Let’s start where it all begins for most juvenile baitfish. The rivers and estuaries have been their refuge since the time they were born, but now it’s time to head south. This migration doesn’t go unnoticed as schoolie-sized striped bass and harbor blues pick apart the schools of young baitfish. Fishing the backwaters and estuaries this time of year can be extremely productive. For this type of fishing, I like to go with a 9’ medium action Shimano Speedmaster and Ultegra 5500XTD, spooled with 15-20lb test PowerPro Super8Slick V2 tied to a 3-4’ 20lb fluorocarbon leader via an FG knot. Fall fishing is mostly about matching the hatch, as most bait will range in the 2-4 inch length. Baitfish like herring, silversides, sandeels, and peanut bunker (juvenile menhaden) make up the bulk of the baitfish species, with some states seeing juvenile squid, mackerel, and mullet on the menu.
Thinking small when choosing the right lure can be critical at times for success. A 1/2oz to 3/4oz jig head with a matching paddle-tail can prove deadly and is always a great choice to begin with. Metals like the Current Sniper jig in 21g or 28g are also a good choice and cover lots of water, making them the perfect match for size during the fall run. One of my favorite ways to fish the back bays is with topwater. Both popper-style and walk-the-dog type baits work great! Calling in hungry bass and blues in these normally calm waters. Making for some exciting fishing. The Pop-Orca 90 and Current Sniper Walk -Hi-pitch worked along the surface continuously for a few feet and then paused for a couple of seconds before beginning again is a great cadence to start with. Just make sure you’re paying attention and holding on to your setup. Fish here will feed during both flooding and ebbing tides. Though I prefer the dropping tide, every spot differs in when the best times to fish are.
As baitfish make their way onto the open ocean and along the beaches, they catch the attention of not only bigger bass and blues, but also funny fish. A term given to the small pelagic species that frequent the northeast in the fall.
To target those species like bonito, little tunny, and even juvenile king mackerel, there are two setups I recommend. First, the 7’ medium action Teramar PX SE matched with a Stradic 5000 and 20lb Maxcuatro PowerPro is perfect for targeting funny fish on the jetties and along breachways. Second, is a 9’6 Tiralejo paired with an Ultegra 5500 XTD and 20lb Super8Slick V2 for when the fish are out of reach. Which, at many times, can be the case. Popular forms of lures include epoxy jigs, soft plastics, and swimming jigs like the Current Sniper jig
Fall surfcasting also means you have a good chance at tangling with some of the biggest bass and blues of the season. Though you can find these big fish feeding heavily on smaller bait like peanut bunker or tinker mackerel, the adult version of those baitfish usually hint that something bigger might be hanging around or could show up at the turn of the tide. Keep in mind that tides play a big part in surf casting, and fishing on wide open beaches can make it a little more difficult to find the perfect spot, making finding structure key. Structure often holds bait, and bait equals success. Troughs and sandbars are usually areas to begin. Predatory fish use these places along the beach to ambush prey. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for breaking fish or diving birds. The 10’6 Medium action Tiralejo XX is my favorite stick for chasing fish along the beach. With a 1oz to 3-1/2oz lure range, this rod covers a lot of lure sizes and surfcasting techniques. Paired with a long-cast 5500 size Ultegra XR reel and 30 lb PowerPro braid. You can just about handle anything the fall season has to throw at you.
One of the best things about fishing the fall run is that a lot of great fishing can be had during daylight hours, but if you’re looking for that fish of a lifetime, night is best. Bigger bass and blues love coming in close to shore and lazily feed on the scraps left by blitzes that played out during the day. Not to mention many other favorite foods of striped bass emerge during the cover of darkness to feed. Crabs, lobsters, and eels make up a big part of a bass and bluefish’s diet, and these fish will need the nutrients for the long migration south. Fishing larger lures at night in the same spots that produced during the day can sometimes pay off. Chunking fresh bait if available is a great way to punch your ticket to a new personal best. If chunking bait is your style of fishing. I recommend any of the previously mentioned rods in the 10’ to 12’ range. The longer rods help with casting distance and keep your line above the crashing waves as you wait for a bite. When choosing your rod and reel, make sure the rod’s lure rating covers the weight of the sinker plus the bait that you intend to throw. Match with a reel that will hold at least a couple of hundred yards of 30-50lb PowerPro braid. Shimano has an extensive list of rods, reels, and lures designed specifically for surf-fishing. With its well-known good, better, and best approach, there are many price-friendly options to choose from to enjoy one of New England’s best fishing opportunities. Now go get them!
