Barometer and Mother Nature

[Shankopotamus]

I have looked high and low, but have never found specific information on the effect barometric pressure and weather have on catching fish. I have, however, heard conflicting opinions over the years. Pointer and I discussed this briefly on the phone recently, but I thought it would be a great thread with invaluable information.

I fully grasp the effect of temperature, but what's "the rest of the story" as my friend Paul Harvey used to say- God rest his soul.

SO:

Barometer- rising or falling?
Rain- before, during, after?
Cold front- before, during, after?
Warm front- any difference?
Moon phase- new, full?

Any other positive/ negative weather factors?

Thanks in advance for you input.

 

[MadBomber]

I have always heard that falling barometric pressure is better than rising and pre-front is better than post-front. The best indicator I know is paying attention on the way to the ramp. If the cows are up feeding, fishing will be good, if they are laying down, the fish will not be active either.

 

[Shankopotamus]

Thanks Madbomber for your reply. Guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

 

[drumking]

As MadBomber has stated, falling barometer usually means fish go on a feeding spree. High pressures usually mean that fish get neutral at best and inactive most of the time. Doesn't mean that some fish can't be caught. Less bites are the norm, and fish buried deeply in cover. His cows laying down or up and grazing doesn't mean much. I have seen cows in one pasture laying down and the next farm they are all up and grazing at the same time.

emoBigsmile
However, when you see the animal kingdom all active and feeding at the same time (squirrels, deer, birds, etc) usually the fish are feeding too. If you observe this over a number of years, you will probably see a correlationship and come to the conclusion that I have. Fish movements can be predicted fairly accurately if the weather is stablized. Passing fronts mess all timing up for a day or two. Moon phases effect them in how aggressively they bite. New/full moon phases (a couple of days before/after) generally offer the most aggressive feeding periods of the month. 1/2 moon phases the fish are usually timid. Nibblers if you are a catfisherman. Very subtle bites if you are a bass/crappie fisherman.

Finally, this is only my opinion for what it's worth. Probably $.02 emoUpsmile emoGeezer

 

[Shark]

I can't remember where it was I read this or watched it on a fishing show.... But it said that in river systems like the Hiaw and Tenn rivers; Barometric pressure has less effect on the fish.

Not sure if it's true.... it makes sense though.

 

[tyler ware]

I read that when the moon is overhead or under foot is better, on each horizon its ok and at 1030o clock in the sky its the worst. REport I read came from a guy who dove and fished a lot. If the normal catch rate is 1 when the moon is at 9 and 3 o clock, then the rate would be 2 at 12 and 6 o clock and .5 at 1030, 130, 430, and 730. These are not times, just moon position in the sky.

 

[al56]

I HAVE HEARD ALL OF THIS TOO. I HAVE FOUND THAT I DO BETTER IF I JUST GO FISH AND ONT WORRY ABOUT ALL OF THIS.

 

[ashtrey]

Shark I am not sure where you heard this but I would check on this again. Our river sytems arent any different than any others around for weather effects.

 

[m17glock]

al56 - 3/31/2009 1:50 PM

I HAVE HEARD ALL OF THIS TOO. I HAVE FOUND THAT I DO BETTER IF I JUST GO FISH AND ONT WORRY ABOUT ALL OF THIS.

me too !!! emoTongue

 

[sprestwood]

I figure the fish are biting well when I'm not at the water. But sport fishing is enhanced by the challenge of using particular methods and stratigies. Warm water and night fishing seem to be the only true universal indicators of an active bite.

 

[Jig-Junky]

Bill Dance is a firm beliver in this. If I remember right.....he has a detailed article or two about it on his website.

 

[Shankopotamus]

Thanks for all the responses. I agree that I still go fish despite these factors. Trouble is I get skunked way too much!
Tight lines to you all!