Weather

[Cy]

Let's talk a little about the upcoming weather.  Being a fisherman weather is always on my mind and I am sure most of yours.  I don't know if you folks on the East side of the state will see any severe weather tonight and tomorrow but on the West side we have a good chance of it.  The weather forecast looks like, 90 degrees, sunny and windy today, possible big storms overnight tonight, cloudy and 75 tomorrow and then high pressure for Sat with sunny and 75.

Do you think the rapid weather changes will hurt or help the fishing for the weekend? 

I know some people like to fish when the barometer is moving, either up or down.  I know others like pre-storm but not post storm fishing, others opposite of that.

Personally I look for consistent weather.  I believe the fish are happiest when the weather stays the same for a few days.

I am interested to know everyones weather facts, fictions or superstitions.

Cy

[thedude]

fact or fiction... i'd take a few days of consistent weather for any tourney. gives you a chance to at least pattern the fish and gauge the bite.
i have found that low pressure seems to be best for catching the bigger fish.

pre front/storm seems to be a great time for a hot-bite, but typically it is a small window (hour maybe?) last thing i want to do in a T is have to change the game plan or go look for new fish.

[OUTLAW]

I don't pay that much attention to the weather, all I look at is the wind, the rest does not matter a whole lot You have to deal with what mother nature gives you.

[fiker]

Wind is a big deal.  At least I think so.  I have an aluminum boat, and get blown around a lot in high winds.   

Direction of wind, wind speed, and even time of year that the wind is blowing in play into fish activity. 

I also agree with the earlier post about consistent weather.  The third day of whatever it is that's going on seems to work for me.  I don't know if it's just a pattern thing, or if it's that the fish tend to settle in, or what. 

But, day 3 is good. 

And then there's the hour right before a storm.........

[bosshawg]

weather always a factor.....inland or big waters. you'd be foolish to think otherwise. it could change on you in a minute. not being prepared definately could ruin a day for sure or worst. i try to check for every tournament. might change your game plan all together. my problem is i try to pre-fish when i can and that might be weeks before a tournament day and u can bet my that time water changes, patterns, etc., etc.... i need more free time.

[Cy]

We all need more time...especially for FISHING!!!

[Slipkey]

Since I just spent the day on Mullet and Burt with 25MPH winds from the southwest, I'd say weather is pretty important.   

I agree with thedude, though, regarding consistency.  Of course you could say the weather's going to be consistent.  Tomorrow's forecast: 20MPH out of the south-southwest.  That's sort of consistent...  

[springlakebassman]

There is nothing worse than to have your only pre-fishing day be that time before the storm. You just know your going to nail the fish that day, but comes tourney time you are probably going to have to do some looking. If I am just fishing for fun I love the barometer to be moving.  But you have to play with the cards your dealt.

[smbassman]

I don't worry too much about summer time fronts.  There really isn't any disasterous water temp changes tied to them like in the spring.  I have to agree with Outlaw that wind is a big factor, but I would add cloud cover to that.  The wind and cloud cover will change light penetration and that seems to have the biggest effect on the summer time bite.

[Cy]

I agree I like and little wind and cloud cover.  I think it loosens the fish up a little from the cover.

What do you look for with the wind?  Are you just concerned with light penetration or are there rules about the wind that you guys follow?

Cy

[bshaner]

When I'm fishing points I'll fish the side opposite the direction the wind is coming from. (I forget what that's called.)  I like to fish the areas protected from the wind. 

B

[Cy]

B,

Are you saying you put your boat and bait into the wind?  I assume you are targeting the fish that are just out of the current created by the wind?

[thedude]

When I'm fishing points I'll fish the side opposite the direction the wind is coming from. (I forget what that's called.)  I like to fish the areas protected from the wind. 

B

i believe that is the "lee" side?
and i agree... cloud cover and a bit of a light breeze makes for ideal conditions imho.

[bshaner]

I will be facing into the wind and on the trolling motor.  I much prefer to be running the TM into the wind rather than with the wind.   It's been my opinion and experience that bass will hold on the "leeward" side of the point and ambush baitfish that are blown over the point.  I probably share that opinion with 100 other anglers and I'm guessing it's not a very original thought.   I guess this applies to current as well, not just wind.  So eddies would share the same principle on a river system. 


I dont neccessarily have to be in the wind either.  If it's an extended point I can position the boat out of the wind and be casting to the wind/current break.

B