barometric

[new kid]

Being a new kid to this fishing thing. Was not raised in a fishing family. I would like to know is there a web page that gives info on barometric pressure and fishing so that I can print it off for furture ref. Thank you

[REW]

You can sum up barometric pressure in just a few words.
1. The best fishing will be if the winds are blowing for at least three days from the same direction -- with no switches whatsoever -- including during the night. This will mean that no fronts have come through and that what ever the baramoteric pressure is -- at least it is not changing. Best Case.

2. Next best case --
Fish a falling barometer -- i.e. get to get fishing when you see an approaching storm front. If you can stay on the water just as the storm is hitting -- and not get killed in the process due to lightning or waves -- you might encounter some of the very best fishing possible. It seems that the 1/2 hour just before a storm hits -- the fish seem to sense that this is their last chance to feed before being uncomfortable -- and will often go on a feeding frenzy. The key is being on the "SPOT" just as the storm is getting to your area. Of course -- if you can see lightning -- GET OFF the Lake. No fish is worth your life.

3. As the pressure begans to turn from low to high -- the fish are going to start feeling uncomfortable - in a short while, and can often be induced to feed mightly, before settling into a period of inactivity.

4. About the worst case -- as the storm passes, the winds will turn to the north and or the north - east -- absolutely the worst case, or 2nd worst cast -- east winds are probably the worst -- the pressure will began to rise fairly quickly. With the quickly rising barometer -- the fish began to feel discomfort and tend to drop into a period of inactivity. Many fish will basically drop to the bottom and bury their head in a weed pile or equivalent and weight out the high pressure until their bladders stabilize. This is generally the three days, that I mentioned on item one.

Summary -- long period of stable weather -- whether the pressure is low, high or somewhere in between -- generally indicates good to excellent fishing.

Falling barometer -- particularly just before a storm can be the very best fishing available.

Normally, this falling barometer is indicated by winds from the south or west -- good to excellent fishing.

As the storms pass, the pressure rises, and the fishing turns from excellent to poor then ugly. This is true as the wind swings through the north, proceeds around to the north east and then finally out of the east. With periods of north and north east winds --- it is generally very very very very difficult to have a consistently good bite. Often, beans for supper is the best approach -- or fish at night - slow down and down size your presentations.

Good luck and enjoy your fishing.


Take care

REW

[cisco]

REW gives you the scoop on pressure and fishing. Before you get too hung up on pressure rules, however, just remember this --- a fish undergoes far greater pressure changes by simply moving up or down 5 feet in the water column.

Some argue that pressure change is a greater influence on forage. Thus, you get predator changes as weather fronts come in because the predators are following the forage.

We know that fish go where the food is -- do we know why the food (forage) moves about?

I follow a simple rule. If there's time to go fishing, then I'll go fishing.

[RANGER]

I'm not going to be able to help you with a website. I don't know where there is one to answer your question. What I will say is, REW is right on! To help you remember all that he said there is a fisherman's poem you can commit to memory and it is also RIGHT ON:

WHEN THE WIND IS IN THE NORTH

THE FISHERMAN GOES NOT FORTH!

WHEN THE WIND IS IN THE SOUTH

IT BLOWS THE BAIT INTO THE FISH'S MOUTH!

WHEN THE WIND IS IN THE EAST

THE FISH BITE THE LEAST!

WHEN THE WIND IS IN THE WEST

THE FISH BITE THE BEST!

Time and time, again, this holds up!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Jim O]

Interestingly, most of us fish when we can. Not when the barometer is favorable. The rules seem proven over the years, but fish are biting somewhere, all the time. As always, you just have to find out what they want. Notice that in tournaments that some folks blank out or do poorly (relatively speaking) and others limit daily. Why? Because someone figured out the pattern to fit the conditions. Don't get too hung up on the barometer. Yes it is a factor, but don't let it stop you from enjoying a day on the water. Hey, you can't lose... You can always blame the lack of sucess on the weather..I know I have.
Jim Ordway

[REW]

I 2nd, 3rd, and 4th jims comments.

The best time to go fishing is when you can|go!!!!!!

Take the time to go fishing when the opportunity presents itself, and figure out the pattern. As many folks have said in the past -- there is always a fish willing to bite somewhere at any given time. Figure out the pattern and limit out.

As is the case for Teen Age dating , hunting, and a myriad of other thing --- the fun is in the hunt. Catching is almost an afterthought.

When you figure out the tricks for having a successful hunt - or fish -- you have the ultimate high in a feeling of success.

On a very hard bite day -- the landing of a single fish, is often more rewarding than landing a 100 fish - when you can fish blindfolded and catch a fish on every cast.

Remember a lot of life is overcoming difficulties, and the feeling of success that is accomplished by overcoming these difficulties.

Take care and enjoy the day.

|REW