Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
HomeFeaturesThe CatchWeather effects

Weather effects

Published
Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

Just how much does the weather affect fishing success?

Fisherfolk obsess about the weather, repeatedly checking forecasts before fishing expeditions, staying up late to watch the night sky for changes, and getting up early to check on wind direction and strength.

Fishing is full of weather-related lore: the fishing is always best on a rising barometer; it fishes best just before/after a storm; wind from the west, fish bite best; wind from the south, fish close their mouths; wind from the east, fish bite least.

Some anglers rather fish in rain than in sunshine and many swear by windy conditions. So, what’s the dope? Does the weather really make a difference or do fishers simply use it as an excuse for poor fishing?

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE

- Advertisement -

Fish are undoubtedly affected by changes in barometric pressure, especially if they live in relatively shallow water.

Put simply, barometric pressure is the weight of the earth’s atmosphere pushing down on the water’s surface, which compresses the air inside a fish’s swim bladder. A barometer is used to gauge atmospheric pressure by measuring changes in liquid mercury, which rises in the barometer glass with rising pressure and falls when the pressure drops. Barometric pressured is expressed in hectopascals (hPa).

Many studies of freshwater American bass have shown that they respond quite predictably to air pressure changes. Specifically, a fast rising or falling barometer tends to stimulate feeding activity whereas bass shut their mouths when the pressure is steady and especially when it is steady and low.

In general, fishing for bass is better when barometric pressure is high (above 1018hPa) and less good when barometric pressure is low (under 1014hPa). That’s thought to be because high pressure compresses the swim bladder, so it takes up less of the abdominal cavity, making the fish feel more comfortable, whereas low pressure allows the bladder to expand, pushing on the stomach and suppressing appetite. Maybe… But the key time to fish is when barometric pressure is changing and the quicker the change, the better the fishing.

Many anglers would agree that a quickly falling barometer produces the best fishing bite of all. A falling barometer happens when the weather changes from clear skies to overcast, rain or storm. Who among us hasn’t experienced hot fishing just before a storm? It’s an angling truism.

Once the storm sets in and the barometer bottoms out, fishing becomes difficult, staying that way until barometric pressure starts to rise again. Fishing on a rising barometer (after a storm) is usually steady, with good fishing more likely when the barometer rises quickly, while fishing when the barometer is high and stable is average/normal.

In my experience, these observations hold true for lake dwelling trout and inshore marine fish species like snapper as well, with pre-frontal conditions (bad weather on the way) producing good fishing, while post frontal (clearing) conditions delivering more mixed results.

TEMPERATURE

There are other weather-related factors that influence fishing success, including seasonal changes and sudden temperature fluctuations. Even slight temperature changes cause fish to behave differently.

We usually experience fine weather and light winds during periods of high pressure, which makes fishing more pleasant, if not always more productive. But long periods of high pressure can mean high temperatures as well.

For sea fishers, elevated water temperature can be good or bad, depending on what you hope to catch. But every species has a temperature range where it is most comfortable: too hot or too cold and fish will simply shut down or move away.

In winter, a warm day can often mean better than average fishing and sometimes a cooler than usual summer’s day can have a similar result. Maybe the fish just enjoy the change? However, severe sustained temperature changes, or long periods of unusually warm or cold weather, adversely affect fishing success for both freshwater and saltwater species.

In cold water, fish may be lethargic and difficult to tempt into biting, while warm water typically increases feeding activity, but only to a point – if the water gets too warm, fish risk heat exhaustion and may curtail all activity, including feeding. Sudden spikes in temperature disrupt normal fish behaviour.

Current trends indicate an overall warming of New Zealand’s coastal waters and there is already evidence of displacement for some common fish types, either north or south, depending on their preferred temperature range.

LIGHT

The amount and intensity of light in the water can have a profound effect on your fishing. For many species, including trout and inshore marine species like snapper, low light conditions, whether as a result of the time of day or overcast conditions, often equal good fishing.

Low light levels seem to embolden many fish. Maybe it makes them harder for both predators and prey to see? Conversely, for some sight-hunting fish species, bright conditions and clear water are prerequisites for feeding success.

I generally have no qualms fishing for tropical reef and lagoon species in bright, sunny conditions. And while fishing for giant trevally can be spectacularly good at night, it’s always best when there is a big moon in the sky because GT are sight hunters. They use the moon to target flying fish silhouetted against the water’s surface.

Shallow water fishing is generally challenging with clear skies and the sun high overhead, but fishing in deeper water in such conditions can still be productive. If the light is low – dusk or dawn, or in overcast conditions – sneaking around the shallows with lures and baits can be highly productive, especially in areas that haven’t been disturbed.

Suspended sediment also reduces light levels in the water and helps mask the presence of predatory fish, so it can be worth fishing murky water. But there’s a fine line between enough colour in the water for good fishing and too much, which definitely shuts down the bite.

RAIN

Fishing in the rain, while seldom pleasant, can be rewarding. If there’s little wind, rain often serves to flatten the sea surface, and since light levels are low, the fishing can be good. Too much rain and sediment carried off the land can start to adversely affect fishing success. Too much sediment makes it difficult for fish to see, clogs their gills and smothers benthic communities.

