Autumn, a good season for bass fishing
It's a fact that, with the arrival of autumn, fish become increasingly active. So it's easier to pull off great outings. There are many reasons for this, but here are just a few:
- Sea bass move closer to the coast to build up their reserves before winter. Prey is abundant.
- The arrival of autumn means falling temperatures and the first cold snaps. As the waters cool, predatory fish such as sea bass are often at their most active.
- Finally, there are far fewer water sports and the water surface is calmer. Fish are less wary and easier to lure.
Which equipment to choose?
From the shore, a set between 2.20 m and 2.40 m is perfectly suited. It will enable you to ensure good casting distances while remaining easy to handle.
A 10/40-gram rod will allow you to use soft lures such as Black Minnow 120 and 150 mm or Crazy Sand Eel 120-150 mm.
Pair it with a size 4000 reel fitted with PE 1.00 braid and a 30 to 35 hundredths leader. Don't go too low on leader diameter. As abrasion is strong from the shore, you risk weakening the line.
Surface lures are very popular with bass at this time. My personal selection, which I've been using for many years, includes Asturie 130 and 150 mm, Fiiish Biotop and Heddon Super Spook.
Target areas
At this time of year, sea bass are looking to feed abundantly in order to build up their fat reserves for winter.
These areas include estuaries and shellfish beds. Around these areas, there is a permanent abundance of food (crustaceans, shellfish and small fish).
Finally, the rocky areas bordering the sandy zones are excellent spots to fish. Sea bass often prowl around them, always on the lookout for prey.
Fishing techniques
From the shore, I often practice power fishing, a technique that consists of not lingering too long in one spot but covering as much ground as possible.
A few throws to a zone and I'm on the move.
I alternate between soft and hard lures (swimming fish or surface lures).
I consider that after about ten casts without an attack in one area, I move on to the next. At this time, the fish are more aggressive and if they are present, they will soon attack your lures.
