Getting Ready for Fall Fishing

Fall fishing is around the corner! Discover the essential tips, tackle, and mindset for an exciting season, whether in saltwater or freshwater.

Getting Ready for Fall Fishing: Tips, Tackle, and Mindset

As summer gives way to the crisp, cool days of autumn, seasoned anglers know that fall fishing brings a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. The water's surface ripples with the promise of adventure, and it's time to prepare for a fantastic season ahead. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of fall fishing and explore the mindset, tips, tackle, and gear you'll need to make it unforgettable. Our insights are backed by the expertise of TackleDirect's experienced staff anglers.

Saltwater Fall Fishing

If the call of the salty sea is more your style, you're in for an exhilarating experience when it comes to fall fishing. This season, characterized by cooling waters and changing currents, unveils a world of thrills and challenges unique to saltwater anglers. Whether you're casting your line along the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic or the breathtaking vistas of the Pacific, saltwater fall fishing promises a bounty of memorable moments and trophy catches.

The Saltwater Angler's Fall Mindset

• Embrace Change: Prepare for sudden temperature drops, windy days, and changing water conditions. Be ready to switch tactics and locations as needed to stay on top of the fish's movements.
• Focus on Patterns: Pay attention to the changing patterns of baitfish and water temperature. Fish will often follow these patterns, so knowing where and when these changes occur can give you a significant advantage.
• Be Patient: Fish in the fall may not bite as frequently as they do in warmer months, but when they do, it can be explosive. Give your bait or lures ample time to work their magic, and don't be quick to change tactics if you haven't had a bite in a while.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts, tidal charts, and reports from local anglers or fishing forums. The more you know about current conditions, the better your chances of success.

Saltwater Tackle and Gear

• Rods: If you mainly plan on fishing this fall with live or dead bait, opt for rods with a moderate or moderate fast action since the softer tip will help you get a proper hookset. If you plan on predominantly casting lures, stick with a rod rated with a fast action to ensure you have enough distance on your casts.
• Reels: Equally important are the reels. Saltwater can be harsh on equipment, so invest in reels designed for saltwater use. Look for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum to ensure longevity. Reels with high-quality drag systems are essential for handling strong, fast-fighting fish. Don't forget to protect your valuable reels from saltwater corrosion by using quality reel covers designed specifically for saltwater environments.
• Bait & Lures: Fall fishing often involves aggressive strikes from predatory species like striped bass and bluefish. Topwater plugs create enticing surface commotion, drawing fish from below to deliver heart-pounding strikes. Jigs are versatile lures suitable for a variety of saltwater species. Soft plastic lures in natural colors resembling common prey are reliable choices.
• Terminal Tackle: Use quality hooks that resist corrosion. Circle hooks are preferred when using live or dead bait for their ability to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the risk of gut-hooking and improving fish survival. Swivels and snap clips help reduce line twist and make changing lures or baits a breeze.
• Line: Fluorocarbon leaders offer low visibility in the water, which can be critical when targeting wary fish. Opt for high-quality, abrasion-resistant monofilament or braided line suitable for saltwater conditions.
• Accessories and Safety Gear: A good pair of corrosion-resistant pliers will help you handle fish safely and efficiently. For larger fish or species that are challenging to handle, consider a landing net with a sturdy frame and a fish-friendly rubberized mesh to reduce the risk of injury. Safety should always be a priority, especially when fishing from a boat or kayak. A comfortable life jacket that allows for freedom of movement is essential.

Tuna Image Provided by TackleDirect's Director of Customer Experience, Brian Brown

Target Saltwater Species in the Fall

• Striped Bass: Often the highlight of fall saltwater fishing along the Atlantic coast, striped bass migrate southward and become highly active. These iconic fish make their way to coastal areas in the fall for feeding. Focus on shorelines, jetties, and estuaries.
• Redfish: Fall fishing often involves aggressive strikes from predatory species like striped bass and bluefish. Topwater plugs create enticing surface commotion, drawing fish from below to deliver heart-pounding strikes. Jigs are versatile lures suitable for a variety of saltwater species. Soft plastic lures in natural colors resembling common prey are reliable choices.
• Speckled Trout: Another prized inshore species, speckled trout, become more active as the weather cools, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
• Flounder: Fall is a prime time to target flounder as they move off into deeper water. Target flounder near inlets, artificial reefs, and wrecks before the season closes. Use live bait or soft plastics like Gulp! to entice them.
• Bluefish: Bluefish are aggressive predators that follow schools of baitfish in the fall, making them a popular target for saltwater anglers.
• Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin): Offshore anglers can target mahi-mahi as they follow floating debris and sargassum weed, offering excellent opportunities for these colorful and tasty fish. Fall is also a good time to check out the lobster gear out near the canyon walls to load up the freezer before the water cools down.
• Wahoo: Wahoo are fast and powerful predators that become more active in the fall, making them a challenging target for offshore anglers. Try highspeed trolling over key structures at 15+ knots, which will allow you to cover a lot of ground.
• Tuna: Depending on the region, various tuna species, such as yellowfin, longfin and blackfin tuna, may be available in the fall, providing thrilling battles for anglers.

