James RickardReady for some fall fishing?
October 28th 2008 00:26
October is winding down. It may not be autumn where you live but it is around here. As the weather changes, you have to allow for seasonal differences but, the end of summer is not a signal to put away the rod and reel. People often think fall is too cool for fishing. However, after a cold snap, it's not unusual for fish to bask in the sun in a effort to catch a bit of warmth the same as you or me.
Fall fishing pays off because of scientific reasoning. In early autumn, oxygen levels in the water are low. Consequently, fish are going to congregate in areas where oxygen is more abundant.
The mistake people often make in cooler weather is trying to use the same tactics they use when it’s warm. A guy trying to land a fish on a night crawler 12” below his bobber or burning a lure across the surface is probably wasting his time! Since fish are cold-blooded creatures, when the temperature drops, everything they do is going to slow down. So, to trigger strikes, you’re going to have to slow down your presentation.
If the water is cold and the surrounding air temperature is also cold, fish are probably going to head for deeper water to get away from the cold. Fish that were at 10 feet during the summer can suddenly be found at 30 feet or greater and the fish you watched all summer are probably NOT going to be there!
If you’re partial to artificial lures, try a spinnerbait or a crankbaits with a tight wobble. When the sun is out, you may want to consider a topwater if you notice fish are coming toward the surface. Otherwise, go with leeches, grubs, or plain worms. For bigger, toothy critters such as pike or musky, minnows are always a safe bet because, even if you don't land one of these monsters, you may hook a decent bass or walleye.
If it’s not too cold, you may surprise yourself. If it IS cold, bundle up!
Fall fishing pays off because of scientific reasoning. In early autumn, oxygen levels in the water are low. Consequently, fish are going to congregate in areas where oxygen is more abundant.
The mistake people often make in cooler weather is trying to use the same tactics they use when it’s warm. A guy trying to land a fish on a night crawler 12” below his bobber or burning a lure across the surface is probably wasting his time! Since fish are cold-blooded creatures, when the temperature drops, everything they do is going to slow down. So, to trigger strikes, you’re going to have to slow down your presentation.
If the water is cold and the surrounding air temperature is also cold, fish are probably going to head for deeper water to get away from the cold. Fish that were at 10 feet during the summer can suddenly be found at 30 feet or greater and the fish you watched all summer are probably NOT going to be there!
If you’re partial to artificial lures, try a spinnerbait or a crankbaits with a tight wobble. When the sun is out, you may want to consider a topwater if you notice fish are coming toward the surface. Otherwise, go with leeches, grubs, or plain worms. For bigger, toothy critters such as pike or musky, minnows are always a safe bet because, even if you don't land one of these monsters, you may hook a decent bass or walleye.
If it’s not too cold, you may surprise yourself. If it IS cold, bundle up!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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