Freshwater ecosystems are remarkably resilient, quickly bouncing back quickly from heavy rain and even severe floods. Nevertheless, species like trout need a certain level of water clarity to feed, so there’s not much point fishing in a muddy river or lake.

WIND

Wind plays its part in fishing success too. A bit of wind can be a good thing. Ruffled water refracts the light and helps fish to feel more comfortable in shallow water. It also makes anglers and boats harder for them to detect. The same is true for waves breaking against shorelines, whitewater and foam lines.

Wind generates waves, which stir up the bottom in shallow water, uncovering all sorts of food items. But when conditions are too severe, or the water is carrying too much suspended sand and silt, fish leave the area.

Of course, too much wind makes it difficult to fish. Controlling the boat – it’s drift and how it lies to the anchor – becomes much harder and windy conditions make casting more challenging. Keeping in touch with your terminal tackle can be almost impossible.

But usually, well before fishing becomes too hard, boating goes from being fun to downright dangerous. As a small boat fisher, I seldom go out if the forecast is for more than 10-12 knots and I generally come home whenever it picks up to 15 knots – for my own safety and comfort. Of course, there are exceptions – wind direction and the availability of shelter are factors to consider – but the 15-knot rule ensures I get home safely and usually enjoy my fishing as well.

For more check out: ontrackfishing.com

SHARE:

Related Articles

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

Boating New Zealand
Boating New Zealandhttps://www.boatingnz.co.nz
Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

More from Boating New Zealand

Vendée Globe Update: Richomme ...

The Vendée Globe continues to deliver high drama and relentless challenges ...
Race Day ReportsVendee Globe - Round The World Yacht Race

Vendée round the globe LIVE! 1...

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily...
Vendee Globe - Round The World Yacht RaceVendée round the globe LIVE!

Through the Southern Ocean: Ve...

The Vendée Globe fleet is now stretched across a staggering 4,500 miles of ...
Race Day ReportsVendee Globe - Round The World Yacht Race

Miami to host thrilling finale...

In an exciting announcement that underscores the rising prominence of elect...
E1 GP

Vendée round the globe LIVE! 1...

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily...
Vendee Globe - Round The World Yacht RaceVendée round the globe LIVE!

Dalin Reaches Pacific Mileston...

The Vendée Globe’s Pacific leg marks a significant milestone for the fleet,...
News
-- ADVERTISEMENT --

Follow Us

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with the latest trends and news shaping New Zealand's boating scene!

-- THINGS WE LOVE --

GET
STARLINK
HERE

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

Makaira Trailer Boat Competition, 25 & 26 Jan 2025 in Whangaroa

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 21 - 24 Jan 2025 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

NZ Match Racing Championships, 2025 dates tbc in Auckland

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R2, 1 Dec 2024 at Featherston

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R3, 27 Dec 2024 at Wanganui

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NON-MOTORISED SPORT

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships, 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals, 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

SHOWS

Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

International Boat Shows

COMING EVENTS

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 4 - 9 Dec 2024 to be held at the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua

Boot Düsseldorf 18 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany

New York Boat Show, 22 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held at the Javits Center, New York

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at Nassau, Bahamas

Houston Boat Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at the NRG Center, Houston, Texas

Dubai International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Feb 2025 to be held at the Dubai Harbour

Miami International Boat Show, 12 - 16 Feb 2025 to be held in Miami

Palm Beach International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Mar 2025 to be held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach

International Multihull Show, 23 - 27 Apr 2025 to be held in Terre-plein Ouest du port La Grande-Motte (34), France

Palma International Boat Show, 30 Apr - 3 May 2025 to be held at the Superyacht Village, Palma, Spain

Barcaly's Jersey Boat Show, 3 - 5 May 2025 to be held in the Channel Islands

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9 - 11 May 2025 to be held in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The British Motor Yacht Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 to be held at the Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, 22 - 25 May 2025 to be held in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland

Sydney International Boat show, 31 July - 3 Aug 2025 to be held at ICC Sydney & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Hiswa Te Water, 3 - 7 Nov 2025 to be held in Bataviahaven Lelystad, The Netherlands

Southampton International Boat Show, 19 - 28 Sep 2025 to be held in Southampton, UK

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), 7 - 9 Oct 2025 to be held in Tampa, Florida

Annapolis Sail Boat Show, 9 - 13 Oct 2025 to be held at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland

Newport International Boat Show, 20 - 23 Nov 2025 to be held in Newport, Rhode Island

Cannes Yachting Festival, 9 - 14 Sep 2025 at Cannes – Vieux Port & Port Canto

Genoa Boat Show, 18 - 23 Sep 2025 to be held in Genoa, Italy

Melbourne International Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held at New Quay Promenade Harbour Esplanade Seven Marinas

Biograd Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held in the City of Biograd, Croatia

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 to be held at several locations in Fort Lauderdale

METSTRADE 18 - 20 Nov 2025 to be held at the Rai, Amsterdam

Monaco Yacht Show, 24 - 27 Sep 2025 on Monacco