Fall Fishing at Longhu Park: My 2024 Mid-Autumn Adventure

Let’s cut to the chase—fall fishing? *Chef’s kiss*. If you’re a angler who’s been cooped up during the summer heat, wait till you experience the magic of autumn. I’m talking crisp mornings, golden light, and fish that actually *want* to bite. Last month, on September 19th, I dragged my gear to Longhu Park in Gucheng County, and let me tell you—this trip was not just about catching fish. It was about escaping the chaos, breathing that cool fall air, and making memories that stick. Let’s dive in.

Why Fall Is *The* Season for Fishing (Spoiler: It’s Not Just “Nice Weather”)

First off, let’s get the science out of the way—without boring you to tears. Fall isn’t just “cooler”; it’s a biological trigger for fish. When the temps drop from summer’s scorch, fish go *crazy* feeding to bulk up for winter. But here’s the thing: not all fall is created equal. I’m talking about the “true fall” window, not that weird “Indian summer” that tricks you into thinking it’s still July.

Breaking Down Fall’s Fishing Phases (Because Timing Is Everything)

Let’s be real—most people lump “fall” into one big block, but that’s a rookie mistake. Here’s how I break it down (and why it matters):

• Early Fall (End of Summer to Early September): Still hot? Yeah, skip it. Fish are still hiding in deep, cool water—same as summer. Boring.
• Mid-Fall (Mid-September to Mid-October): *This* is the sweet spot. We’re talking “golden autumn” vibes—temps in the 2°C (72°F) range, clear skies (or even better, light overcast), and fish moving shallow to feed. This is when “fall fishing” lives up to the hype.
• Late Fall (Late October to Winter): Temps drop below 15°C (59°F)? Fish slow way down. You’ll need heavier gear and patience—save this for the die-hards.

My trip was smack-dab in mid-fall, and let’s just say the fish were *ready* to party. The air was crisp, the leaves were starting to turn, and Longhu Park felt like a secret fishing oasis.

My Gear Setup: Light Line, Big Results (Spoiler: I Caught a Carp on 0.4 Line!)

Let’s be honest—fishing gear can be overwhelming. But for mid-fall at Longhu Park? You don’t need a fancy setup. Here’s what I brought, and why it worked:

Rod, Reel, and Line: Keep It Light (Trust Me)

I went with my trusty 3.6m Zhulu·Crucian rod (it’s light, flexible, and perfect for small to medium fish). For line, I paired a 0.8 mainline with a 0.4 fluorocarbon leader. Wait—*0.4*? That’s thinner than a human hair! But here’s the thing: mid-fall fish are spooky. Light line means they don’t see it, and they’re more likely to bite. Plus, it makes the fight *way* more fun (more on that later).

Float and Hook: The “Invisible” Combo

For my float, I used a Yiwei LV reed float—it’s super sensitive, so I could see even the tiniest bites (which is crucial when fish are feeding light). Hooks? Size 3 Big Fish King barbless hooks. Barbless is better for catch-and-release (and I’m all about that), and size 3 is perfect for small bream and the occasional surprise (like that carp).

Bait: The “Magic Dust” That Drew Fish Like Bees to Honey

Here’s the star of the show: my Tongsha Xiang bait (a local all-purpose bait that’s *chef’s kiss* for fall). Let’s break down why it worked:

• Bright Color: Fish in fall are used to muted, brown water—bright bait stands out like a neon sign.
• Perfect Texture: It pulled into a smooth, even ball—no lumps, no mess. When I cast it, it broke into a fine mist (to attract fish) and left bigger particles (to keep them there).
• Stays on the Hook: I cast it once, and even after 5 minutes under water, there was still bait left. No retying every 2 seconds—bless.

Let’s just say, when I first cast that bait, the water started bubbling. Fish were *lining up*.

The Day at Longhu Park: Bites, Surprises, and a Little Chaos

Let’s set the scene: September 19th, 6:30 AM. The park was quiet—just a few early birds (both human and feathered) and me. The air was cool (around 21°C/70°F), and the sky was a soft gray (perfect overcast—fish love it because it hides the sun’s glare).

