As someone who's spent more hours on the water than I can count, I've had my fair share of debates about whether barometric pressure holds the keys to a good day or a not so good day (I won’t use “Bad” because, is there really a bad day on the water?). This topic has done my head in for a while now and I’ve done a bit of research, both reading and field research (A LOT of field research!) So let's dive into this headfirst to uncover the real deal about whether barometric pressure truly calls the shots when it comes to those make-or-break sessions.
You might have heard people chatting or seen posts on social media about "high pressure" and "low pressure" days, making it sound like the weather report is the fishing crystal ball. Simply put, barometric pressure is the weight of the air around us. And yeah, it does have an impact on fish – but it's not the sole dictator of your fishing fortunes. High Barometric pressure is often associated with stable weather conditions that would include clearer skies and calmer seas and maybe, just maybe bass will be more inclined to feed because the water is a touch clearer and bait fish a little more visible. Then on the other hand we have low barometric pressure conditions, which usually mean an incoming storm or a drastic change in weather conditions. Due to the incoming disturbance of a fish’ habitat they can possibly become less active.
Fish might not have a subscription to the local weather channel, but they do sense changes in barometric pressure. Ever heard of a fish's swim bladder? It's like their internal buoyancy control system and is also affected by changes in pressure. When the pressure drops, the swim bladder expands, making fish feel a bit "bloated" and “sluggish” But, here's the thing: fish are adaptable creatures. They don't just hit the snooze button on feeding every time the barometer moves.
Sure, some days with high pressure can bring some awesome lure fishing, but it's not a universal rule. During some of my “field research”, when the pressure was through the roof, the fish seemed to be as elusive as ever and then on the flip side, I've also had some seriously unforgettable fishing days when the pressure was chillin' in the low zone. Fish can surprise you, so don't put all your hopes on pressure readings.
Pressure drops might make us think fish are having a pool party, but the reality isn't always that simple. Sure, some fish might get more active when the pressure falls, but others could be playing hard to get. I've had days when pressure was plunging, and the fish acted like they were on vacation, then in the other instance it was completely over the top and that's when we have what we like to call a RED-LETTER Day. Remember, fish have their own moods, and they don't always stick to the script.
Once, I was out fishing on a high-pressure day, and everyone was predicting a haul. But guess what? It was like the fish took the day off. On another occasion, I hit the water when the pressure was dropping faster than a skydiver, and I thought I'd be casting to empty waters. Turns out, the fish were throwing a party of their own. It's all a reminder that fish are wild creatures, and their behaviour can be as predictable as a British Summer.
Fishing is a symphony of elements, not just a solo by barometric pressure. Think about it like this: you wouldn't decide the winner of a cooking contest solely based on the chef's choice of salt. Similarly, fishing success comes from a mix of factors – water temperature, moon phases, wind direction, and yes, barometric pressure too. So, when you're planning your fishing day, treat pressure as a part of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
So, does barometric pressure really affect fishing? Well, it's not a simple yes or no. Fish are complex creatures, influenced by a variety of factors. While barometric pressure plays a role, it's just one note in the melody of your fishing journey. Keep experimenting, adapt to the conditions, and embrace the unpredictability of nature. Whether the barometer's soaring or plummeting, one thing's for sure: every day on the water brings a new adventure and a chance to reel in a fish of a lifetime.
Tight Lines, my friends!
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