Ideal weather for fishing: how to anticipate like a pro

You don’t need to be an experienced angler to know that weather affects the way fish act. After all, certain conditions can prompt them to either be more active and look for food, whereas others can signal danger and the need to hide in the depths of the water.

Anticipating the best conditions for angling is a guaranteed way to ensure that you have a successful fishing trip. However, you do need to know what you’re looking for to be able to capitalize on the best possible weather.

Changes in the atmosphere, pressure and humidity are just a few factors that will determine the way you approach fishing on that day.

In this article, we will focus on the key weather patterns when fishing as well as other aspects of the atmosphere that affect the success of a fishing trip.

What to look for in weather patterns

The first thing you need to consider is barometric pressure. Since the anatomy of a fish is quite different from that of humans, changing pressure and weather conditions also have much different effects on them.

A low or constantly dropping reading from your barometer usually indicates a brewing storm, while rising or high pressure readings mean that the skies will be clear during that particular time.

In terms of behavior, higher pressure will mean that the fish are more active and in shallower waters since water temperatures will rise because of that increased barometric pressure. When the temperatures and pressures are dropping, however, fish will be prompted to dive into deeper waters for a period until the conditions get better again.

Before they do go hiding, however,  fish are typically keen on a last minute meal which you should try your best to capitalize on.

You might have heard this before, but the saying that the best time to fish is right before the storm is completely true.

Effects of sunlight

Unlike us, fish are cold blooded animals, which means that their body temperature is regulated by the environment that they are in.

You might have tried angling before, in the middle of a clear and sunny day, but to no avail. This is not a coincidence since these conditions are simply too hot for them, so the fish usually dive deeper to hide.

The best time to angle in terms of sunlight is either at dusk or dawn, when the sun isn’t too harsh for the fish.

Don’t forget to stay safe

Changing weather conditions can also affect the safety of our fishing trip, not just the way we approach angling that day. 

Coastal areas are typically prone to much more change in weather patterns during the day. If it’s sunny, you’re usually fine, however rising tides or brewing storms can certainly bring unexpected challenges.

Regardless of the place that you’re fishing from: be it a shore, bank, platform or even a boat, safety should always remain a priority for you and anyone that’s going along with you.

Pay attention to the weather conditions before you head out to anticipate the things that might happen.

All in all

Weather conditions play an important role in determining the way your angling trip plays out. Be well prepared for what mother nature throws at you and of course, don’t forget the safety of you and your company.