It’s a time of transition that varies each year based on weather events as to how to prepare, what to wear and take plus where to fish and presentation to offer.

Story and photograph by Danno Wise

Throughout November, fall will be winding down. Days are getting shorter, air temperatures have moderated and, as a result, water temperatures are on a steady decline. This change prompts fish to slowly but surely begin transitioning in preparation of winter, which officially arrives on December 21.

Cooler weather will almost certainly move through at some point in November. When it does and how cool it gets is almost anyone’s guess. What is known is that once the temps begin to decline in earnest, this transition will kick into high gear.

It won’t just be the fish that are adjusting to the declining temperatures. Fishermen will be transitioning, too. By November the days of comfortable wet wading are a typically a thing of the past. That means waders are required if you want to get in the water, as many anglers along the Texas Coast do, especially this time of year. However, what you end up wearing beneath the waders can range from a pair of shorts to multiple layers depending on the prevailing weather patterns leading up to Thanksgiving.

Even fishermen staying on the boat often need to wear, or come prepared with at least a light jacket. This may need to be swapped for rain gear or heavier jackets depending on the day. The main thing is to not underestimate the possibility of a chill during this eleventh month. Also take pains not to base the entirety of your angling attire on midday high temperatures, as the chill can set in quickly when the sun begins to drop.

As fall fades to winter, for many anglers the transition to hunting season is also underway. By and large, this means they have far less time to spend on the water. It also means they have to be ready to quickly adapt to the conditions of the days in which they are able to fish, which in November could mean anything from warm and sunny to cold and rainy.

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