The weather and bass fishing

As fishermen, we are always watching the weather. Most of us only get to go out on the lake on the weekends, and then only after all the chores are done. Therefore, we are constantly reviewing the forecast to ensure that what little time we have outdoors is productive.

Knowing what the weather has in store helps anglers plan their outing. High winds and cold water can be deadly if boaters don’t take precautions. For example, never drive twenty miles up the lake in a 14-foot boat if a 30-mph southerly wind is expected. Most of the lakes offer sheltered boat ramps to avoid traveling over rough waters. Also remember that the temperature is always cooler on the lake than on land, so dress and plan accordingly.

Since climate is the most important factor affecting fish activity, it is important to study it. Anyone who has spent time fishing knows that changing barometric pressure can stop fishing activity even during peak feeding times like dusk and dawn. It is also true that after three days of any constant weather, the fish will begin to accuse themselves of the conditions and return to normal feeding activity. Understanding fronts and the pressure changes they cause will help anglers respond correctly and catch more fish.

Barometric pressure is the measure of the weight of the atmosphere above us. Normal barometric pressure is 30 inHg. Extreme measurements in the US range from a high of 30.5 inHg to a low of 28.5 inHg. A slight change of plus or minus 0.02 inHg can alter the feeding habits of fish because it affects their air bladder. Remember that fish in the deeper parts of a lake are less affected by pressure changes.

Fronts play a major role in barometric pressure changes that can have a substantial impact on the success or failure of your fishing trip. There are three types of fronts: cold, stationary, and warm.

Cold fronts are identified by increased air pressure, falling temperatures, and strong winds. They also contain bluebird skies without cloud cover. Fishing is usually good the day before a cold front arrives, but gets tough as the front passes. Most of the fish will burrow into the cover and move very little at this time. To catch them, it’s important to reduce the size of your plate and make a precise throw to cause them to hit.

Warm fronts are commonly associated with stormy weather or rain. Air pressure will drop and temperatures will rise. Fishing will be at its best when the warm front arrives, so be sure to do your homework early when one is forecast. However, if the air pressure remains low for an extended period of time, the low pressure can have an adverse effect on the fish.

For those of us who can’t afford to choose which days to be on the water, we need to make the most of every opportunity we get. By understanding weather patterns, we can take the best plan of action for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

Locally, we’ve been a busy place with two major national tournaments this month along with the 31st annual Little Dixie Classic. The fishing was very inconsistent this past weekend as Richard Cunningham of Ragley, LA only caught 9 snook in three days to win the FLW Outdoors BFL Regional Championship at 25lbs 5oz. The Little Dixie Classic had 57 teams registered for the two-day event at Catfish Bay Marina. Scott and Haden Burkett took first place with a limit of 28.69 pounds. Second place went to anglers Mike and Frank Birdsong of Caddo, OK, at 22.66 pounds. And, at 21.98 pounds, Denison natives Homer McAlester and Cletus Miller finished third. The big bass of the tournament was a double-digit loudmouth weighing in at 10.02 pounds.

Look for a few hundred new and wrapped bass boats in the area over the next week when the BASS Central Open returns locally on Thursday. The three-day event will feature weigh-ins with two spots on the Bassmaster Classic lineup and seven qualifiers for next year’s Elite Series Tour.