Fall Run Fever

Well, folks, we have officially reached that time of year! As the days become shorter and the nights become cooler, the striped bass fisherman is reminded that the end is near. Although we have a solid month still left, we are left with that dreaded question in the back of our mind, “Is this the last fish of the season”.

I know it’s painful to think about, but September is still probably my favorite month of the year to chase striped bass from the surf. With the water temperatures cooling off, large striped bass will cruise the shoreline, looking to feast on the juvenile peanut bunker and herring fry that are flushing from our local tributaries.

The summer patterns will end and you are more likely to stumble across larger schools of fish that will feed more aggressively in preparation for their journey south. AND they will be more likely to be very close to shore.

This hefty 20lber couldn’t resist a Sebile Magic Swimmer.

The combination of cooler conditions and an influx of bait can set things off one night and leave one wondering where all the fish went on the next night. The fish are on the move and they are moving FAST.

I think this is one reason why I enjoy fishing so hard during the month of September….I just don’t want to wake up and find out I slept through an epic bite because I know those fish have since moved on.

Here one tide, gone the next….

An hour into the dropping tide, slot fish invaded and were wiling to feast!

Lately, I have been finding great success with fishing the beaches under the cover of darkness. We have been finding large schools of slot-sized and over-slot fish on most nights for the past week or so. Contrary to the entire season when fish have been extremely selective with their feeding patterns, these fish seem to be willing to eat just about anything. We have been having great success with needlefish, swimming plugs like an SP Minnow or Yozuri Mag darter, Seibel Magic Swimmers, and topwater spooks.

Solo missions result in subpar photos.

Remember, these fish are about to make a long journey south in order to spend the winter months around the Carolinas. It’s time for them to fuel up and pack on the pounds.

Though daytime blitzes are a common occurrence this time of year, I find that these blitzes are composed of mainly smaller (schoolie) sized fish in the 18-24 inch range. To increase your odds, head out under the cover of darkness, and don’t be afraid to go large with your presentation.

Tight Lines!!!!