Autumn is undoubtedly the most productive season for rock fishing. With the water still warm, fewer human disturbances, and an abundance of food, fish extend their feeding activities. This is the perfect opportunity for experienced anglers to take advantage of the optimal conditions for Bolognese fishing, especially with a falling sea, where it is easier to lure fish. This also helps less experienced anglers improve their success in sea fishing.
During autumn, the life cycle of marine organisms reaches its peak. Fish, aware of the impending winter, accumulate fat reserves to face the cold season. The gilt-head bream, a symbol of summer, becomes more accessible and larger specimens are more frequent along the rocky shores, preferring these food-rich habitats over sandy bottoms. Bolognese fishing proves particularly effective during this period, often surpassing bottom fishing in terms of catches.
Gilt-head bream: In autumn, the gilt-head bream moves towards the rocky shores to gain weight before wintering.
Sea bass: This predator approaches the coast to accumulate energy in preparation for winter spawning. Rough seas, both in the rising and falling phases, increase the chances of catching large specimens.
White seabream: Active all year round, in autumn the white seabream leaves its hiding spots more easily, making it easier to catch.
Other species such as salema, mullet, saddled seabream, garfish, and leerfish also make autumn fishing fruitful. During this season, fish are not very selective about baits, making maggots a universal, easy-to-find, and affordable bait.
The best conditions for autumn fishing are during rough seas, both in the rising and falling phases. With a rising sea and dropping pressure, fish become more active. The ideal time is from dawn until the surf becomes too strong and the water too murky.
During the falling phase, it's important to wait for the water to start clearing up and the surf to remain strong. At this time, fish are busy feeding on suspended organisms, making fishing very productive.
For Bolognese fishing in autumn, use Bolognese rods varying in length from 6 to 8 meters, depending on the presence of submerged obstacles. The ideal reel is size 2500-3000, loaded with good quality nylon of 0.16 / 0.18 mm.
The float can be of different types and shapes, with the leaded ball being the preferred option for rough sea fishing. Other alternatives include the inverted pear-shaped float, weighted with a small bulk of shot or torpedoes upstream and softer shot towards the hook.
The main line should be connected to the leader with a small swivel of size 20 or 18, using a fluorocarbon leader of 0.15 / 0.13 mm and a bronze hook of size 14 / 16. The weights should be evenly distributed on the line to keep the bait in the same area as the maggots used for groundbaiting.
With rough seas and strong surf, the weights should be calibrated to make the maggots sink at the same speed as the loose ones. It's important not to overweigh the rig to prevent the bait from sinking too much compared to the suspended groundbait and to avoid false bites caused by the float being submerged by waves.
During fishing, it's essential to identify the best spots to drop the line, such as areas where two currents meet, foamy waters with weak surf behind large rocks, and spots where foamy water from waves collides with the outgoing surf.
Autumn rock fishing offers a magical experience. With consistency and good sense, catches will come in no time. Equip yourself with the right gear and take advantage of the ideal conditions to enjoy a fruitful and rewarding fishing season. Happy fishing!
