TIME continues to march on and winter beckons. Happily, we and most of the Atlantic/Caribbean islands have been spared the seasonal tropical activity. Less happily, we can now look forward to the continuous onslaught of winter gales, cooler temperatures and overcast skies. Granted, there are a few fine winter days that beckon the angler offshore but those are a rare treat. For most of us, the boat will remain on the moorings until there is the mad rush, come April, to get it on the slip and ready for the forthcoming season. In the meantime, there is still some limited opportunity to wet a line.

The offshore scene is winding down, much as expected. There are still some wahoo around and it is possible to catch enough to justify the trip and fuel. They have spread out and while most boats head for the Banks, there are spots on the Edge where the action can be fast and furious.

Trolling along the southwest edge is often profitable at this time of the year. For some reason, wahoo seem to congregate there and it does have the advantage of being close to home. Not only does this minimise fuel costs but you can come back quickly should the weather do a 180 on you. And we are definitely into that season where the weather can turn nasty in a hurry with very little warning.

Yellowfin tuna remain unpredictable. There are a few around but that is no real reason to go chumming specifically for them. Better off to anchor up a bit away from the drop-off and work both the bottom and mid-water. Blackfin tuna are always a possibility and they do provide top class light tackle sport. Apart from coneys, barbers and the occasional but most welcome hind, it should also be possible to lure an amberjack or bonita into the fish box.

A happy circumstance is the fact that most decent-sized ambers and bonitas travel in pairs or small schools. This makes it possible to catch one and then go right back, ready for a shot at the other half, as it were. Live baits work a treat but even fresh cut bait or anchovy work too.

Drifting on the Banks is a good way to work the bottom. Apart from the grouper-type bottom species, so-called "floating fish" usually get in on the act as well. Every so often although not as often as one might like, a monkey rockfish will snap at a well-presented anchovy or other bait. If you are fortunate enough to snag one of these consider it as a bonus.

With offshore conditions deteriorating, there has been an increase in the amount of effort being put in by land-bound anglers. Places like Watford Bridge and Grey's Bridge are proving to be productive and while they do not really lend themselves to sport fishing, it is certainly possible to catch enough to augment the food budget.

The weather is starting to shift into winter mode and the fish are sensitive to this and, for most, it means moving out to deeper water. For those species that have spent a good portion of the summer in the Great Sound or one of the other harbours or sounds, this means moving out through one of the cuts to get to the reef areas.

First off, lots of people would be surprised to find out what fish do come into the Great Sound. Mackerel (little tunny) and jacks are commonly spotted but are only two of the summer invaders. Other species include yellowtail snapper, grey snapper, amberjack, bonita (Almaco jack) and even palometa. There are also some hefty sharks that inhabit waters a lot closer to home than you might think.

Right now all these species are being taken by anglers working the bridges and elsewhere. Grey snappers are few and far between and just getting them to bite is a good trick at the best of times. Expect the last of them to depart for alternative winter quarters any day now. The other snappers and jacks will probably follow in short order.

Before you give up all hope of off-season fishing, you should know that there are some species that come inshore, often to spawn during the winter months. Obviously not a game fish and often the recipient of some rude names, the silver porgy (a.k.a. bream) can be plentiful, willing and large enough to yield a respectable white meat fillet. Don't think that plenty haven't found their way into mixed fillet bags before, there's nothing new.

Although not a game fish, bream actually put up a spirited battle but you will only realise this is if you are using ultralight tackle. After all, a three pounder is huge! One thing that can be said for them is that they are cooperative. They will bite even on a rainy, blowy cold day and if there is a small school of them, it is possible to catch most of them. For those desperate to go fishing, this at least provides some incentive.

Another species which can be caught inshore during the winter is the sailor's choice. This is a member of the grunt family and makes for a nice fillet. Common in the south-eastern United States it goes by a variety of names there, one of which is pigfish.

At the risk of putting everyone off fishing along the shoreline is the mention of another winter species; the pinfish. A relative of the bream, this is aptly named. It has spines and pointy bits that stick out all over. When filleted, there are bones everywhere, making it a serious challenge to clean in a satisfactory manner. In the United States, it is called everything from porgy (which it kind of is) to salt water bream. Here, most consider it to be an out and out nuisance. For some, this is a good reason not to go fishing, unfortunately.

Adding to Bermuda's already impressive tally, for a little place, is a new IGFA world record. This is another record in the fly fishing category and was set this past June 7 aboard Capt. Joey Dawson's Gringo. The new holder is Toquaiah Jackson Carter who caught a 53 lb 13 oz yellowfin tuna on 20lb tippet.

So, shifting into that quiet period before the dead of winter is upon us. There are still enough fish around to make putting in the effort worthwhile, but for most the rods will be relegated to the rack for the duration. Short days and unreliable weather make planning an excursion difficult, so most anglers think the better of it and resign themselves to dreaming of next year's Tight lines!!!