Freshwater Fall Fishing

Now, let's delve deeper into the specifics of fall fishing in freshwater environments. Whether you're heading to a serene lake, a meandering river, or a secluded mountain stream, the fall season brings with it a symphony of colors and a treasure trove of angling opportunities. With the right tips and gear recommendations, you can enhance your freshwater fishing experience and make the most of this captivating season.

Bass Image Provided by TackleDirect Pro Staffer, Nicholas Dellaporta

The Freshwater Angler's Fall Mindset

• Embrace Change: In lakes and rivers, cooling water temperatures can significantly impact fish behavior. Adapt by targeting different depths and areas as fish migrate in search of comfortable conditions.
• Focus on Patterns: Observe the movement of prey species like shad and minnows. Where they go, predators like bass and trout are sure to follow. Recognizing these patterns can lead you to the right spots and improve your catch rate.
• Be Patient: Largemouth bass, in particular, may become less active as the water cools. Be patient, and let your baits work slowly and naturally. A single well-placed cast can make your day.
• Stay Informed: Study lake or river maps and talk to local bait shops or fellow anglers to get insights into where fish might be congregating. Joining online fishing communities can also provide valuable information about what's biting and where.

Freshwater Tackle and Gear

• Rods: Match your rods up to your preferred fall fishing technique, with moderate to moderate fast action rods if fishing with natural baits or crankbaits and faster action rods for casting lures with long and precise casts.
• Reels: Choose reels that match your rod and the species you plan to target. For freshwater fall fishing, spinning reels are often preferred for their ease of use and versatility. Ensure the reel's drag system is smooth and capable of handling the anticipated fish sizes.
• Bait & Lures: Crankbaits excel at mimicking baitfish. Opt for medium-depth and deep-diving crankbaits in natural colors. Spinnerbaits can be effective in fall when fish are more aggressive. Their flash and vibration make them enticing to bass and other species. Soft plastics, especially worms, are go-to lures for fall bass fishing.
• Terminal Tackle: Use appropriate hooks for the size of the baits or lures you're using. A selection of weights and sinkers allows you to adjust your bait or lure's depth based on the fish's behavior.
• Line: Fall fishing often requires using monofilament or fluorocarbon lines in the 8 to 20-pound test range, depending on the species you're targeting.
• Accessories and Safety Gear: Pliers are handy for removing hooks and handling fish safely. A landing net with a rubberized, fish-friendly mesh reduces the risk of injury to the fish. Weather can be unpredictable, so having moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer can keep you comfortable in changing conditions.

Salmon Image Provided by Usertiff_anyfish

Target Freshwater Species in the Fall

• Largemouth Bass: Fall is a prime time for bass fishing, and largemouth bass are especially active as they fatten up before winter. They often move into shallower waters to feed.
• Smallmouth Bass: These feisty fighters become more active in the fall, and anglers can target them in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
• Trout (Brown, Rainbow, Brook): Trout fishing can be excellent in the fall, especially in rivers and streams where they are more active due to cooling water temperatures. Look for trout in rivers and streams.
• Walleye: Walleye fishing can be exceptional in the fall as they move into shallower waters and become more active during low-light conditions. Target walleye at dawn and dusk. Jigging or trolling can be effective methods.
• Salmon (Chinook, Coho): In regions with salmon runs, fall is the season to target these powerful and sought-after species as they migrate upstream to spawn.
• Pike & Muskie: These fish become more active in the fall, offering a thrilling challenge for dedicated anglers. Look for them in weed beds and along the edges of aquatic vegetation.
• Crappie & Panfish: Crappie can be easier to locate in the fall as they congregate around structures and deeper waters. Panfish remain active throughout the fall, making them excellent targets for family-friendly fishing outings. They often gather in schools.

Embrace the Season.

By adopting the right mindset and gearing up with the recommended tackle and gear, you're well on your way to enjoying a fantastic fall fishing season. Whether you prefer the tranquility of  freshwater or the exhilaration of saltwater, remember that adaptability, patience, and a deep appreciation for nature will always be your most valuable companions on the journey.

With these insights and tips from TackleDirect's experienced staff anglers, you're all set to embrace the exciting world of fall fishing. So, grab your gear, head to your favorite fishing spot, and make the most of this beautiful season on the water.

Happy fall fishing, fellow anglers!