Up and down the East Coast, boaters get a view of the magic of fall in a way landlubbers never will. It’s true! While they’re sitting on jam-packed roadways, you can enjoy cooler, less crowded cruising and leaf peeping from your own deck. The already naturally beautiful waterways will transform into a vibrant display of reds, purples, oranges and yellows that you won’t want to miss.
Now, you may be pulling out the sweaters and scarves, but fall still offers wonderful boating opportunities. Vacationers have headed home so there’s less traffic on the water. And the sweltering summer temperatures have mellowed, making cruising more comfortable. And, fishermen know that fall fishing is unmatched – with fish enthusiastically feeding, fattening up for the cold winter ahead. So, pick your location and set your course for spectacular fall vistas you won’t soon forget. To help you choose, here are Snag-A-Slip’s most popular fall boating destinations:
Annapolis, Maryland
There’s good reason why Annapolis is still one of the most famous boating destinations in the world. Its shoreline is not only picturesque, but spans over 533 miles. It’s also home to the country’s largest estuary, right in the Chesapeake Bay. While there, you’ll have no shortage of water activities – from historic water tours to paddle boarding. And if you’ll be doing some fall fishing, you’ll be rewarded with black drum, smallmouth and largemouth bass, flounder, bluefish, and silver perch. But when you’re ready to come on dry land and do some sightseeing, the historic district offers shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Another matchless boating destination smart boaters flock to every October, for the empty beaches, and quaint shops, is Block Island. No matter what your favorite pastime, the small beautiful island is a perfect place to experience the magical change of seasons, while unwinding by one of their pebbled coves or soft sandy beaches. The island’s manageable 9.734 square miles means you can walk it, bike it or hail any of the good old-fashioned cabs that always seem to be just where you need them. Plus, if you’re bringing your rod, you might catch salmon, mako shark, thresher shark, and walleye.
Montauk, New York
Although New York is sure to cool down quicker than more southern states, Montauk still offers premier scenic fall boating. The village and surrounding area draw boaters who enjoy exploring the historic village and surrounding areas. While there, visit the lighthouse that dates back to 1797, or venture into the famous healing salt cave. Because Montauk is the surfcasting capital of the world, you should
know that well into November, anglers delight in catching striped bass. But as every old salt knows, weather can change quickly in the fall, especially around Montauk, so make sure to keep an eye on the sky and weather reports, and react appropriately.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is not only beautiful in the fall, but is also humming with activity. The autumn leaves are a perfect backdrop to a wide array of historic attractions and water activities – such as Riverfest, Oysterberfest, Cape Fear Kite Festival, N.C. Surf to Sound Challenge, and the Carolina Beach Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. Phew! You get the idea. And, if it’s a fall fishing adventure you’re looking for, you can count on wahoo, spotted seatrout, bluefish, yellowfin tuna, and black drum.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you prefer warmer weather, even in the fall, you’ll find it in Fort Lauderdale. It’s probably why it’s the Yachting Capital of the World, and home to more than 40,000 yachts, and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show each fall. You’ll also find one of the best selection of restaurants offering delicious dining by water. So, you can cruise the waters and tie up for a meal whenever you like. If you’re thinking of catching your own dinner, the Gulf Steam is just a few miles offshore.
