Storms, Barometric Pressure, and Fishing: Best Times to Fish

Any time a storm of any capacity is headed our way, it’s worth planning for all the new factors that arise. Before we get into how storms and barometric pressure affect fishing the surf, here’s this week’s forecast.

Barometric Pressure and it’s Effects on Surf Fishing

Whether the rain that’s coming is minimal or a bit more severe, the wet season will come in some form. For that reason, I wanted to prepare everyone for how to fish around storms. So how does barometric pressure work?

The Science Behind It

Before a storm, clouds start to form as a result of pressure differentials within the air. As the storm continues to form, there’s usually a slow and steady drop in barometric pressure. This gradual drop in pressure can continue for some time and it makes for some optimal fishing, especially in the surf!

After the initial storm, the pressure will spike. With a spike in pressure, churned up waters, and windy conditions the bite usually dies. There are a few theories as to why fish respond as such, but with so many factors to look at, we’re not exactly sure why.

One factor that is very relevant for surf fishing is the effect that barometric pressure has on the swim bladder of certain fish. For example, the croaker (named for it’s frequent “croaks” when out of water) has a swim bladder. While they use their swim bladders to make that notorious “croaking” sound, they also use them to sense the changes in atmospheric or barometric pressure. It’s quite possible that certain levels of pressure or even certain amounts of movement in pressure could stimulate or turn off a feeding cycle.

Storms, Precipitation and Water Quality

Along with a change in fish activity, storms can also lead to water pollution. Any sort of run off that makes it’s way into the beach can be filled with pollution. For that reason, it’s recommended for swimmers to not enter the water for 48 hours following heavy precipitation. Additionally, it’s recommended that any fish you do catch, you release as the contaminants usually need the following 48 hours to be purged of their system. An easy way to check the water quality at your local beach is to use the website linked.

Bottom Line

Bottom line, fishing before and during a storm is much better and more productive than fishing after a storm. So, maybe next time you’re presented with the opportunity to test a theory, try it out! Hopefully it works in your favor and if not, it’s always good to get a line in the water anyway!

If you’d like to learn more about how storms and barometric pressure affect fishing and why go ahead and check out this article from Outdoor Life. I learned a lot the first time I read it and it’s full of really cool perspectives and input.