Amazing!! It seems like we were just talking about getting ready for summer fishing and now we're planning for fishing during the autumn. Many anglers consider this time of year to be their favorite season for fishing. There are several reasons why fishing in the fall is so greatly anticipated by some anglers.
The weather lends itself to being outside. Generally it isn't too hot or too cold, and most of the bugs have headed south for the year.
The skies are alive with the sounds of waterfowl, and the sounds of jet-skis and the like are absent.
Best of all, fishing for lots of fish and big fish can be really, really good in the fall. Some folks may look upon the autumn season as being a time when fishing season is winding down, but many knowledgeable anglers view fall as a time when the best fishing is just starting. It's a good idea to be prepared for this potentially fast fishing.
First of all, start the fall season with fresh line on your reel. In many bodies of water, your chance for catching a big fish is best in the fall. You don't want that fish of a
lifetime (so far) to eat a bait that is attached to line that has been used all summer. Modern day fishing lines are amazingly strong and durable, but even the tiniest nick can weaken that line. When you're fighting the big one, it's good to know your line will meet the challenge. This time of year I really like Trilene XT line. It's tough stuff. I know of several walleyes over ten pounds that have been taken in past autumns on four and six pound test XT.
Make sure you have a good selection of baits. Fall fish can be very aggressive, but they can also be color selective at times. While a chartreuse jig may be working well, an orange one may be even better. You want to have a good selection of colors and sizes to insure that you will be able to give the fish what they want. Check your lure inventory and replace lures that may have been lost during the summer. If you like to use jigs, make sure you have plenty of Buck-Shot Rattle jigs. These babies are hot in the fall.
Try new techniques in the fall. I have done great the past couple of falls pulling crankbaits behind planer boards. This is a technique that many Midwest anglers haven't tried yet, but should. Planer boards enable an angler to get more lines in the water effectively. I've been using the boards produced by Off Shore because they're easy to use and do an excellent job. I'm convinced that I've caught more big fish in the past few years because of planer boards.
The reasons for fishing in the fall are many. The potential for big fish and lots of fish, wonderful weather, lots of wildlife sightings, and much more. Be ready when you get the chance to go fishing in the next few weeks and you'll enjoy it even more.
