Make the end portion of your fishing season for stripers and bluefish a memorable one.
As we get into the later portion of November, the waters in the Northeast start to chill, but that doesn’t mean the fishing action cools off just yet. In fact, late-fall can bring some of the most exciting saltwater fishing of the year, with striped bass, bluefish, and even false albacore in some areas still feeding aggressively in what many call the November blitz. For anglers who haven’t stopped fishing yet, this is an opportunity to get in on one last feeding frenzy before winter settles in.
By mid-month, most gamefish in the Northeast are on the move, with some preparing to head south or to deeper, warmer waters offshore. The days are shorter, water temperatures are dropping, and fish feel the urge to consume as much food as possible. This creates a phenomenon where species like striped bass and bluefish are still actively hunting baitfish. With fewer anglers on the water, you can find yourself in the midst of a wild blitz, where schools of fish are slamming bait balls near the surface, creating a frenzy that can be seen from a distance.
One key to success in late-season fishing is understanding how water temperatures affect fish behavior. Striped bass, for instance, will generally stay active in water temperatures as low as 50 degrees, while bluefish will start moving out once it dips below 55. However, in November, many areas along the coast may still hold these temperatures depending on how far north or south you are, creating ideal conditions for a late blitz.
Baitfish, especially menhaden, mackerel, and sand eels, are also moving southward or into deeper water, and gamefish are keen on following them. Look for large schools of bait near the surface; these will often be accompanied by bird activity. Gulls, terns, and gannets dive-bombing the water are classic indicators that a blitz is underway, as birds feed on bait driven up by the feeding fish below.
Scan the horizon for any signs of birds hovering or diving, especially early in the morning when fish tend to be most active. Polarized sunglasses can be helpful for spotting bait balls, as well as any disturbances in the water’s surface. Fish schools will typically corral baitfish into “bait balls,” forcing them up to the surface where they’re vulnerable. This can trigger a frenzied feeding event where every cast has the potential to produce a hook-up.
When the blitz is on, fish can be less selective about what they eat. However, matching the bait size and type will increase your chances of a productive day. In late fall, smaller baitfish such as sand eels or peanut bunker are common targets, so choose lures that mimic these. Jigging metal lures, soft plastics on jig heads, and slender profile plugs are great choices.
For surface action, topwater plugs like pencil poppers and walking lures can bring exciting strikes. Surface lures not only imitate injured baitfish but are easy to spot from a distance, letting you track your lure and react to any surface strikes. For subsurface presentations, use diamond jigs, which work well when fish are holding slightly deeper and are particularly effective in cooler water.
Switching between lures is a good strategy to find what’s most effective on any given day. Keep an eye on what the fish are feeding on and adjust accordingly.
The best times for late-fall blitz fishing are often dawn and dusk, when fish are most actively feeding. However, given the shorter daylight hours in November, mid-day blitzes aren’t uncommon, especially in areas with significant tidal movement.
Focus on inshore areas where currents may push bait closer to shore, such as points, rips, and shoals. Locations near river mouths or estuaries can be especially productive, as they provide a mix of temperatures and structure that appeal to both bait and predators. Another great tactic is to follow the bait migration patterns; for instance, Long Island Sound, Cape Cod, and coastal New Jersey each have well-known spots where November blitzes are common.
While the fishing can be red-hot, November weather is anything but warm, and conditions can change quickly. Dress in layers, with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Gloves and insulated boots will help keep your extremities warm without sacrificing too much dexterity. Always have a safety plan in place, especially if you’re fishing solo. Tell someone where you’ll be, bring extra clothes in a dry bag, and be prepared to head in quickly if weather deteriorates.
A November blitz can be a memorable way to close out the fishing season in the Northeast. The combination of large fish, aggressive feeding, and fewer crowds makes for an exhilarating experience. So, while the window is still open, take advantage of this final feeding frenzy. You may find that some of your season’s best fishing happens in these chilly last days of autumn. And as the season winds down, there’s nothing quite like ending it with a fish on the line and the satisfaction of making the most of every last cast.
