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Fishing in October is a popular pastime, even though there's an autumnal nip in the air and the nights are getting dark earlier. It can be challenging planning a fishing trip this month, as the weather is often changeable, with crisp, sunny days replaced by cold, damp nights at the drop of a hat.

Other than keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, you're never quite sure what to expect. Whatever the weather, it shouldn't stop you from fishing! As long as you're equipped for any sudden temperature drops, you'll be okay.

What clothing is best for October fishing trips?

Make sure you wear plenty of warm clothes, including waterproofs, and take a change of footwear, trousers, jumpers and a coat in case you're caught in a sudden downpour. It's a good idea to wear a warm hat too. Even if it's sunny, it can soon get chilly when you’re standing around.

You should also take a folding seat, a cosy blanket, a flask with a hot drink and a large umbrella. The secret for a successful fishing trip is to be prepared!

What type of fishing is best in October?

Fresh water fishing for carp is one of the most popular pastimes for anglers in October. If it's a golden autumn and still quite warm and sunny, the carp will continue to eat at depths of 2m to 5m. They will still bite in summer places, including in small pits, at sites with dense water and in the water near the shore.

In late October, as the weather cools down, so will the water, so the carp are likely to be at a depth of between 3m and 6m as they search for food.

In warmer weather, carp can easily be attracted with many different types of bait, such as barley, dough and peas, especially when soaked in milk. As it gets colder, carp prefer animal food, so change to worms, crayfish, shrimp and boilies. Fermented corn and boiled potatoes are also a pretty safe bet.

What other freshwater fish are around?

Other than fishing for carp, keen anglers say October is a good time for bass fishing, as they remain very active, gorging themselves before the winter sets in. They are less likely to chase down any fast-moving bait, so slow down your retrieves.

Bass usually remain in shallow water in October, until the cold finally drives them deeper. They are often found around stumps or wooden docks, where they usually feed on minnows - just about the only food left for them at this time of year.

You'll have a better chance of catching bass if your lure mimics a minnow. Spinnerbait or jerkbait lures are a popular choice, as the bass mistake it for an injured minnow struggling on top of the water.

Anglers' thoughts also turn to pike in October, as the chance of catching a big pike is enough to persuade them to go out even on a cold autumnal day. Pike can be found all over the country in canals, farm ponds and reservoirs. Even a modest-sized one of 8 lbs to 12 lbs will present a challenge and fish of this size can be found in most waters.

What sea fish are prevalent in October?

October provides the best of both worlds, as there's an overlap between summer and autumn, so there are many species of sea fish about. It's possible to catch everything from a summer mackerel to a winter cod, plus larger species such as conger eels, thornback ray, large bass, wrasse and pollock.

As the weather gets colder, the species tend to thin out, to be replaced by larger cod migrating from colder Scandinavian waters, whiting, plaice and flatfish such as flounders and dab. There are many species of sea fish around to provide anglers with some sport at this time of year.

What are the best locations for October fishing?

The UK has some excellent locations for fishing in October such as the Fal Estuary, on the south coast of Cornwall. The county's largest estuary, it extends from Pendennis Point and St Anthony Head to its northernmost tidal point at Tresillian. In the past, the Tresillian River's creeks of Tresemple, Kiggon and Merther were dammed to form some interesting fish ponds.

Locals tend to recommend the Percuil River, an estuary and stream at the southernmost part of the Roseland Peninsula of Cornwall. It is recommended on the Angling Guru website. The hamlet is a popular base for small boats and a convenient National Trust parking area is at the side of the lane running down to the river from Gerrans.

Sea fishing in the Perranporth area is also popular, as there are lots of bass and flatfish about in October. Park Head is well known for its wonderful variety of species including ray, gurnard, pollock and wrasse. Try casting your rod at the east of Padstow at Rumps Point for plenty of ray, gurnard, plaice and dabs.

Wherever you go fishing this October, make sure you have the correct gear – you can enjoy a full day of fishing when you are suitably attired for all weather conditions.