Introduction
As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves change color, fall brings many opportunities for anglers looking to take advantage of inshore fishing. Whether you’re targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, or striped bass, fall offers some of the best coastal fishing conditions of the year. Cooler waters, active fish, and less crowded spots make it a prime time to cast your line.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fall inshore fishing, from tips and techniques to the best times to hit the water. Let’s dive in!
Why Fall Is Perfect for Inshore Fishing
Fall is a transitional season that brings significant changes in water temperature and fish behavior. As water temperatures drop from their summer peaks, fish begin to move inshore to feed and prepare for the cooler winter months. This transition creates a window of opportunity where fish are more aggressive and less selective, making them easier to catch.
Some key reasons fall is ideal for inshore fishing include:
- Cooling Water Temperatures: Cooler waters push baitfish closer to shore, bringing inshore predators like redfish, speckled trout, and striped bass along with them.
- Less Fishing Pressure: With many boaters and summer vacationers gone, you’ll find less competition in your favorite fishing spots.
- Fish Feeding Frenzy: Inshore species feed heavily in fall to build up energy for the winter, making them more likely to take your bait.
Best Species to Target in Fall
Several key species make fall inshore fishing particularly rewarding. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Redfish (Red Drum)
- Where to Find Them: Shallow flats, marshes, and around oyster beds.
- Best Baits: Live shrimp, mullet, cut bait, or soft plastics.
- Fishing Tip: Target redfish during high tides when they feed in shallow areas. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times.
- Speckled Trout
- Where to Find Them: Around grass flats, deeper channels, and coastal creeks.
- Best Baits: Soft plastics, topwater plugs, live shrimp, or finger mullet.
- Fishing Tip: Look for speckled trout in areas with plenty of current and bait activity. They tend to be more aggressive during the cooler mornings and evenings.
- Flounder
- Where to Find Them: Near drop-offs, ledges, and in channels around inshore creeks.
- Best Baits: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, or soft plastic jigs.
- Fishing Tip: Focus on areas with structure where flounder can ambush prey. Slow down your retrieval to mimic a wounded baitfish.
- Striped Bass
- Where to Find Them: Coastal rivers, estuaries, and around inlets.
- Best Baits: Live eels, topwater lures, soft plastics, or jerkbaits.
- Fishing Tip: Striped bass are more active during cooler months. Work your lures slower in cooler water temperatures to increase your chances of success.
Top Fall Inshore Fishing Techniques
Knowing the right techniques for the season can significantly impact your success rate. Here are some tried-and-true strategies for fall inshore fishing:
- Topwater Action: Cooler temperatures mean fish are more likely to strike at surface lures. Topwater plugs, poppers, and walk-the-dog style lures can be highly effective, especially in the early morning or late evening when fish feed actively.
- Live Bait Fishing: In fall, live bait like shrimp, mullet, or mud minnows is often irresistible to inshore species. Use a popping cork to keep your bait suspended just above the bottom in areas where fish are feeding.
- Jigging: Using soft plastic jigs is a great way to target fish like flounder, trout, and redfish in deeper channels or near structures. Experiment with different colors and retrieval speeds to see what works best on any given day.
- Fly Fishing: If you’re a fly angler, fall can be an exciting time to try at coastal species. Target shallow flats and marsh areas with shrimp or crab fly patterns. Focus on sight fishing during calm days when water clarity is high.
Timing and Tides
Fall inshore fishing success often depends on the tides and the time of day you’re fishing. Fish are typically more active around moving water, so plan your trips around tidal changes. A rising tide pushes baitfish into the shallows, and inshore predators will follow.
- Early Mornings & Late Afternoons: These cooler parts of the day are often the most productive, as fish are more likely to be feeding.
- Midday: While midday fishing can still be productive, focus on deeper channels or shaded areas where fish may retreat as temperatures rise.
- Falling Tides: Fishing a falling tide is excellent in South Louisiana. Finding points with water moving into larger bayous or lakes, the white shrimp drifting out of the marshes, and speckled trout and redfish wait to ambush them.
Gear Essentials for Fall Inshore Fishing
Ensure you’re prepared with the right gear to maximize your inshore fishing experience.
- Medium-Light Spinning Rods: A 7-foot medium-light spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000 size reel is ideal for most inshore species.
- Raided Line: Use 10-20 lb. braided line for its strength and sensitivity.
- Fluorocarbon Leader: A 20-30 lb. fluorocarbon leader can help you avoid spooking fish in clear water conditions.
- Topwater Lures, Jigs, and Soft Plastics: Bring a variety of lures to match the conditions you’re fishing in.
Conservation and Responsible Fishing
As fall fishing heats up, it’s important to remember to fish responsibly. Practice catch-and-release for species that are spawning or you don’t intend to keep. Pay attention to size and bag limits, and handle fish carefully to minimize harm. Check your local regulations and discuss tagging options with state conservation groups like the Coastal Conservation Association.
Final Thoughts
Fall inshore fishing offers some of the most exciting opportunities for anglers looking to catch a wide range of species. With the right techniques, gear, and timing, you can make the most of the season and enjoy the natural beauty that fall brings to coastal waters. Whether chasing redfish in the marsh or speckled trout along the flats, there’s no better time to hit the water.
So grab your gear, check the tides, and prepare for a memorable fall fishing adventure!