Fall and Winter Bay Boat Fishing Techniques
When the leaves start to turn and the air feels crisp, many anglers think the best fishing days are over. Yet for those who own a bay boat , fall and winter open up an entirely new world of opportunity. Cooler temperatures change the habits of both fish and fishermen. With the right knowledge, gear, and attitude, these seasons can deliver some of the most memorable days you’ll ever have on the water. Understanding Seasonal Transitions Fishing from a bay boat in the fall and winter is not the same as fishing in spring or summer. The water temperature drops, baitfish move, and predators follow them. Many popular inshore species —like redfish , speckled trout , and flounder —shift to deeper holes, channels, and muddy flats that hold warmth longer. Knowing these seasonal transitions is what separates a good outing from a great one. During fall, the bays come alive as fish feed aggressively to fatten up before winter. I remember one October morning drifting over a grass flat near Ap...