How does fall effect surf fishing?

[Phxangler]

Thinking about heading that way again for a couple of days. I was wondering from the people with experience, how does the fall season effect the species of fish that you catch, sand crab availability, different baits etc. One of the most interesting things about the ocean to me is how different species move around in different seasons.

[Everydog]

This is also my first Fall. I fished year-round and sporadically when I was a kid/teen, but this is the first time I have been fully engaged in Surf Fishing mentally in San Diego. It's starting to have an effect. Crab beds are shrinking, and they are no longer available at as many tide levels in the places I have found them. I haven't caught a Yellow Fin Croaker in weeks, but they may come back around. Leopard sharks and stingrays also disappeared from areas where they were as abundant as surfperch in the reefy/sandy interfaces. There's a lot more to it. I have read up on the subject and have some theoretical background, but I don't want to regurgitate information that is only from reading. I hope people bring some comments. I almost always get some grocery store shrimp even when sand crabs are there... Now I won't leave home without it unless I plan to fish only lures. Locally, Many people gravitate to Freshwater bass fishing and/or the bay as the year progresses, but surf fishing still occurs.

[Phxangler]

Thanks, that is the kind of thing I was asking for. Always interesting to see the seasons change. I am torn between heading up to the mountains for some creek fishing, or heading back to the surf. I like fishing the bay too. Spotties are great fighters.

[Midnightpass]

I have caught some of my largest corbina in the fall.. They may not be as fat as summer corbs, but they are still around...Can't say I've caught as many SFC as in the spring or summer, but the perch and YFC still seem to be as abundant.. And as it cools even more the large, mama perch start showing up... I've wasted my whole summer because of traveling and health issues, so I'm looking forward to some fall fishing...
Butch

[Perch killer]

Past years I've had some good sessions in October into Nov for corbina & spot fins. Haven't been out for over 2 weeks due to conflicts on the home front so can't give you any fresh intel. Hope to soon.

[Everydog]

I did catch a nice spotfin around 20 inches this morning, and other than that, all perch.

[Perch killer]

I did catch a nice spotfin around 20 inches this morning, and other than that, all perch.

There you go, nice ! What did it bite on ? With crabs all but gone, I'll be armed next time out with mussel & clam meat, maybe some freeze dried lug worms also.

[Everydog]

Hi PK, There are still crabs in Del Mar, at least with today's tide. They are thinning out, though. That's what caught it. Also, throughout the summer, I have not caught a spotfin, of 15, or one corbina, of about 25 or so (small to large), on shrimp. Everything else eats the shrimp, or robs it.

[Perch killer]

Last time out a few weeks ago, found some crabs at Mission but no roe or softies, fish wouldn't touch them, not even perch. Don't know if crabs still under the PB pier. Shrimp's a versatile bait, seems particularly good for species around jetties, I tried it in the surf years back, never much luck with nor with squid. Sharks and rays like though if you're into those.

[jwacky]

I listened to Bill Varney's surf report last night and what he reported from the area regarding sand crabs reflected my experiences last weekend: those that were around were large and roe-less. He mentioned that he takes it as a sign to start switching baits with the new season.

I intend to do just that this weekend. I'm going to try salted clams again with a "better" tide during my windows of opportunity (one evening, one morning), both the ones I salted myself and some "clammy bits" from Hey Skipper (these: https://www.heyskipperfishing.com/product/clammy-bits/). I also picked up a pack of Fishbites bloodworms which I'll give a go. Depending on how timing I might make a pit stop at Cystal Pier just to check on the crab situation.

[Midnightpass]

I haven't tried market shrimp in eons... Ghost shrimp are pretty much magic for me though...
Butch

[Perch killer]

I listened to Bill Varney's surf report last night and what he reported from the area regarding sand crabs reflected my experiences last weekend: those that were around were large and roe-less. He mentioned that he takes it as a sign to start switching baits with the new season.

I intend to do just that this weekend. I'm going to try salted clams again with a "better" tide during my windows of opportunity (one evening, one morning), both the ones I salted myself and some "clammy bits" from Hey Skipper (these: https://www.heyskipperfishing.com/product/clammy-bits/). I also picked up a pack of Fishbites bloodworms which I'll give a go. Depending on how timing I might make a pit stop at Cystal Pier just to check on the crab situation.

Hope water conditions will be better than what you experienced last weekend Joe. Will be interested how the Fishbites work for you. I've got an unopened pack been thinking about using next time I'm able to get out.

[Perch killer]

I haven't tried market shrimp in eons... Ghost shrimp are pretty much magic for me though...
Butch

I like the ghosties as well Butch. they're $$ for croaker & beans if you can keep the perch away !

[Midnightpass]

I haven't tried market shrimp in eons... Ghost shrimp are pretty much magic for me though...
Butch

I like the ghosties as well Butch. they're $$ for croaker & beans if you can keep the perch away !

That’s how it works for me too…
Butch

[Phxangler]

Thanks for the discussion guys. Trying to decide if I should head that way in the morning. Went and fished an AZ stream yesterday, fall is nice around here.

[Phxangler]

Near Sedona

[Calmwater]

So, Fall is when the sand crabs start to hibernate. There are great alternatives, though. Berkley Gulp! sandworms are very good. You can, either, drag them in using a Carolina rig, or still-fish them with a hi-low rig like I do. Maybe add a little scent to them for added attraction. Guys in the Ventura area use 805 Custom Baits to catch a variety of fish. You might want to check them out. Lucky Craft jerkbaits have been known to get them, as well. Last Winter, I caught my PB Barred on a Livetarget Erratic Shiner. Lastly, I understand that bloodworms and lugworms can work really well. Tight lines!