8 tips for fishing in bad weather conditions
8 Tips for Fishing in Bad Weather Conditions
The earth consists of two pressurized environments (Air & Water). Sensible weather, the day-to-day weather that we experience every day is one of many factors that affects fishing as well as our daily lives. Weather changes are caused by atmospheric changes in pressure (barometric pressure) driven by the fast moving river of air called the jet stream located at about 30,000 feet in the atmosphere! A basic rule is that rising air (falling pressure) produces clouds and even the possibility of rain and snow. Sinking air (rising pressure) means clouds and precipitation development is suppressed, and usually brings clear skies and fair weather.
Weather conditions do impact the catch rate indirectly of the species you are pursuing, and will depend on various interdependent factors such as: availability of fish, water depth, temperature, clarity, wind, and barometric pressure.
A passionate fisherman knows that there are so many factors to consider when preparing for a fishing day or a fishing trip. So they take good care of their equipment and plan ahead the location. But experience made them understand how the weather affects fishing conditions and how to maximize success in such cases.
Here are some tips and advices to encourage you “bother” going out in terrible weather:
- Find a shelter
If you know the place very well, plan your spot in advance. If not, find a shelter when you get there. What is a shelter? It is an area that gives the fish access to food sources. This kind of area should also provide larger fish.
- Find a calm spot
Find a spot off the coast, an area where floating debris and flotsam have been collecting, because areas like this are a focal point for opportunistic feeders. Be careful though, these spots can be very dangerous, so take conscious and smart decisions.
- Check the water temperature
Water temperature is key to understanding fish patterns so make sure you track the water conditions to see if it can give you a hint.
- Don’t set your expectations too high
I get it, you want to catch a big fish. But my advice is not to set your hopes up because it can and will disappoint you. The wind might be blowing in the wrong direction, clouds might affect your visibility, a decrease or rise in pressure might ruin the bite. You can’t control everything, but your expectations. Get used to the fact that everything can go wrong on a fishing trip with bad weather conditions.
- Be grateful
Everyone wants to catch the perfect fish, the one that they dreamed about nights and days. But if the conditions are not great, remember that there are other fish in the sea. It is so much more fun to catch a bunch of jacks or ladyfish than to stand there and look at nothing. Bad days can definitely be turned into great days if you are grateful and willing to catch different species.
- Stay warm
It is important for you to remain dry, mostly on the lower body. Try layering up your clothes to keep you warm, try some thermal leggings, maybe some waterproof trousers. When it comes to the upper body, find a raincoat with well-placed pockets. There are plenty of products specially designed for fishermen and for bad weather conditions. Just don’t neglect yourself, dress accordingly but make sure you are comfortable.
- Tell someone where you’re going
If you love adventure, you will head out in the worst weather conditions. But this brings danger to your life, so always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to come back. This way that person will keep track of you and if something bad happens, he will stay alert. That great fish is not worthy if that is going to be your last fish. Make sure to take precautions. Of course, if it’s lightning, get off the water.
- Be persistent
Don’t quit easy. If you plan in advance, you know the surroundings and you know the conditions, the only step between you and the big fish is patience. Give yourself a chance to build your confidence up and branch out of your comfort zone.
The wind is your friend… at least most of the time. Wind energize a fishery. Just make sure you use it properly and adjust your opportunities. Never doubt, be courageous and I will guarantee that bad conditions for anglers doesn’t always mean bad conditions for angling.
Do you have any other tips and advice for becoming a better fisherman? Please share them with us!
Thank you John at Barbless-Flies.co.uk for this great article.
Until then,
Use your instincts to survive