Fishing is not a simple of tossing a string with a worm on it into a pond like young boys would do on hot summer days. Well, it can be but if you want to catch as many fish as possible, there are many different factors that need to be taken into account. Fishing is a very complicated activity and there are dozens of things that one must consider if they expect to catch the big one. From time of day to where you fish, there are always things one can do to increase the odds.
An angler is someone who fishes with a rod and line for fun or sport. There are an estimated “60 million anglers in the U.S.” (Sportfishing in America 5). All over the country people are casting out a line to try this rapidly changing sport. Fishing generates $48 billion …show more content…
The time of day in which one should fish to maximize their haul changes from season to season. In the early spring, morning is the worst time to fish because the sun’s rays bounce off the water instead of penetrating it so the water is too cold. It is best to wait a few weeks after the thaw to allow the water to warm up (Best Times to Fish). The water temperature in the spring is usually 50-70℉ so the fish are not overly active and they move slowly (Cork). Since fish are cold blooded beings, they cannot regulate their body temperature so if it is really hot or really cold they tend to slow down and are more picky about what they want to eat (Best Times to Fish). It is very exciting to go outside after a long winter and cast your line but chances are, the fishing will be slow because the water is too cold. The best chance one has for spring fishing is afternoon to dusk. The water will have been warming up all day so the fish will be more active than before. “Fish are eating a lot because their metabolism and digestion are cranked” (Best Times to Fish). When the water temperature is cooler the best results are usually found with the use of shallow or top water lures because the fish move towards the surface to warm up. If you are fishing in the early spring it is a good idea to wait for the water to warm up and fish with shallow …show more content…
If it is a particularly windy day the small bait fish will move the direction the wind is blowing which drives large fish the same direction to feed. “So if you're fishing from shore on a windy day, fish where you have to cast into the wind. That way your lure moves with the wind, just like the other food in the lake at the same time.” (Best Times to Fish). Casting into the wind is pretty difficult especially if you are using a light bait but otherwise the fish probably will not be convinced that your lure is a real tasty morsel. Storms can really affect whether or not the fish are biting. “With many fish, feeding increases during the hours immediately before a cold front, but slows during and after a storm or front hits.” (Best Times to Fish). Fishing in the hours before a storm can be great because the water is warm and the fish can tell a cold front is coming so they are particularly active (Best Times to Fish). On cloudy days the fishing is better because they do not hide in the shadows to stay cool. The fish “cruise for food” when it is cloudy because there is no direct sun, this also means that the fish are much more spread out around the lake or pond instead of staying close to structure (Best Times to Fish). Fishing in light rain is a very good idea, although it may not be the most enjoyable time to be outside. The rain blurs the surface of the water so the fish have a hard time seeing you or your boat.