I set up near the old abandoned fish pond (pro tip: abandoned ponds have *tons* of fish because they’re not overfished). I cast my line, and within 30 seconds—*bam*. A tiny bite.

First Catch: The Golden Bream That Stole My Heart

I saw my float dip a third of an inch—so light I almost missed it. I lifted the rod, and *boom*—a fight! It was a small golden bream, about 4 inches long, with scales that glinted like gold in the sun. It was *beautiful*. I took a quick pic (you’ll see it below) and released it—too pretty to keep.

That was just the start. Over the next hour, I caught 5 more bream—all small, all golden, all *hungry*. The bait was working like a charm, and the light line made every catch feel like a battle (even if it was just a tiny fish).

The Surprise: A Carp on 0.4 Line? Are You Kidding Me?

Then, around 8:00 AM—*nothing*. The bites stopped. I reeled in, checked my bait (still there), and cast again. 10 seconds later—*splash*. My float went under, and the rod bent *hard*. I thought I’d hooked a log. But then it moved—*fast*. It was a carp!

I fought it for 10 minutes (yes, *10 minutes*—on 0.4 line!). Every time I thought I had it, it darted away. My hands were shaking, my heart was racing, and I was yelling (quietly—don’t want to scare the fish). Finally, I pulled it to the shore: a 2-pound carp, with a golden belly, black eyes, and tiny whiskers (it was definitely a farm-raised carp, probably released by someone). It wasn’t the prettiest fish, but man—*that* fight was worth it.

The Nuisance: Why Do Stripers Always Show Up?

Just when I thought I was on a roll, the stripers showed up. You know the ones—tiny, fast, and *always* stealing your bait. I caught 3 in 5 minutes, and then I got annoyed. “Guys, I’m here for bream and carp—not you!” I yelled (again, quietly). So I switched to a smaller bait, and the stripers lost interest. Win-win.

What I Learned (And What You Should Steal for Your Next Fall Trip)

Let’s be real—this trip wasn’t just about catching fish. It was about learning what works (and what doesn’t) for fall fishing. Here’s my takeaway:

1. Timing Is *Everything* (Not Just “Fall”)

Mid-fall is the sweet spot. Don’t waste your time in early fall (still too hot) or late fall (too cold). Aim for September 15th to October 15th—you won’t regret it.

2. Light Line = More Bites (And More Fun)

I used 0.4 line, and I caught a 2-pound carp. If I’d used heavy line, I never would have felt that fight. Light line is spooky to fish? Maybe—but in mid-fall, they’re so hungry they don’t care. Trust me.

3. Overcast Days Are Better Than Sunny Days (Fight Me)

Sunny days make fish hide in deep water. Overcast days? They come shallow to feed. My trip was overcast, and the bites were non-stop. If it’s sunny, go early (before 8 AM) or late (after 5 PM).

4. Abandoned Ponds Are Gold (Literally)

Longhu Park’s abandoned pond had more fish than the main lake. Why? Because no one fishes there (or releases too many fish). Pro tip: ask locals about hidden spots—they’ll know.

Final Thoughts: Fishing Isn’t Just About Catching Fish (It’s About Feeling Alive)

At 9:00 AM, I packed up my gear. I had a small bucket of bream (I kept a few for dinner) and a story about a carp that almost broke my rod. But more than that, I had a clear head, a smile on my face, and a memory that’ll last. Fall fishing at Longhu Park isn’t just about the fish—it’s about the quiet, the crisp air, and the feeling that you’re part of something bigger.

Will I go back? *Absolutely*. Next time, I’m bringing my friend (who’s a total rookie) and showing him the magic of mid-fall fishing. And who knows—maybe I’ll catch that big carp that got away.

Oh, and one last thing: if you’re thinking about going fall fishing? *Do it*. Don’t wait for “the perfect day” or “the perfect gear”. Just grab your rod, head to a local spot, and enjoy. You won’t regret it.

P.S. If you’re looking for more tips on fall fishing, drop a comment below—I’ll share all my secrets. And if you’ve had a great fall fishing trip, tell me about it! I love hearing other anglers’ stories.