We don’t know about you, but we sure are ready to trade the sweat of summer and long days offshore for cooler autumn days closer to home. Dropping temperatures doesn’t mean an end to the fishing season (because there’s no such thing, right?), but it does mean it’s time for us to adjust our fishing tactics to the changing weather. We sat down with vetted fisherman and member of Team LaPorte, Bradley Clark, to get his best advice on what you should do to reel in big this fall.
THE CATCH OF FALL
Spotted Seatrout
This spotted fish, also known as Speckled Trout, can often be found traveling in schools during the early fall season. So, If you hook one, cast back in that same spot and be prepared to catch more! The best times to catch these trout are during the incoming and falling tides. Focus your casts near creek mouths and in moving currents.
Redfish
One of the most popular catches here in the saltwater of the south, Redfish can typically be found on a weedy coastline or in inlets where they spawn during the fall season. You’ll have the best luck in deeper pockets where the creek turns.
Flounder
From summer into autumn, this popular fall fish hides at the bottom of coastal waters along the entire eastern coastline. During the cooler months, they tend to gather into groups for migration.
FALL BAIT
Spotted Seatrout
If you’re looking to hook up some speckled trout this fall, you’ll want to use artificials. Spoons and plugs work well, but our favorite is an Eye Strike Jig Head with a Z-Man plastic. If you prefer fishing with live bait, pinch off the tail of a shrimp. The scent will attract the fish. Whether you’re fishing with plastics or live bait, make sure to work your jig with the current to grab the trout’s attention.
Reds
If you’ve got any ladyfish left in the freezer, pull ’em out and cut ’em up – they’ll do the trick when you want to attract the bulls this fall. You can also use crab or shrimp to reel in the reds. Keep in mind that Redfish get spooked more easily in the fall than in the summer, so be sure to approach quietly and slowly.
Flounder
When fishing for flounder, we recommend using live bait, particularly mullet. If your local shop doesn’t have mullet on hand, mud minnows will get the job done as well. We recommend fishing lit docks after sunset. The light attracts bait and — you guessed it — bait attracts flounder.
BEST TIMES
To cash in on some fall fish, make sure to catch the mid-day sun for the warmest water.
Check out this video to get Bradley’s full list of fall fishing tips and, while you’re at it, go ahead and hit that like and subscribe button. Welcome to LIFE WITH LAPORTE!
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