We’re in a big lull right now in southern New England as far as shore fishing is concerned. However, better days are ahead as fall fishing is just around the corner. I usually begin getting ready for fall fishing in the summertime. I like to go into my cool basement and make plugs, jigs, and other tackle that will be used in the fall. Here are some of the projects I am working on:
1. Plug Building – I made a dozen four-inch poppers and seven needlefish plugs in the last week. The best colors last year were all white with a green back. That color combo was real hot in late fall when ocean herring were around in big numbers. I am also making some mackerel-colored needlefish, a hot plug for us in the Cape Cod Canal. If the Rhode Island shore does not produce in the fall, I am heading for the Canal and I plan to be ready.
2. Bucktail Jigs – I have been tying up a storm in the past few weeks. Jigs are especially good when small bait such as bay anchovies are around, as they were in big numbers last year in early fall. I especially like the 3/8- and 1/2-oz. flathead jig. I am also making some big 1 1/2-oz. hotlips jigs to use at night in the channel areas. All white jigs tied with red thread seems to be the best color combo overall.
3. Floats – I use the float and jig rig a lot in fall, using it for schoolies, bluefish, and false albacore in rocky areas. The float will be used to deliver small bucktail jigs, jigs, and plastic and flies. I bought a bunch of wooden eggs a while ago and I am now getting around to wiring these up.
4. Wire Leaders – I suspect we will see good numbers of blues this fall and I will need wire leaders on my terminal set up. Wire leaders are easy to make if you have the wire, sleeves, snaps, swivels, and crimping pliers.
5. Ordering Stuff – I just bought a bunch of treble hooks from www.njtackle.com. I also need to order some Bass Pro triple ripple grub tails in three- and four-inch lengths. These are the best grubs to add to small bucktail jigs. I also need more bucktail and I get that from a place called Hook and Hackle.
Photos of Build Up Your Fall Fishing Arsenal During Summer Heat
