If you are a fisherman (or woman, of course,) you are probably getting your gear ready for a magical time of year. As the days grow shorter and the air cools, it is only a matter of time before the fall migration of the many species of fish heading south for the winter lights up the local waters with tons of action for anglers.

Nature is incredible. Like clockwork everything begins to move accordingly. A look at LI bays right now will reveal schools of peanut and adult bunker moving around, being chased by striped bass, bluefish and a host of other species. Other baitfish like mullet will soon begin to stage their departure from our area, invading inlets in an attempt to make a mad dash to the open sea and hopefully a safe journey to other environs.

This is the time when anything can happen at almost anytime, and from now until December the migration will be underway. It is a magical time for anglers on boats, beaches, marshes and almost any other fishing spot. With some knowledge, the right gear and dedication, it is a golden time to be on the water. Here is a glimpse of some of the fall hot spots.

LI Sound-From Orient to City Island, massive schools of bait will be on a constant run for life as marauding bluefish and bass attempt massive homicide. Your best bet in these cases is to use a bunker snag and try to live line your way to a trophy. Be smart and quick on the draw. A big fish will take a whole bunker hard. Set the hook quickly to minimize the damage to the fish. Throwing plugs and tins into these scenarios is a great time, too. Don’t forget the great porgy, or scup, action on the north shore, either. These popular pan fish are in season until the end of Oct., and make great table fare.

Inlets-What goes in must come out, and that rule is never more accurate than when talking about LI’s inlets. In the spring, as fish come back to local waters, they enter the inlets and take up residence in the back bays. As the fall arrives, baitfish, juveniles such as snappers (baby blues) start to make their way out. Where else do you go but to the inlet? A variety of methods are productive in inlets. Top water plugs can help score in the early morning light or at dusk, and in the dark buck tails are a great bet. Fish them slow and steady. Be cautious, too. The currents in our inlets are nothing to laugh about.

South Shore Beaches-If you are a boater or a surf fisher, you will find some productive days in the waters of the south shore. There is usually no reason to run far off shore, either, unless the fish of the deep briny are your target. In Oct., the black fish (tautog) season begins, and there is almost no better fishing. It takes an experienced angler with a quick reaction to nail a big tog. Of course, blues and bass will be all around. Talk to your fellow fishermen, and find out what is going on.

Next week, we will talk about the fall at Montauk Point, or Mecca to many in the fishing community, and its incredible place in the circle of life.