We are now entering into the Outer Banks fall fishery. Cold fronts seem to affect our region with more frequency. Water temperatures continue to drop. And the summer species are slowly leaving for warmer conditions.

The Outer Banks fall fishery is one that makes our area a special destination. We begin to see larger numbers of big drum, smaller red drum, speckled sea trout and striped bass. Some of the transition species such as sea mullet, spot, croakers and black drum continue to be caught but their ending is coming soon.

Fishing in cooler water temperatures requires some modification in techniques. Several techniques may include using fresher baits, varied retrieval methods, and scented baits or bait applicants.

The most important technique to improve your success is to know how water temperatures affect your approach. One example is that colder morning temperatures definitely causes sluggish action while warmer midday temperatures might turn fish on. Or fish holding in deep water may be sluggish and then as tides change slowly causes them move to the shallow flats where the sun warms up the water.

Cold water slows the metabolism of most living creatures and it definitely applies to most fish species.

So when fishing in cooler conditions makes sure you match your bait and presentation to the species you are targeting but specifically check water temperatures where and how the species are comfortable.

These temperatures could influence what species to target, best locations, times to go and any retrieval techniques. Do some homework, study your targeted species and know what makes them comfortable for feeding.

Outer Banks fall fishery produces many trophy catches and a lifetime of memories.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony