View Full Version : Lightning/Thunder Storms??
Trophy19
05-30-2000, 06:30 AM
How does a lightning/thunder storm effect fishing? Do the fish shut down for a period of time due to the lightning and thunder?
In my experience, it shuts down the walleyes, or at least makes them act as though they have had the bejerbers scared out of them. They drop down and scatter out. On Erie this and most all weather effects seem to be minimized at depths over 45'. Hope this helps, good luck.
Mountainman
05-30-2000, 08:10 AM
We fished through a storm or should I say a cloud, about 3 miles by 3 miles wide on Butte
Des Morts last week it snuck up on about five of us and after hail stopped we had scattered lightning and thunder. It lasted about 10 minutes. The fish continues to bite. But hears why I really posted reply. For a 5 minute period you could not touch anything metal with out getting a shock, and as soon as myself and two other boats realized we were not imagining it we headed for the closest edge of the cloud bank. My biologist Daughter told me we could have been killed at any moment. As some of you know there have been several walleye fisherman die in lighting strikes this past year and as we do in tourneys seek refuge immediately. This cloud bank appeared it was going to miss us completely and then turned and I guess slid up the front Thank God no one was struck. My point is don't fish in thunderstorms. Lawrence Ecklor
Nofish
05-30-2000, 08:28 AM
LAST EDITED ON May-30-00 AT 10:56AM (CST)[p]Hey Lawrence,
Your Daughter was spot on, you were as close to be killed by lightning as you will ever get, without being hit!:o
Crackling/buzzing rods, can't touch rods or metal without getting a spark, line floating in air and your hair standing up on end are all indicators that you are about to become a crispy critter!:o
Lightning is nothing to mess with and is totally unpredictable. Golfers and fishermen are hit more than people in any other sports.:-( Something to do with being in the open a swinging a lightning rod in your hands.;-)
Go to www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd/docs/as04800.html
I know it's a long addy, but it is worth the read. It is all about lightning and boating.
There is also a post about lightning in the clear blue sky, back a page or two on this board. Check it out too.
Glad to hear you were all okay.
Be safe..........R