As summer fades and cooler air begins to settle in, saltwater anglers across the United States enter one of the best seasons of the year: the transition from October into November. The water starts to cool, baitfish migrate, gamefish become more aggressive and predictable, and anglers who know the patterns can score big. In fact, one angling guidebook puts it this way:
“Starting in September, going strong through October and into November, we anglers experience the core of the core, the heart of the heart, of the fishing season.”
Below, we’ll cruise through different U.S. coastal regions, highlight what’s on offer this time of year, and share tips for tackle, techniques, and species to target. Whether you fish offshore, nearshore, estuaries or surf, there’s something happening.
1. Southeast & Gulf Coast (Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas)
What’s happening:
In the Gulf and Southeast in October and into November, the warming summer is over, waters begin cooling, bait moves and inshore and nearshore species become active. In Georgia’s coastal waters, October is described as one of the best months because all fish, both inshore and offshore, are in full migration mode. In Florida, good action continues on species like redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder even as the calendar flips.
Target species:
- Red Drum (Redfish) – fall is often called “Red October” where they feed aggressively.
- Spotted Seatrout – good in estuaries as water cools.
- Flounder – active in shallow/muddy bays in fall.
- Others: Sheepshead, black drum, Spanish mackerel (early October).
Tips & tackle suggestions:
- Use medium-to-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear for redfish in the marshes/estuaries. A 7- to 8-foot rod with 20-30 lb braid/mono and a fluorocarbon leader is a solid setup.
- Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, cut mullet, or mullet-imitating soft plastics work well for flounder and seatrout.
- For structure/wreck fishing (black drum, sheepshead), use 30-50 lb braid with a fish-finder style rig and crab pieces or shrimp.
- Pay attention to tidal movement and water-temperature drops—cooler water triggers feeding.
- Early November: many inshore spots still hold warm-water species before full winter chill sets in.
2. Mid-Atlantic / Northeast (Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts)
What’s happening:
In this region, fall brings migration. Along the Mid-Atlantic, the schooling of fish heading south or toward deeper water begins in October. On the Southeast coast, there’s still good inshore activity through late fall.
Target species:
- Striped Bass – many head to deeper water, but fall remains prime along the coast and estuaries.
- Flounder / Summer Flounder – still productive late into the season.
- Bluefish – strong from spring through November.
- Other near-shore species that follow bait migrations.
Tips & tackle suggestions:
- Surf and jetty anglers: 9- to 11-foot rods, 12-20 lb test mono with 30-50 lb braid leader for big striper runs.
- Use spoons, large soft plastics, bucktail jigs, or live bunker/cut-bait for striped bass.
- For flounder: slow roll soft plastics or jig-and-minnow setups in sandy flats.
- Monitor tides, clarity, and baitfish concentrations—fish key on migrating bait in fall.
- As water cools into November, expect deeper-water patterns.
3. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
What’s happening:
The West Coast’s saltwater fishing rhythm differs from the East, but October–November can still be productive. Offshore opportunities linger, and nearshore species remain active until winter storms arrive.
Target species:
- Rockfish (various species) – on nearshore structure.
- Albacore Tuna – viable early fall offshore.
- Lingcod and halibut where seasons remain open.
Tips & tackle suggestions:
- Use medium-heavy rods (8- to 9-foot), 30-50 lb braid and strong leaders for rockfish.
- For tuna: heavy spinning or conventional gear, 30-50 lb braid with 40-60 lb leader; troll or cast metal jigs or live bait.
- Watch temperature breaks, kelp lines, and reefs—predators stage here.
- Plan earlier starts as daylight shortens and weather shifts.
4. Tackle & Technique – Fall Editions
Line & gear:
- Cooler, clearer water calls for fluorocarbon leaders (15-30 lb inshore, 40-60 lb offshore).
- Braided line provides sensitivity in cooler water when strikes can be subtle.
- Maintain smooth drag systems for powerful runs from migrating fish.
Lures & baits:
- Soft plastics (shrimp imitations, paddle tails), jerkbaits, top-waters (early fall), spoons, and bucktails.
- Live bait (shrimp, crabs, mullet, menhaden) shines when fish key on migrations.
- Match your lure’s size and shape to the prevalent baitfish.
Technique highlights:
- Tidal movement & water temperature changes dictate feeding.
- Structure adjacency: In fall, fish stack up near reefs, wrecks, and ledges ahead of winter moves.
- Shallow feeding windows: Early October = shallow bites; November = deeper zones.
- Baitfish corridors/migrations: Follow mullet runs and bait pods for topwater action.
Regulation reminder:
Always check local and federal regulations for size, bag limits, and closures—these vary widely by state and species.
5. Why Fall Is So Special
- Summer heat is gone—fish feed more aggressively ahead of winter.
- Baitfish migrations create concentrated feeding events.
- Cooler, clearer water makes for great lure-fishing opportunities.
- As one guide puts it, “Bait is thick around structure, the water is cooling, and our resident fish are changing their ways.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re casting into Gulf marshes, prowling Mid-Atlantic surf, or working kelp beds on the Pacific, late October into November is prime saltwater time. Fish are feeding hard before winter—follow the bait, mind the tides, and adjust your tactics to the conditions.
Tight lines, and enjoy one of the best windows of the year for saltwater fishing in the USA!
