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A Guide on When to Fish

You might be wondering if there are times when it is better to fish than others if you love to fish. There are many. The fact is that when you fish can determine how successful you are. We’ll be discussing some factors that can affect your fishing success, and the best times to fish.

Seasons

Fishing can be affected by the season and the time of year. Let’s take a look at three seasons that you might fish and the best times.

SPRING

Early morning: Fish won’t bite. Because the sun is low, the water is cold. The rays of the sun are not bouncing off it. It is a good idea not to heat the water for more than a week after it has thawed. The temperature will rise due to spring’s turnover.

From Late Morning to Early Evening: Fish will eat & continue. Because the sun is shining on the water, the water is getting warmer. Fishing along the shoreline should be done downwind as the winds will push the surface water and food to this spot.

Evening to Afternoon: Fish will be eating lots, as their metabolism and digestion are very high. Because the sun is directly overhead, the water is warmer.

SUMMER

Early morning: Fishing between sunup and mid-morning is fantastic. It’s difficult to find hungry fish when there is so much cover and food.

From Late Morning to Early Evening: Fishing during the summer is not a good idea. To cool down, the fish will head for deeper water.

From Afternoon to Evening: This time is great to fish. The water is cooling and the fish are moving up to warmer areas.

FALL

Early morning: Fish won’t eat much between sunup and early morning. Because the sun is low, the water is cooler and the rays aren’t able to penetrate the water.

Fishing in shallower, warmer waters will yield fish once in a while. Because of the season, water is usually cooler.

From Afternoon to Evening: These hours are great for fishing. The sun is directly overhead for a few minutes and the water is much more comfortable closer to the surface. Seasonal fishing will be great because the fish will gain weight in preparation for winter.

Wind

The wind often plays a major role in whether it’s a good day to fish or whether you will be successful. Wind can push water and surface food to the other shore. The game fish and the bait fish will follow each other. If you are fishing from the shore, you will need to fish against the wind. Your lure will move in the wind, just like other surface foods. When fishing from a boat, you should cast in the wind’s direction towards a shore that is sheltered.

Storms

Fishing success is affected by weather patterns and storms. This is because fish are able to detect changes in barometric conditions. A lot of fish will eat more during the hours before it turns cold, but they will eat less during a storm or front.

Fishing after cold fronts is not recommended. The water quality will be very poor for at least one to two days. Warm fronts will raise the surface water temperature. This will encourage fish to eat. This is especially true in winter, when warm fronts can cause fish to become more active and sluggish. Most of the feeding will take place near or on the warmer surface.

Cloudy Days

Fishing when the sky is cloudy is a good idea. The clouds prevent sunlight from reaching the fish. Overcast skies are a sign that it’s time for fishing. They will cause fish to seek out food more often than when it’s bright outside. Overcast or cloudy days are less likely for fish to be near certain structures, and they are more scattered throughout the waterway.

Light rain

Light rain is another good time to fish, especially if it’s in the spring or summer. You can hide from fish by using it as it will break up the water’s surface. This applies whether you fish from shore, on a boat or in wad fishing. Rainwater will wash out fishing baits and insects, which allows fish to feed.

Rainstorms

Hard rain is not a good time for fishing. This will make the water muddy and make it difficult for fish to find lures and bait. It can also cause heavy runoff. The runoff could cause gill blockage. Any type of rain can increase the flow of water in rivers, making it difficult for fish to maintain a comfortable position in the river. Waves, dangerous conditions for fishing, and rapids can also be caused by high levels of water.

You will have a greater chance of catching that ‘big one’ if you now know when to go fishing. You will be able to catch the big one if you have the right lure or bait, as well as the rod and reel.

Do you have more questions about saltwater fish fishing?

I have extensive experience in the fishing industry, particularly in Southwest Florida. You can find more information on my website or call me. You can count on me to make your Florida fishing experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Call today!

The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Salty Knots Fishing Charters is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!” Salty Knots Is the best when it comes to St Pete Fishing.

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