HOW TO CHOOSE BEST TIME FOR FISHING ?
1) Which is the best season for fishing ?
Every type of fish has its own peak season, during which favorable conditions support their catchable behavior in your local area. The topic of fish seasons is so extensive that it cannot be covered in a single article, but we will provide some general guidelines to follow.
Consider the wide variety of fish species and their seasonal patterns. For instance, salmon migrate in the Pacific Northwest, mullet runs occur in Florida, spring insect hatches take place in Midwest trout streams, and ice fishermen in North Dakota target perch. Each species has its own peak season and periods when they are less active.
Determining the specific fish you want to catch or the common species in your local waters will enable you to identify their peak seasons and make any necessary adjustments to your fishing trip timing. Keeping records of the time, day, conditions, catches, water temperatures, and notes will help validate this information.
If you are aware that warm water temperatures are favorable for a variety of species in your local pond or beach spot, you will want to fish during the summer months. Alternatively, a deeper lake or reservoir may retain warmer water during winter, making it a preferred option for cold weather catfish action. Similarly, a lake stocked with grayling may offer winter fishing opportunities as they are tolerant of cold water.
Many anglers closely monitor water temperatures and understand that certain temperature ranges are ideal for specific species. It is your responsibility to research the preferred temperatures of the fish you are targeting, monthly temperature averages, and the best fishing seasons. By gaining experience and applying your knowledge about what fish are biting, you can make informed decisions about when and where to fish.
2) Which is the best weather for fishing ?
On rainy days, many people wish they could stay in bed instead of going to school, work, or university. Fish, on the other hand, have the luxury of doing just that. Well, not exactly going back to bed, but their activity is indeed influenced by weather patterns.
Weather conditions, such as rain, can change the barometric pressure in the environment, which in turn affects fish behavior. It's not always about the current weather, but also about the transitional periods like the humidity before a storm or a sudden drop in temperature.
Weather changes also impact other aspects of fishing, including safety. Sometimes you may choose a beautiful sunny day for fishing, only to find that you're not getting many bites. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on the best weather for fishing.
1) Sunny Day
Sunlight also affects fish activity. Since fish are cold-blooded, they rely on their surroundings to regulate their body temperature. The best fishing weather is usually during dusk or dawn when the sunlight filtering through the water is not too hot. By midday, especially on sunny days, fish tend to swim deeper into cooler waters.
2) Climate Patterns
Fish respond differently to weather and barometric pressure compared to humans. Barometric pressure refers to the amount of pressure the Earth's atmosphere exerts on its surface. Low or falling pressure often indicates an approaching storm, while high or rising pressure means clearer skies. When the pressure is higher and temperatures are warmer, fish tend to be more active in shallower areas. As the pressure drops and temperatures decrease, fish will move to greater depths in rivers, lakes, or dams. Just before the pressure drops, fish usually feed more actively, making it an ideal time for fishing. Using bright and quick lures during this period is a smart choice, as fish are likely to be more energetic.
3) Cloudiness
Cloudiness refers to the clarity of water and is determined by the number of particles suspended in it. Fish rely on their vision to find food, so if the water is muddy or murky (high turbidity), fish will struggle to locate their prey. In such conditions, lures that create noise or vibrations are more effective than others.
4) Safety
Monitoring the weather is not only important for catching fish but also for your safety. Weather can change rapidly, especially in coastal areas, so it's crucial to be aware of your fishing location. Fishing from rock pools may be safe on a sunny day, but as the tides shift or a storm approaches, these spots can become dangerous. Whether you're fishing from shore, banks, piers, platforms, or rocks, it's essential to wear the appropriate gear and have first aid supplies. Check the weather forecast and tidal movements before you start fishing, and be cautious of any potential hazards. It's also a good idea to never fish alone and inform someone about your fishing plans and expected return time.
These tips may vary slightly depending on your fishing style. For example, deep-sea fishing expeditions may require more attention to wind conditions rather than sunlight. However, for most shore fishing, considering the above factors will help you find the perfect fishing weather. If you're a passionate angler, keeping an eye on the weather will allow you to anticipate warm or cold fronts, storms, rain, or changes in wind patterns. You can also download a weather app like the BOM to stay updated on weather changes, identify ideal fishing areas, and plan your next fishing trip!
3) Which is the best day time for fishing ?
Without a doubt, many fish exhibit their most intense feeding activity at dawn or dusk, which is often referred to as the "bite time" by experienced anglers. There are several reasons why the beginning and end of the day are considered prime fishing times.
One reason is that changes in light conditions often trigger events such as insect hatches, increased activity of baitfish, blooms of plankton, and similar occurrences. These events attract the attention of fish, as they present an easy meal option. Consequently, fish have developed behaviors around hunting for food during these times. For example, a trout may move into shallow water to ambush hatching insect larvae, a muskie may hunt basking baitfish, a flounder may enter an estuary to feed, a shark may stalk a shoal of mackerel, shrimps may come to the surface to feed on plankton, or a catfish may move upriver in search of food.
