays and cuts in the fall.
When fishing in inshore bays and marshes, look for points along river and creek mouths where there's bait. In passes and inlets, target jetties, docks, drop-offs, and other current breaks. Look for areas with structure like docks, mangroves, and seagrass beds—fish love to hide out there.
Florida offers some fantastic fall fishing spots! Here are a few top recommendations:
Anna Maria Island: You'll find a mix of summertime favorites like snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout, along with wintertime species starting to appear.
Boca Grande: Boca Grande is known as the "Tarpon Capital of the World," so you'll have great opportunities to catch tarpon. The Boca Grande Pass is a prime spot, offering deep waters that attract a variety of fish.
Charlotte Harbor: Focus on the grass flats throughout Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor, as well as the deeper areas around the perimeter of the harbor. You can target snook, redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, snapper, ladyfish, jack crevalle, cobia, and sharks.
Everglades National Park: You can target snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, bluegill, and even some saltwater species in Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.
Ponce Inlet: The Halifax River, Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean all converge here, offering diverse fishing opportunities. You can expect to catch redfish, snook, spotted sea trout, Spanish mackerel, and even sharks!
Enjoy your fall fishing even more by including regular maintenance inspections on your boat and checking for any potential leaks or water in the bilge. If your boat has a livewell, water can sometimes overflow or leak, especially if the seam where the livewell meets the deck isn't sealed well. If you notice excessive water in your bilge, a Dry Bilge System can help you remove your excess water so you can spend more time enjoying the solitude of your fall fishing! Learn more about BILGE-B-DRY below!
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