September Bass Fishing in Cornwall: Best Lures and Tactics for Big Catches

September marks the peak of bass fishing in Cornwall, as larger bass flood the shores, chasing abundant garfish and other baitfish. With cooling sea temperatures and shorter days, the fishing conditions align perfectly for landing big fish. Historically, September delivers the highest bass catch rates, with social media buzzing with photos of impressive hauls.

Why September Shines for Bass Fishing

As nights draw in and sea temperatures dip slightly from August’s 19°C+ peak, Cornwall’s waters teem with life. Mackerel numbers decline, but garfish abound, attracting not only bass but also bluefin tuna in the southwest. Bass feed aggressively on garfish and other baitfish, forming large schools that lead to high catch numbers. The key is to fish when bass are most active, particularly during moving tides.

Mid-tide periods—3 hours before or after high tide—are ideal, as bass swim with the current. In Cornwall, fish west on incoming tides and east on outgoing tides to follow their movement. Keeping a catch report is crucial, as bass return to the same spots annually, especially in September.

Best Locations and Conditions

• Beaches and Rocks: These are prime spots during the day if there’s decent swell or surf, which stirs up baitfish and attracts bass. In calm conditions, beaches and rocks fish better at night, offering safer and more productive sessions. Larger bass often lurk beneath schools of smaller fish, so adjust your lure depth accordingly.

• Estuaries and Bays: These remain productive, especially during mid-tide flows, as bass hunt garfish in tidal currents.

Top Lures for September Bass

September bass respond well to lures mimicking garfish—long, slim, and silver or green. Surface and shallow-diving lures excel, especially when targeting bigger fish below smaller bass. Here are the top lure types for September bass fishing:

1. Topwater Lures

• Description: Surface lures or pencils that “walk” or splash, mimicking distressed garfish.

• How They Work: They provoke explosive strikes from surface-feeding bass.

• When to Use: Ideal on beaches with surf during the day or calm seas at night, especially 3 hours before/after high tide.

• Pro Tip: Use a fast, erratic retrieve to imitate fleeing garfish.

2. Shallow-Diving Lures

• Description: Hard lures with short diving lips, diving 1-3 feet to target larger bass below surface feeders. Dig them in and get them working. 

• How They Work: Their wobbling action mimics garfish or baitfish, attracting bigger fish.

• When to Use: Perfect when catching smaller bass on surface lures; use on beaches/rocks or in estuaries during mid-tide flows.

• Pro Tip: Vary retrieve speed to find larger bass lurking deeper. Don't be afraid to cast shallow diving lures into the surf. 

3. Soft Plastic Lures

• Description: Flexible lures like shads or paddletails resembling garfish.

• How They Work: Their lifelike action draws strikes in deeper or calmer waters.

• When to Use: Best for night fishing on calm beaches or in estuaries during outgoing tides.

• Pro Tip: Use silver or green with subtle flash; rig weedless for rocky areas.

Strategies for September Success

• Tidal Timing: Fish mid-tides (3 hours before/after high) when currents are strong. West on incoming tides, east on outgoing.

• Day vs. Night: Fish beaches/rocks during the day with surf; switch to night for calm seas to target larger bass safely.

• Target Bigger Bass: If catching small bass on surface lures, switch to shallow-diving plugs to reach larger fish below.

• Color and Flash: Use silver or green lures to mimic garfish; add flash for visibility in surf.

• Log Catches: Record lure type, tide, and location in a catch report for future trips.

• Gear Prep: Tie strong knots and set drag to 25-30% of line strength for big September bass. Check your braid for fraying!!!!

Why September is Unmissable

September’s combination of large bass, abundant garfish, and optimal tides makes it the pinnacle of Cornwall bass fishing. With the right lures—topwater for surface action, shallow-diving plugs for bigger fish—and a focus on moving tides, you’ll capitalise on this prolific month. Fish beaches, rocks, or estuaries, and get out as often as possible to catch the wave of big bass.

Seadra Aqua Bullet  (20g - 80g)