This past week we heard about the first tropical storm of the season in the Atlantic.  So this is a good time to discuss how weather affects fishing. While there are many weather components that can influence angler’s success, it’s the barometric pressure that has the greatest impact.

• 

Barometric pressure is the amount of force or weight where the atmosphere pushes down at any point on earth and its inhabitants. This pressure can be measured as either rising or falling or steady responding to the current weather conditions. And each one of these three different conditions or readings can have a significant effect on fishing.

Barometric pressure is caused by two or more different weather systems interacting with each other thus we see or even feel a rise or decrease the pressure. This rising and falling typically proceeds or then can follow a weather system or storm. For example, an approaching front or storm will cause the barometric pressure to decrease and once the front or storm passes the system will return back to its normal or steady pressure state. We see this as a typical summer storm passes. And the closer the storm is to a particular area, the lower the pressure can become.

So what does all mean to fishing? So how does this condition effect fishing?

On steady calm or “bluebird” days, fishing is dependent on many natural instincts of a specific species. Fish act in a normal fashion and remain comfortable and feed regularly. As the front begins to approach, many species can sense the approaching storm and the decrease in pressure. They typically will begin to feed aggressively for fear of days ahead where food sources are scattered. Then as the storm is upon them, the decreased pressure pushes heavily on the fish, most specifically their organs, thus causing them to feel full and reducing their instinct to feed and may even cause them to stop all together. Once the front or system passes, the pressure rises and the “full feeling” effect diminishes and the fish become “more comfortable”, the fish will again begin to feed normally.

So what does all this mean to the angler? First, this condition is the angler’s “ace in the hole”.

Anglers should always monitor the barometric pressure and watch for even slight changes. And when a front or storm system approaches or passes by, they should try to be at their favorite spot. It is a well-known fact that fish feed aggressively when they sense these weather changes. And good anglers know to follow this practice and have been rewarded.

Of course, anglers should never take chances or take a risk to be out on the water during lightning, high winds or any type of dangerous weather. It is never safe to be on or near the water when there are stormy conditions.

Looking for one more advantage, why not check the barometric readings on weather page before your next fishing trip. The results just might surprise you.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony