FINALLY it seems that the weather is starting to return to its normal autumnal pattern. The heat and humidity that has dominated the last few weeks has been enough to dissuade even the heartiest anglers from spending a day offshore. The passage of some cooler frontal weather and the probable end to the tropical season means that the fishing season is rapidly drawing to a close. Even the water temperature has taken a serious dip and that will undoubtedly have an effect on the migratory species that call Bermuda their summertime home.

Happily, wahoo and blackfin tuna are year-round residents, even if they do not seem to be as numerous as they can be at the height of the season. Trollers are still getting strikes from wahoo although the overall emphasis has shifted away from fuel consumption with the commercial fishery either relying on their lobster gear or concentrating on drifting over the Banks or chumming for whatever puts in an appearance.

While traversing the deep water, there has been the odd report of a blue marlin strike and history shows that blues have been caught in every month of the year. Not that too many people even drag a line in the deep during the winter months but the fish can go wherever and whenever they wish, so don't think that you can get across scot-free all the time.

Dragging across the Churn also has other advantages. Every so often the strike will come from a dolphin, a truly pelagic species that is often most numerous at this time of the year in local waters. There is also the chance of going by some flotsam that remains unseen but which harbours a nice stash of wahoo and or dolphin. A sudden strike can alert you to this, especially if you take a minute or two to look around.

Although the lack of yellowfin tuna this past summer has caused a lack of interest in this species, there are reports that there are some school-sized Allisons around the offshore Banks. They do not appear to be really numerous but it only takes a handful to provide some top-quality light tackle angling.

As suggested, the bulk of effort is going into catching species which please the palate. Drifting over the Banks is a good bet with coneys and hinds usually willing to please. Numbers are nowhere near as good as they were twenty years ago but it only takes a few to make the fish box look impressive. It does make a difference to drift fish actively and to work the rod rather than idly waiting for a fish to snag itself. Some of those bottom-dwelling critters are pretty handy at removing the bait from the hook. Do yourself a favour and use circle hooks. They will give you an advantage that almost always pays off. Also get away from using monofilament rigs. These tend to tangle themselves up and don't present the baits in the best possible manner. Try using stiff wire rigs; the fish don't care if they can see the wire as long as they can smell the bait. Look in any fishing book for various ideas on stiff bottom rigs and modify it any way you please. Almost anything is an improvement over the monofilament drop loops.

Added action can come when the drifting bait encounters a school of bonitas or a pair of amberfish. If, while on the drift, you manage to come up with one, don't be afraid to run back up into the wind and re-drift over the same area. Schooling fish like most jack species, will usually stay in an area and by getting back there you should be able to pick up at least another one. Really putting in the effort can mean catching a bunch.

Mackerel, also known as the Atlantic black skipjack (!) or little tunny are increasing in numbers. This is also the time of year that the largest mackerel are to be found. While most anglers looking for big mackerel concentrate on the Banks and Bermuda's Edge, do not think that they cannot be found over some of the reef areas. As many will have noticed, even during the winter months, schools of mackerel can be seen in inshore harbours and bays, often right up against the land. During certain years, the juveniles that are caught inshore are known as frigate mackerel to offshore anglers who welcome their presence. Bottom line: mackerel of all sizes can be found just about anywhere with the deeper reefs often proving to be productive.

How big is a big mackerel? Most people would say that a ten-pounder was big but rest assured they can grow to be in excess of 30 pounds. If you think that a 30 pound Allison can give you a workout on light tackle, imagine what a mackerel of that size would be like. Not surprisingly, they are a prized small game species in a great many places, not least of which is their extensive range. They are found in all tropical and sub-tropical regions, including the Mediterranean and even in the Black Sea, making them a species that is accessible to almost any angler.

Actually, that could be seen as more bad news for this species. Not only are they sought after by anglers in many places, but they are part of the staple diet of many predatory species. Other tunas, sharks, billfish and even dolphin eat mackerel. No prizes for recognising that is why they are often used as troll baits, both as dead and live baits,; they are chopped up for chum and make a supreme hook bait whether in the chum line or down on the bottom. Happily, they tend to be abundant and are usually ready to satisfy both the angler and the predator, even to its own demise.

In Bermuda, this species is not highly regarded as food. It is usually caught for use as bait, but having said that, it does offer some excellent light tackle sport. They give a good account of themselves on both spinning and conventional gear. They will take baits and will hit a variety of artificial lures. Although not too many locals try it, they are also excellent candidates for fly rod action, usually from a boat but do remember that they do occur inshore and even there, they will take a fly, if offered.

For the most part, fishing takes a back seat to other pursuits as the days continue to shorten and the weather begins its inevitable spiral into winter. The prospect of a long weekend does open an opportunity for what might be the season's last chance at Tight lines!!!