When the Magic Happens

By Trey Leggett

Many of you who are from the Southern U.S. or live in the South know that September brings a welcome change in the season for outdoorsmen. Of course we tend to dodge tropical cyclone systems from time to time, and we bathe in Deet or some other concoction that supposedly keeps the dreaded sand gnats at bay. And that welcome change doesn’t come with a bit less humidity, nor do the scorching temperatures subside – it goes way beyond any silly inconveniences or frills such as those. September is when the magic happens because of the awesome speckled trout bite and because deer hunting begins.

September in our region typically signifies slightly cooler temperatures, cooling water temperatures, the return of sand gnats and butterflies, and the improved action fishing for speckled trout.

I really enjoy throwing topwater lures early in the morning and get as excited as a six-year-old at Christmas when that trout knocks my lure in the air or dive-bombs on it with reckless abandon. After the sun comes up I’ll usually switch to a popping cork setup, with an artificial or live shrimp attached to a 2½- or 3-foot leader. If live shrimp aren’t available, I’ll slap on a mud minnow or finger mullet. The trout don’t mind, they love them too. As usual, fish the creek mouths, oyster mounds or other types of structures to find these speckled beauties.

Due to mild air temperatures, bugs will more than likely be plentiful. Bug sprays, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, coupled with a hat and face shield will help. A ThermaCell repellant device will be a life saver and keep you on the water on those days when the wind is calm.

Many true-blue white tail deer hunters have been clearing, cutting, planting, and planning for the start of deer season all summer long, if not since the last deer season ended. September brings in archery season for deer hunters. Bows and crossbows can be used to hunt deer starting September 14th, Muzzleloader season starts October 12th, and modern firearms (rifle) season starts October 19th. Be sure to check Georgia hunting regulations for your specific area due to various start dates and when sex or antlered dates are.

Hunting in the early season can be hot and buggy. Wear light clothing and use concealment (blind material/camouflage), and utilize some type of natural cover scent or odor eliminator. 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange is mandatory unless you are hunting a Wildlife Management Area designated archery only. A firearm may not be carried during archery season unless the person has a valid weapons carry license (pursuant to OCGA §§1611-126(f) or 16-11-129), subject to limitations (OCGA §§ 16-11-126 and 16-11-127). Be sure to read your hunting regulations and watch out for each other’s safety. For those who aren’t participating in archery season, this is a great time to sight in your muzzleloader or centerfire rifle for the October start date.

I know many others love the month of September as much as I do. Follow mandated regulations for your area, practice safety, have a float plan or hunt plan so someone else knows where and when you’ll return. This September is the start of a wonderful fall fishing and hunting season, so get out there and enjoy it!

Stay safe and tight lines.