{"id":16230,"date":"2023-09-20T10:55:57","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/?p=16230"},"modified":"2023-03-10T15:38:21","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T20:38:21","slug":"fall-fishing-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/fall-fishing-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall fishing: tips for fishing in cooler weather"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":16302,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,232],"tags":[438,771,912,913],"class_list":["post-16230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fishing","category-fishing-accessories-clothing","tag-tips","tag-fall","tag-fishermen","tag-fisherwoman"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"Did you put your tackle box away as soon as the temperatures dropped? If so, you could be missing out on some of the best fishing of the year. While fall fishing seems as if it\u2019s reserved for those hard-core enthusiasts willing to stand outside in the cold, it can also be extremely rewarding. Annie, buyer at SAIL, even landed some of her best catches in the fall! Read her top tips on how to make the most of the colder season."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn: "},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"

[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/fishing\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop fishing gear[\/stag_button] [stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/fishing\/fishing-accessories\" style=\"orange\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop fishing accessories[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"What makes fall fishing different?","text_content":"

1. What makes fall fishing different?<\/h2>\r\nFall fishing can be very exciting. During this season, the fish are in a sort of \"provisioning\" mode, in order to prepare for winter, and they are just as combative as in summer. Don't doubt it, the action will be there. This means anglers can often land some trophy-size catches. You may need to release them back in the water as bigger specimens are often spawning fish and subject to size restrictions, but you\u2019ll definitely come home with some of your best fishing memories, or at least some photos!"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Popular fall fishing species","text_content":"

2. Popular fall fishing species<\/h2>\r\n\"Pike\r\n\r\n\u201cYou can fish for most species throughout the year,\u201d says Annie. \u201cHowever, you\u2019ll need to head to an outfitter to fish for trout or salmonids, as the fishing period for these usually ends by September.\u201d Always verify the rules and regulations of each fishing area to avoid unpleasant surprises.\r\n\r\nThere are still plenty of options to choose from after the summer has ended. Bass is often a favourite amongst anglers who enjoy a sportier outing. Pike can also be caught all year round: as a predator, it is always hungry and can therefore be quite easy to lure. Muskellunge is a ferocious fish, but more experienced anglers with specialized equipment can tackle it during the fall.\r\n\r\nIf you opt for walleye, make sure you correctly identify your catch as it is easy to mix up walleye (subject to size restrictions) and sauger (no size restrictions). Walleye have a very distinctive transparent spot on the tip of their tail fin, while sauger feature black spots on their dorsal fin. Knowing how to tell them apart could be the difference between a successful outing and a huge fine!\r\n\r\nFor more information on what to put in your tackle box for bass<\/a>, walleye<\/a> or pike<\/a> fishing, have a look at expert Cyril Chauquet\u2019s tips and recommendations."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Fall fishing techniques","text_content":"

3. Fall fishing techniques<\/h2>\r\n\"Fall\r\n\r\nAs mentioned, fish tend to be generally more sluggish as the water gets colder, but they still remain active for hunting and feeding.\r\n\r\nAnnie recommends using the drop shot technique. There\u2019s nothing complex about the rig: a sinker at the end of the line and a single hook (pointing upwards) tied with a Palomar knot. Add a soft bait with neutral buoyancy and you\u2019ll be set up for some hits. The goal is then to create a natural movement, letting the lure hover in the water. Leave the sinker on the bottom and animate the bait slightly with a few gentle tugs. To change things up, you can also not animate the lure at all and keep the rig still. The lure will then move naturally with the current.\r\n\r\nThe best fishing spot to pick will depend on your choice of species. Pike, for example, like shallow grassy areas, which provide a perfect hiding place as they wait for their prey to pass by. Focus on zones with dense vegetation as well as those overhung by trees.\r\n\r\nWalleye and bass can also be found in shallow water at the beginning of the season. However, by late October or early November, they will head deeper to follow bait and can be found at depths varying between 10 and 35 feet. Look for humps, flats or structures rising out of deeper basins as these are likely to contain fish. Opt for lures such as crank bait or spinner bait and stick with neutral colours.\r\n\r\nLook for muskellunge around long flats with dead or emerging vegetation and choose a slow-moving lure.\r\n\r\nChoose your fishing lure<\/a> here."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Fall fishing equipment","text_content":"

4. Fall fishing equipment<\/h2>\r\n\"Fishing\r\n\r\nYour fall fishing gear won't differ much from your summer season equipment. However, you may want to add a sonar<\/a> to your kit if you don\u2019t usually use one. Some species do school up in the fall, and a sonar will help you spot those schools more easily and take the guesswork out of fishing. It will also indicate the water temperature as well as its depth, increasing your chances of a successful outing.\r\n\r\nMake sure you dress up warm as you could be spending a long time outside. Have extra layers in your kit and plan for all eventualities, from warm, balmy days to unexpected snow!"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Pro tips for fall fishing","text_content":"

5. Pro tips for fall fishing<\/h2>\r\n