October Bass Lure Fishing: Estuary and Coast Tactics

October is one of our favourite months for bass lure fishing in Cornwall. Some of our biggest bass have come during October sessions, but that does not mean every tide produces larger fish or that smaller bass disappear.

Our approach is to watch the baitfish, read the water and choose a presentation we can control. Whether you are exploring an estuary or the open coast, use the ideas here as starting points for your own marks rather than fixed rules for the month.

Estuaries: learn the local tide

Pay attention to how channels, weed edges and changes in depth fish at different stages of the tide. Neap tides can leave more water over some shallow ground at low water than larger spring tides, but that does not turn low tide into a new high tide or make it the best time everywhere.

Satellite imagery can help you identify features to investigate. It cannot tell you exactly when bass will arrive, establish the current on the day or confirm that a route is safe. Combine planning with local observation and a tide forecast.

Watch for baitfish and birds working over the water. Try casting angles that let you control the lure through likely areas, then record the tide stage, clarity and response from fish. Avoid assuming all bass travel with the current in a predictable direction.

Soft plastics and creature baits

Soft plastics have been useful in our estuary fishing. Compare the Soft Shad Bass Lure Sets, 18g with our creature bait sets when you want different profiles and ways to work the water.

A weedless presentation can help around weed, but it is not snag-proof. Adjust rigging weight and retrieve to the depth and flow, and check the setup included with your selected option. Neither lure type is reserved for larger bass, and surface lures are not just for smaller fish.

Supersoft paddletail options

The older paddletail link from this article no longer provided a useful buying destination. For a current alternative, explore our Supersoft Paddletail Bass Lure Sets. Check the size and weighted or weightless option; the photograph below is retained from the original article, not a guarantee of the current pack contents.

T-Tail soft lure sets

Our 5-inch T-Tail sets give you another soft-plastic option. Start with a controlled, steady retrieve and adjust from there rather than assuming October always demands speed.

Compare soft-plastic presentations

The photograph below is another example retained from the original article. For current alternatives, browse our soft plastic bass lure sets and use the individual product details to compare profiles, sizes and rigging.

Handmade Cornish Worms

The linked product is our 5-inch Handmade Cornish Worm set, not a 6-inch worm. Try a steady retrieve with pauses where depth and seabed allow, keeping control of the line as the lure sinks.

Handmade Cornish Sticks

Our 6-inch Handmade Cornish Stick sets are an option for a very slow presentation. Choose the weighted or weightless setup to suit your fishing, and check the current hook information rather than relying on older colour photographs.

Night fishing: experiment rather than follow colour rules

White, black and sparkly finishes have all featured in our fishing, but moonlight does not give you a guaranteed colour formula. Try a small selection and change one thing at a time, including speed or depth, before deciding colour is the answer.

The 5-inch Handmade Cornish Snax offer weighted and weightless options to compare. They are one choice for exploring a slower soft-plastic presentation, not a promise of night-time catches.

Open coast: match the presentation to the water

Look for baitfish, movement and features you can fish from a safe position. Bigger tides or heavier surf do not automatically mean better fishing. If you cannot control the lure, keep secure footing or maintain a safe exit, choose somewhere else or leave the session for another day.

Surface lures can help you explore the top, while shallow divers work below it. Compare our 125mm / 19g surface lure with the shallow-running options below. For a sinking soft-plastic presentation, see the weighted sandeel range.

Sub Surface Ranger

The Sub Surface Ranger is listed at 0.5m diving depth, in 98mm / 12g and 118mm / 19g sizes. Select the size and colour on the product page rather than relying on an old variant link.

Shallow-diving gliding lure

The 125mm / 20g gliding bass lure has a listed diving depth of 1m. Choose a colour you want to try without treating it as exclusively a day or night option. Allow enough clearance above the bottom and weed.

Floating sub-surface runner

Our 120mm / 16g floating sub-surface runner gives you another option for shallow shoreline water. Experiment with the retrieve and watch the lure’s action where you can do so safely.

Plan for shorter days and changing conditions

Check the forecast, tide, swell and access before leaving home. Calm water does not automatically make night fishing safer: darkness adds hazards, particularly on rocks and soft estuary ground. Carry a reliable headtorch and backup light, use them when needed, and consider fishing with a mate.

Let someone know your plans and keep a safe exit throughout the session. Inspect braid, leader, knots and hooks, and set your drag for the complete setup rather than a fixed percentage. Plan how you would land and release a fish before casting.

Build your own October picture

Record the tide stage, weather, clarity, lure and retrieve, including quiet sessions. Move when it makes sense and safe access allows, rather than following a rigid time limit. Your own notes will help you recognise patterns without assuming the same conditions work every year.

October gives us plenty to look forward to. Take a manageable selection of tackle, stay curious about the water in front of you and enjoy the fishing without chasing a promise of bigger bass. Tight lines!