The abundance of fish in September isn't the only reason anglers like the month so much- the weather also has a lot to do with it! Despite the days being shorter, the weather is usually still mild, with just a hint of autumn in the air.
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The stifling hot summer temperatures have cooled down into a pleasant, warm, breezy September, with a degree of sunshine. Regular anglers say this is the month when the locals go fishing.
Perhaps a clue as to how good the month can be, because the hint of autumn in the air lets the fish know they must feed, prior to the coming winter. This puts the odds slightly in the anglers' favour. The fish you're most likely to catch will include trout, bass, cod, dogfish, rays and pout.
I suppose the question is, what type of fishing is best at this time of year?
Saltwater fishing
September can be a great time for saltwater fishing. There are many species found in the sea surrounding the UK and there's a chance that anglers will still be able to catch summer mackerel, as well as autumn cod. Larger species including thornback ray, conger eels and smooth-hound will also still be present.
A September evening is an excellent time to target larger bass, wrasse and pollock. These species become sparser as autumn kicks in, so September is your best month for a wider variety of species.
Whiting will begin to arrive and the colder water fish, such as dab and flounder, will also be around. Cod migrating from the colder north of Europe will be more prevalent around Scotland and northern England than in southern waters at this time.
Freshwater fishing
Freshwater fishing, or coarse fishing, can net you all types of fish, such as trout (including rainbow trout), pike, grayling, barbel, common bream, salmon, chub, carp, perch, dace, rudd, silver bream and tench.
Anglers should be aware of the Environment Agency rod fishing byelaws in England that are there to protect fish stocks, regardless of whether the water is owned by local angling clubs, privately-owned or managed by the local council.
Even if there seems to be an abundance of freshwater fish about, anglers who don't comply with the byelaws can face prosecution, with a fine of up to £50,000.
What bait should you use for September fishing?
Using the correct bait will help you to catch fish of all species. Popular fresh baits for static fishing include sardines, mackerel heads and tails, smelts, herring, lance and sprats.
Other anglers swear by using worms. They are not necessarily the first bait that springs to mind for catching roach, but they can be useful in the cooler weather. Use worms with your hook-point sticking out of the side. A hot tip is to sprinkle a little chilli powder on top of your chopped worm, as it gives off a powerful scent.
September is a great time for fly-fishing, with expert anglers recommending specific tactics such as allowing your flies to drop into the feeding zone, before retrieving them quickly to spark some aggression. Rather than constant speeds, jerked pulls tend to work better.
What fishing equipment do you need in September?
You will need a water-resistant tackle box at this time of year, not only for if it rains but also in case of damp, especially in the evening as the month progresses.
When you consider that the fish have been caught all spring and summer, trying a different bait can help improve your chances come September. Some success can be achieved by using two 15mm boilies on the hook. Refine your fishing tackle and choose 8lb to 10lb long nylon traces.
Always match your bait to the hook size and keep it as fine as possible. A wide size-eight gape hook is normally ideal for double 15mm hookbaits, but try going down to a size 10 or 12 for smaller offerings.
Try not to use semi-fixed bolt rigs - go for 1oz or 2oz running leads instead. Give your hookbait a boost by adding bags of boilies, rather than pellets. One thing to watch out for in September is bottom debris, which can be a pain due to dying weeds and leaves. Combat this by using pop-up boilies too.
Where are the best spots for fishing?
Anglers in the UK are lucky to have some great spots for fishing as the autumnal weather kicks in. If you’re looking for the more exotic fish, Angler’s Paradise, set in more than 250 acres in Devon, is among the most popular locations, boasting 30 lakes stocked with fish of every shape, size and colour.
Another favourite spot, the Norfolk Broads is a good place to catch pike. You'll need a coarse fish, trout and eel licence to fish at these man-made waterways, where you can also catch roach, bream, rudd, tench and perch.
The great thing about fishing in September for local anglers is that there are fewer tourists about, so it's the perfect month to relax and enjoy a little solitude, while watching the changing autumnal colours of the landscape.