Just how important a
factor is Barometric Pressure in Bass fishing?
We know that
Moon
Phases and of course, local weather, are important.
Weather systems, generally, and local weather, in
particular, are linked to Barometric Pressure.
Barometric Pressure changes as the weather
systems change and can be an important indicator
or predictor of imminent changes in local weather
which could have a major impact on fishing.
It is said that the
effects of Barometric Pressure are greater in fresh
and shallower waters.
Barometric Pressure can
range from extreme highs of about 1033 to
extreme lows of about 965. 1016 is
considered "normal".
Changes in
Barometric Pressure can put fish on or off the bite.
Even a change as small as 1 point from a normal
or constant reading may be significant.
Some observations
which have been made are the following:
-
1017 and under:
fishing will generally be slow (pressure too
low?)
-
When pressure rises,
fishing will generally pick up (there is a
change in pressure)
-
Fishing levels off
when pressure remains constant for a while at
higher levels (constant = no change)
-
When pressure drops
from highs around 1025, fishing will pick up
until pressure hits the 1017 mark again
(there is a change in pressure) - these drops
will probably produce the best bursts of fishing; the
sharper and quicker the drop, the better the fishing ...
The changes in
pressure are therefore significant. "Just before"
and "just after" a front are times to be
out fishing ... This generally means fishing just before
and during the beginning stages of rainy weather and
just after the rain clears. If you catch weather
patterns like this anytime during periods commencing 3
days before and ending 3 days after either the new or
full moon, you should "do your darndest" to be
out there at your favourite spot fishing! Chances are
you'll be doing more catching (and releasing,
please)!
How about keeping your own
records and letting us in on your observations?
Hand-held electronic
gadgets capable of displaying real-time on-site
barometric pressure readings and trends are available.
Some hand-held GPS units such as the Garmin GPS
Map 76S and
76CS can also display Barometric Pressure
readings. Nice "toys" to have ...
These articles will
give you an idea of some basics about Barometric
Pressure as it relates to fishing:
Cautionary Note:
Don't fish only
when Moon Phases, Barometric Pressure and local weather
is considered optimum - you may just miss out on your
Personal Best! Bass don't always play by the "rules" we
make and the "principles" we identify from our
experiences!
For those of us who work
regular jobs and cannot pick and choose our fishing
times:
The BEST day to go fishing is any day that ends with
a "Y"!
... Before you leave this site, 