Winter 2020
®
T N O OT G T O O GO
or
By John Liechty
fishing inclement weather conditions
O
ften times during the winter months, we will plan
a fishing trip, weeks in advance. With storms
coming and going, it can be a coin toss on what the conditions will be like for that given date. But, this gamble
on what the weather conditions is one we must take.
The coin lands on heads and we have a clearing between
the storms. It lands on tails and we find that a cell of weather is
pushing through the area. It is a 50/50 chance that the coin will
land tail-side up on the date that we have chosen.
Gusty winds, dropping air temperatures and possible
torrential downpours and we are left with a decision to
make. That is whether or not to go fishing based on the
weather conditions.
AGGRESSIVE FEEDING
The first and most important thing to account for is safety. Extremely high winds or thunderstorms should be avoided.
Once we have determined it is safe to launch and navigate the lake for the duration of the day, we then
decide if the discomfort is worth the reward. For many anglers these unfavorable conditions will detour them from proceeding forth, but for myself the excitement grows, and for good reason. As I can testify that some of my biggest catches and most incredible days of fishing have come during some down-right intolerable weather conditions.
With the barometric pressure dropping, and the cold air chilling to the bone, we find ourselves being far away from warm and cozy; but for some reason, the bass get a comfortable sensation and are not affected adversely.
They live in water, so the moisture of the rain won’t bother them, the wind blowing on the surface has no detrimental effect subsurface. So, why is it that trophy-sized fish feed so aggressively on these days?
There are two variables that are influenced by these conditions, which will increase the chance of fooling the weariest of bass. And both variables have a common thread; that is when the weather is nasty there is an additional mask or blanket to hide under. And when the two collide it creates the perfect storm, resulting in some of the most unforgettable fish catches.
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