What makes fish decide to bite? Or not bite?
At first glance, you might think the answer is simple – fish feed when they are hungry. While this may be basically true, there has to be some other factors that play a part as well. Our application offers an easy to read 5 day forecast, which is based on barometric pressure, moon phases, sunrise/set and moon rise/set times and weather conditions. The effect of barometric pressure on fishing feeding activity is one of the most important factors. Anglers often debate which barometric reading indicates better fishing conditions. Both pressure changes are ideal times to fish. Your reaction to those changes affects your overall success.
Rising BarometerThe conditions are clear or improving ...
When the barometer is rising, weather conditions are relatively clear or improving. Fish movement becomes slightly more active. The best lures to use when the barometer is rising are brightly colored ones, such as fluorescence. Focus on casting the lure next to cover if the fish are suspended in shallow water. Let the lure sink to intermediate and deeper depths if the fish are in deeper water.
Falling BarometerThe conditions are getting worse ...
When the barometer falls, weather conditions are generally getting worse, with the potential for storms. Fish react to the falling barometer with increased movement and feeding activity. Take advantage of this activity by increasing the speed of your retrieve, to cover more area. You can use crank baits or spinner baits for casting over feeding areas. Focus on top water or shallow bait presentations.
Low PressureThe conditions are rainy and stormy ...
When the falling barometer is at its lowest point, weather conditions are rainy and stormy. Fish patterns become less active and continue to decrease as the storm continues. After the storm, focus on bait presentations in deeper depths to attract the fish that have moved to the bottom. Use slow bait presentations, as fish are not actively feeding during times of low barometric pressure.
High PressureThe skies are clear ...
High Pressure After the rising barometer hits a high point, the skies are clear with overall bright light conditions. During this time, fish activity is generally slower, as the fish find cover or swim into deeper water. Use slower fishing techniques, such as vertical jigging, to attract bites. You can also use weed less hooks to cast the baits into cover where fish are hiding.
Wind ConditionsWind is an influential factor ...
As the wind related proverb says “ Wind from the east, fish bite the least. Wind from the west, the fish bite the best. Wind from the north, few sailors set forth. Wind from the south blows bait in their mouth”. Wind is an influential factor in fishing behavior as it stirs the food chain, provides oxygen and cover from the sun with wave action. Constant wind blowing from the same direction over days will migrate game fish on the windy shore line to feed on bait fish. Water temperatures will increase also as the surface water is pushed by the wind. This is especially helpful in Spring and Fall seasons as the angler seeks the warmest water. Westerly and Southern winds are proven to produce the best fishing results as the proverb states.
SeasonThe seasonal transitions ...
Most fish are more likely to bite willingly during seasonal transitions with the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall being the two best fishing times.
Moon Phase
How Does Fishing By Moon Phase Work?
Every fisherman knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day: moonrise and moonset. Because the moon has an effect on a variety of factors surrounding the fish, including the live fodder they hunt, these periods, combined with the moon's phase, are what trigger feeding. By understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you'll increase you chance of a good fishing catch.
Fishing Times
Choosing The Best Fishing Times
Fish are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily events; that's 45 minutes before and after these four daily points. Fishing during these four periods will help increase your fishing catch, but if you plan wisely so as to ensure you're at the water's edge on the days of new or full moon, you can use these 'windows' to reel in a catch like you've never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise/set and moonrise/set, always go with the moon as the moon is the stronger influence.