The right timing plays a big role in your fishing success. Even if you have the best fishing locations and equipment, your efforts can be fruitless if the timing isn't right. There are several factors to consider when determining your leisure time.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Considering Time
Step 1. Consider the time of day
Fish are cold-blooded creatures so their activities depend on the temperature of the surrounding water. When the weather is cold, they are not active, and when the weather is hot, they dive deeper in search of a cooler place. Since fish eat insects and/or small fish eat insects, fish are most active when insects are also very active. When the weather is warm and there are lots of mosquitoes, that's the ideal time to fish.
Step 2. Consider the season
Like all animals, fish flock at certain times of the year. This of course depends on where you live and what kind of fish you want to catch. However, there are some general guidelines you need to keep in mind:
- Spring: Fish appear and disappear during this season. You may have better luck in the afternoon when the temperature is quite warm. Fish don't eat much in spring mornings because there aren't many insects out either. Therefore, fish in the afternoon before sunset when the fish are actively looking for food. At this time the wind will bring warmer water and more food to the shore. Look for places that fish on the shore and in the direction of the wind.
- Summer: This season is suitable for fishing except during the hottest days. Fish will eat just before sunrise and before sunset, when fish food is plentiful. Fish will dive deeper when the weather is hot in search of cooler places.
- Autumn: Fishing in this season tends to be inconsistent. However, when successful, the results will be very abundant. Fish do not eat much in the morning and early afternoon. However, towards the end of the day, the temperature of the water is warm because it is exposed to the sun all day. In addition, fish are also encouraged to eat more because of the scarcity of food in winter. The afternoon is the best time for fishing d this season.
- Winter: Obviously, this season is not the right time for fishing. Stock up on your fishing gear this season, except for ice fishing (which is a completely different thing).
Step 3. Consider water waves
It's best to fish at high tide, because at this time many small fish are moving, so it is a good feeding time for beach fish. Fishing at low tide is difficult due to the lack of water movement.
- Find out when high and low tides occur in your area. Just type “wave chart” and the name of your city on Google.
- If you are fishing at high tide, look for shallow areas.
- If you're fishing at low tide, look for mud pools near marshes (areas where the bottom is eroding).
Method 2 of 3: Considering the Weather
Step 1. Watch for waves of warm and cold air
Fish are cold-blooded creatures, so they are greatly affected by the temperature of the water. This means that fish behavior can change before and after a cold or warm air wave
- Many fish increase their feeding in the hours before the cold air wave hits, and decrease afterward. Thus, fishing after the arrival of a cold wave is rarely fruitful.
- Warm air waves will warm the surface of the water and increase the number of fish to eat. This difference is most noticeable in colder weather, when there's not much fish out, and won't be useful in the summer because it's already hot.
Step 2. Pay attention to the wind direction
The wind pushes the surface of the water with the small fish towards the shore, attracting the big fish. Thus, fishing is best done in windy weather.
- If you're fishing from the shore on a windy day, toss the hook in the wind. This way, your bait moves in the same direction as the rest of the food, making it easier for big fish to get caught.
- If you are fishing from a boat, throw the hook in the direction of the wind.
Step 3. Pay attention to cloud conditions
Overcast days make the fish more daring. The fish tend to swim towards safety structures when the day is a bit dim. This time is perfect for fishing.
Step 4. Pay attention to the rainfall
Rain can be friend or foe, depending on how hard it rains. The drizzle is ideal for fishing, especially in warm weather. The drizzle will obscure the surface of the water making it difficult for fish to see you. In addition, drizzle also washes many insects into the water, making it an ideal feeding time for fish. Heavy rain will lift the mud, and make it difficult for fish to hunt, breathe, and navigate. Fish also do not like to appear in bad weather, and besides, fishing in heavy rain is quite dangerous.
Method 3 of 3: Considering Various Other Factors
Step 1. Watch for insects around you
Insect activity is certainly directly related to the activity of eating fish. Small fish eat insects, and big fish eat small fish. Thus, fishing is best done in a place where there are swarms of mosquitoes or flies. Just make sure you're wearing enough insect repellent.
Step 2. Take advantage of the moon
The moon controls the waves of the water, which plays a big role in fishing conditions. The tides or tides can be easily monitored, but it's best if you also follow the movement of the moon. Full moons, and times when the moon is close to Earth, are often good times for fishing. There are many lunar calendars available on the internet.
Step 3. Know the type of fish to catch
Different types of fish like different water temperatures, time of day, and food. If you're after a specific type of fish, do your research first. If you're looking to catch catfish, fishing timing won't matter if you never switch from shallow water.
Step 4. Fishing at your leisure
It's good to know when it's good to fish, but most people fish when they have free time. You can enjoy fun fishing activities during the day with friends and cold drinks without catching a single fish. Don't get so hung up on getting results that you forget to have fun.