The low light conditions during dawn and dusk, often referred to as "grey light," make it more challenging for fish to spot fishing lines, hooks, swivels, sinkers, bobbers, and boats. These elements that might spook fish during bright daylight are less noticeable during these times. This works in your favor as an angler.
Certain species, like specific types of catfish, rays, eels, and sharks, are more active and feed better at night, benefiting from their advantage over prey in darkness. With their heightened ability to sense subtle movements and scents in the water, they can easily locate baitfish and enjoy an effortless meal under the cover of night. On the other hand, some species rely on daylight to hunt and feed less actively at night. Researching the feeding behavior of your target species will greatly enhance your fishing success.
In general, dawn and dusk are typically the optimal fishing times for a variety of species. Making the effort to plan your fishing sessions around these peak periods is almost always rewarding.
4) Optimal Fishing Times: Unlocking the Magic of Tides for Saltwater Anglers (Surf, Pier, Kayak, and Boat)
Discover the secret to maximizing your saltwater fishing success by harnessing the power of tides. Learn about the best times to fish from the shore, pier, kayak, or boat and leverage the tides to your advantage. Whether you're chasing trophy catches or simply enjoying a day on the water, understanding the influence of tides can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Dive into the world of tides and unlock a new level of fishing prowess.
The moon also has a direct impact on the tides in the ocean, which affects the feeding behaviors of animals in saltwater. The moon's gravitational pull causes the ocean waters to shift, creating what we call tides. The size and timing of the tides depend on the moon's position and distance from Earth.
During a full or new moon, when the moon is closest to Earth, we experience the largest tidal movements of the year, known as King Tides. Harvest Moons, Worm Moons, and Wolf Moons, which are all names for full moons at different times of the year, also have big tidal cycles. A new moon also leads to larger-than-usual tides, depending on the moon's distance from Earth due to its elliptical orbit.
These tidal movements have a significant impact on the behavior of many marine creatures such as baitfish, crabs, crustaceans, worms, and plankton. For example, during larger tidal cycles, shoals of baitfish move into shallower water in search of food, attracting predatory fish looking for an easy meal. Crabs and prawns leave their hiding places to find food and become targets themselves. Sandworms take advantage of high tides to grab prey, making themselves vulnerable to predators. Fish are aware of these patterns and adjust their behavior to take advantage of the opportunity, and so should you.
You can easily find information on tides through websites, apps, or paper calendars, as the size and timing of high and low tides vary based on your location and the time of year. Make it a habit to check these regularly and identify when the tides and moon cycles are favorable for fishing every week or two.
Peak times within each tide cycle are often when the water is moving the most, which is when many fish search for food and move around. Slack times, when the tide is transitioning between outgoing and incoming, can also be productive. However, different species prefer different tide conditions, so pay attention to what you catch and when to gather clues.
For saltwater fishing, the days leading up to and including the larger tidal cycles, particularly those around the new and full moons, are the best times for fishing from the beach or a boat. If possible, try to fish during these favorable moon and tide cycles during dawn or dusk, focusing on high tide times and when the water temperature is suitable for your target fish. This will increase the activity of both prey and predators, making them easier to catch.
Planning a fishing trip on a day with smaller tidal swings, less water movement, less favorable moon cycles, outside of dawn and dusk, or during non-peak periods within the tide is likely to result in less action.
5) Unlock the Key to Perfect Fishing: Decoding Your Personal Fishing Calendar
Finding the best fishing times may initially seem overwhelming, considering the numerous factors involved. However, with experience, it will become clearer and more manageable. Think of it as solving a puzzle, where certain pieces are missing. As you gather knowledge about the fish you're targeting, their habitat, diet, preferred water temperatures, and overall preferences, you can fill in those missing pieces and choose the optimal timing for your fishing trips to maximize success.
By building upon this knowledge, you'll eventually reach a point where you can predict peak fishing days and times well in advance. This allows you to plan ahead, gather bait, and hit the water precisely when the conditions align with the best fishing times for your specific area and target species. This proactive approach will greatly enhance your chances of having successful fishing outings.
Conclusion
- To maximize your fishing success, it's important to consider various factors such as the best fishing seasons, weather conditions, optimal fishing times during the day, and the influence of tides. Understanding the peak seasons for different fish species will help you plan your fishing trips accordingly.
- Weather conditions, including sunlight, climate patterns, cloudiness, and safety considerations, can greatly impact fish behavior and your overall fishing experience.
- Dawn and dusk are typically prime fishing times due to changes in light conditions and feeding behaviors triggered by events like insect hatches or baitfish activity.
- The moon and tidal movements play a significant role in saltwater fishing, affecting the behavior of marine creatures and creating favorable feeding opportunities.
- By decoding your personal fishing calendar and gathering knowledge about your target species, their habitat, and preferences, you can anticipate peak fishing days and optimize your timing for successful outings.