Is it good time to start fishing

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Absolutely—now is a great time to start fishing, especially in mid fall when fish are feeding up before winter and the water is cooling but still comfortable for a day on the water.

What makes fall fishing fun
- **Pattern shift:** fish are moving to structure and deeper pockets as temps drop, but there are still good feeding windows around sun-up and sun-down. 
- *Weather helps*: overcast days or a light breeze often nudge fish into more active feeding; a warm afternoon can also spark a fall topwater bite in the right spots. 
- *Species to chase*: bass, panfish (bluegill, crappie), walleye in many regions, and even pike/muskie in productive basins tend to bite well this time of year.

Best times to fish today
- **Dawn and dusk** are prime; if you can’t go early, a few hours before dark can still produce. Light fronts can trigger a quick bite window, so be ready to switch tactics mid-session.

Simple gear plan for beginners
- **Rods/reels:** a 6'6" to 7' medium spinning rod with a forgiving reel. 
- **Line:** 8-12 lb test for versatility. 
- **Tackle basics:** a small selection of lures for fall patterns (see below).
- **Lures to start:** 
  - Bass: a lipless crank or small spinnerbait for early fall; a shallow squarebill for structure edges. 
  - Panfish: simple jigs with a soft plastic body, or small waxworms for a quick bite.
  - Walleye: a light jig with live bait or soft plastic around deeper structures.

Quick step-by-step plan
1) Pick a nearby lake/river with some structure (weed edges, drop-offs, or docks).
2) Start with a slow-to-moderate retrieve; vary speed until you feel a bite or nudge.
3) If you’re chasing panfish, switch to a small jig and hover around 6-15 ft until you find active depth.

Weather notes for mid fall
- Mornings can be chilly; dress in layers and bring a hat/gloves. Wind direction and fronts can shift bite timings, so check a local forecast and be flexible about where you fish on the water.

Want some quick guides to get you started?
- [40 Year Study Shows The Best Time Of Day To Fish…(It’s Not When You Think)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zk5dcH6eb4)
- [Beginners' Guide to Fishing Gear - How to Start Fishing With a Rod and Reel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhBPNUXYis)
- [How To Get Started Fishing With $100 (for beginners)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aje4ONwB2Wk)
- [How To Start Fishing Any Lake for Beginners- Tips and Techniques](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFTI8TdrNtY)

Gear picks you can grab quickly (quick links):
- [Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Bobber (3-Pack)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQ5FUBO?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Berkley Johnson Beetle Spin Nickel Blade Fishing Hard Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AV0WX?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Cal Coast Cali Clip Drop Shot Weight](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796Q37QT?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Berkley Choppo Topwater Lure](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096G97QZ4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

If you tell me your region and target species, I’ll tailor a quick, season-specific plan for today. Until then, grab a friend, pick a water with accessible shorelines, and go make that first cast. Tight lines and good vibes—you’ve got this! 🎣

Is it good time to start fishing?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

YDFunHowie Electric Reel Battery. 14.8V 20Ah Large Capacity. Built-in chip. High Safety Performance. It is Your Best Companion to Start Fishing. Compatible with Daiwa&Shimano Electric reels. (Gold)

Northland Tackle Rigged Tungsten Pin Fry Ice Fishing Jig with Minnow Fry Body, 2 Pre-Rigged Jig Heads & 3 Extra Ice Fishing Plastics, Tungsten Jig Heads for Panfish, 1/28 Oz, Gold

Berkley Choppo Topwater Fishing Lure, Maverick, Size 75, Cupped Propeller Tail for Balance of Sound and Spray, Equipped with Sharp Fusion19TM Hook

Berkley PowerBait Crappie Nibbles Fishing Dough Bait, Fluorescent Red, Scent Dispersion Technology, Irresistible Scent and Flavor, Ideal for Crappie and Other Panfish Species

Cal Coast Cali Clip Drop Shot Weight and Hook Holder — Molded Plastic Drop Shot Keeper to Prevent Line Snagging — Includes a Fishing Hook Keeper That can Hold Lures — 3 Sizes (Multicolor)

Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Bobber, 3-Pack, Weighted Fishing Bobbers for Kids, Easy Long-Distance Casting, Weedless Design Prevents Snags, Pre-Rigged for Easy Fishing

7" RF Glider Glide Bait Bass Musky Striper Fishing Big Lure Multi Jointed Shad Trout Kits Slow Sinking (Carp Injured)

Berkley Johnson Beetle Spin Nickel Blade Fishing Hard Bait, Red Sparkle/White, 1 1/2in - 1/8 oz

Community

General Questions

When the tide is more slack is it better to fish mangroves or deep artificial reef in 20-30 ft of water

Where on this map should I fish? Its just outside of eg simmons in tampa bay and the two red dots are known artificial reef spots.

Skygazer fish have in monkey hill dam

Best night fishing tuna lure

More Questions

What’s the biggest fish ever caught that’s not a shark?

Is my hook-catching technique standard for bass fishing?

What is the best type of marker for coloring swimbait?

Shore spinning medium light lure fishing spots in italy in November

Is now a good time for perch fishing on Västerdalälven?

Can I use lures when fishing in Hong Kong in winter

What is the biggest fish alive?

Best places to fish carp in California?