Tom Schlichter
September 11, 2007
September may have opened with a nice shot
of beach weather but the leaves are already starting to turn around local
wetlands, leaving no doubt fall is headed our way. The change of seasons
sits well with local anglers, however, because September and October usher
in a magic time for fishing.
As water temperatures cool, baitfish pour forth from tidal creeks, bays
and harbors in a mass exodus toward warmer, southern waters. Predator
species such as stripers, blues, weakfish and false albacore seize the
opportunity to fatten up before beginning their own southward trek. The
explosive action that ensues is known as the fall run, and it offers a
chance to tangle with some of the biggest fish of the year. More than a
dozen International Game Fish Association line class and all-tackle world
records have been set in local waters during autumn.
Preparation for the fall should begin with a simple gear check. Start with
your line. The strength of monofilament fishing lines is diminished by
exposure to sunlight, repeated casting and fighting fish. Add a little
abrasion from probing rough bottom, and 20-pound test line spooled in
April might not outlast a 10-pound bluefish by Labor Day. Even braided
lines should be changed after a few months of frequent use.
Is your reel's drag system working properly? The line should slip from the
spool in a smooth, continuous manner. If it peels off in stop-and-go
fashion, give the reel a shot of lubricant and replace any drag washers
that appear worn or bent.
Are your hooks sharp enough to penetrate the jaws of a cow striper? Take
some time this week and use a file to touch up the points on your favorite
lures. A hook is sharp enough only if it leaves a scratch line when
dragged lightly across a thumbnail.
Next, inspect your tackle box or plug bag. Do you have two of each lure
you'll need in crucial situations? If not, get to the tackle shop and
stock up. Be sure to grab a couple of extra leaders, sinkers, teasers and
barrel swivels.
Some of the best fishing for the year still lies ahead. Take time to
organize tackle. Then, when the blitz is on, you'll cast with confidence.
With big fish and fast action on the fall menu, it's no surprise several
contests and events are scheduled this month. From Friday through Sunday
is the Town of Babylon's surf fishing contest, 631-957-4482, and the Old
Harbor Outfitters Offshore Shootout in Montauk (www.ohoshootout.com). The
Marine & Outdoor Recreation Expo at Jones Beach West End Boat Basin is
scheduled for Sunday. Contact 516-844-0635.
The third annual Cold Spring Lions Club Snapper/Bluefish Derby, for kids
15 and under, is Sept. 19-21, 631-692-6896. The West End Bait Shop Surf
fishing contest is Sept. 21-23, 516-897-9378. The Montauk Surf Fishing
Classic runs from Sept. 28-30, 631-321-3510, and so does the Boomer
Esiason-Fisherman's Conservation Association Montauk SLAM Redbone@Large
Tournament. This high-end charity contest supports cystic fibrosis
research and lets anglers cross lines with celebrities, with baseball Hall
of Famer Wade Boggs scheduled to take part. Call 305-664-2002 for details.
E-mail: outdoortom@optonline.net
Copyright © 2007,
Newsday Inc.
