How to Fish in Bad Weather

Some anglers never let rain, sleet or snow prevent them from their fishing day. Reasonable precautions aside, sometimes the best catches are landed when most people with sense stay at home. So it is not exactly crazy to fish in bad weather and these tips can help make the effort worthwhile.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Bad Weather Fishing

1. Dress for the weather. Unlike when you have a fish on the line and are oblivious to your conditions, long waits in inclement weather are not only a risk for your health but often diminish your fishing skills. Wear layered clothes as needed, with careful attention to dry and warm feet, head and hands. Wear a hooded waterproof jacket and cap to minimize rain and sleet from interfering with your sight. Bring gloves as needed both to keep hands warm, at least part-time, and maximize your grip. Boots or hiking shoes are also a good investment.

2. Travel light when you fish in bad weather -- especially on dry land. Whether you need to be prepared to take cover or land a bigger catch than usual, the excess baggage will become burdensome on your return trip to your vehicle. Additionally, slick spots and other dangers may occur that are more easily handled if you are not over-weighted with gear.

3. Prepare your rods and reels in advance, ensuring that they are working and set properly. Do what you can to avoid having to tie hooks in rain or sleet as it can be extremely difficult and time consuming. Whether you use a swivel or come prepared with multiple poles or pre-tied leaders, each will make bad weather fishing a bit easier.

4. Scope out new areas if the fish are not biting. With heavy winds and rain both the fish and their food may move to typically unproductive areas. Consider the geography in advance as you may need to change fishing line, lures and/or bait and hooks accordingly. For instance, if you have more foliage, rocks and other hazards, braided or superline may be optimum.

5. Fish in bad weather more successfully by bringing both natural bait and a unique lure or two that may peak the interest of storm weary fish. Try larger lures and off-season colors as well as typical fare. As some fish enter new territory they may be more inquisitive of new potential food sources and will notice bait more readily.

6. Keep safety in mind when you fish in bad weather and partner up with another angler in more dangerous situations. Having a nearby hand will also enable you to better net a fish when bad weather makes for more difficult movements and coordination.

Tips & Warnings

• And, though it often goes without saying, avoid fishing in thunderstorms.

Who Can Help:

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[jcorn]

on 5/16/2008 Good point about the thunderstorms. Ever seen that movie, The Bad Seed? I still have shivers from that one and she had a fishing net in that final scene, scooping it into the water, in the midst of a thunderstorm. Oooops! Great tips here.