Fall showed up early this year, at least the weather did. While the fishing hasn't responded to the cooling water, some of the season's best fishing is surely right around the corner. As cooler fronts start to pass through the area and water temperatures drop significantly, schools of bait will migrate to nearshore waters. Pelagic species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia and triple tail won't be far behind.

Savvy anglers will be ready for the season. If you haven't gotten tackle in order, don't delay and keep an eye to the sky for diving birds and feeding fish. All of these species can be found right off our Gulf beaches and some like cobia, Spanish mackerel and tripletail will enter the bays as well.

These predators will take live bait, lures or flies and can be caught on spinning, bait casting or fly tackle. With the exception of king mackerel and cobia, most are able to be landed with very light tackle, which adds to the excitement.


Depending on the species you're targeting, rig accordingly. Since it's possible to encounter all of them in any outing, multiple outfits are a good idea. One of the main considerations when rigging will be whether to use wire, monofilament, long shanked hooks or a combination. Under the right conditions, it makes sense to rig with wire for toothy species like kingfish and Spanish mackerel.

It's possible to catch a kingfish without wire, but your odds aren't good. The same applies with certain exceptions to Spanish mackerel. Mackerel can sometimes shy from wire. That is the time to switch to a long shank hook or a heavy (60 pound) monofilament leader. It's still possible to get cut off, but you'll get more action. When using wire an 8- to 12-inch trace can be tied to monofilament using an Albright Special knot (best) or a swivel. If you use a swivel use a black one to prevent fish from mistaking it for baitfish.

American Fishing Wire makes a leader called Surflon Micro Supreme that is extremely flexible and kink resistant. This wire can be knotted to your lure, hook or fly like monofilament; it also provides greater flexibility and less stretch than monofilament. Umpqua makes a bite leader that's ideal for fly anglers. Their Re-Twistable Haywire Twist wire is reusable and will allow you to change flies in a snap. This is the quickest and most painless system to rig wire for toothy fish.
Wire is less likely to deter a bite under low light conditions like early mornings, late afternoons and on overcast days. 


One of the most effective ways to find schooling fish in the fall is to look for surface action and diving birds in the nearshore Gulf waters. Predators can also be lurking around hard bottom, reefs and wrecks. When you find feeding fish you can approach them by trolling, drifting or with the use of a trolling motor. Whatever method you employ never pass through or get too close to the action. Get too close and they are likely to sound and move away. The best bet is to stay away from the school, but within casting range. If trolling, make wide turns so only your lure passes through the action.


Live bait anglers target schooling fish in a number of ways. By anchoring up current from an area that's holding fish, anglers can deploy a chum bag and then toss wounded live baits to draw fish into casting range. This can be an extremely effective method. Those that prefer artificial lures find spoons particularly effective as well as jigs like the DOA CAL or the Berkley Gulp. One of the most exciting type of lures are top water plugs like the MirroLure Top Dog, the Heddon Zara Spook and the Rapala Saltwater Skitter Pop. Not only is the strike visual and often explosive, but the noisy lures can attract target species.


Fly fishing is also an effective and exciting way to target fall pelagics from cobia to triple tail, Spanish mackerel and even kingfish. The same rigging applies and top water flies like the Crease fly or Garthside Gurgler can produce some memorable strikes. Clouser Deep Minnows are also a great choice for Spanish mackerel and false albacore. This would be a good time of the year to have a 10 or 11 weight rod rigged with a big black fly should a cobia make an appearance.


Whatever your fishing style, take advantage of the great action you'll find in area waters this fall. If you're new to the game, consider hiring a guide. This is a great way to learn the ropes and a great value when shared with a friend. Good fishing!