What time of day is the best time to go fishing?
... and actually have a chance at catching something.
Dawn and dusk are the best times. But bear in mind the region, time of year, and ecological issues will all effect your fishing experience.
For instance if you are in the north woods the best time is about an hour before through and hour after dawn, this is the best time for Northern Pike and Muskellunge (Musky). But in the same area the best time for Walleye is dusk.
Fishing Hot Spots Maps
Make excellent maps that show the best areas to fish on almost any body of water. The maps also contain tips for whatever time of year you want to fish. The maps usually suggests specific rigs to use as well.
Also if you are fishing for a particular type of fish you should go during their spawning season and fish the spawning areas.
8 Answers
Dawn and dusk are the best times. But bear in mind the region, time of year, and ecological issues will all effect your fishing experience.
For instance if you are in the north woods the best time is about an hour before through and hour after dawn, this is the best time for Northern Pike and Muskellunge (Musky). But in the same area the best time for Walleye is dusk.
Fishing Hot Spots Maps
Make excellent maps that show the best areas to fish on almost any body of water. The maps also contain tips for whatever time of year you want to fish. The maps usually suggests specific rigs to use as well.
Also if you are fishing for a particular type of fish you should go during their spawning season and fish the spawning areas.
There are numerous factors that are included when picking a great day to fish. The tides, pressures, weather, and natural events are all included. I am a supporter of going fishing whenever you have the time, as the worst day fishing is better than the best day at work. I normally head out very early and stay till the evening, to just get away.
Coastal and long-range fishing are primarily dependent upon the water temperature, tides, and season.
Inland bays, lakes, or rivers are more dependent upon the current feeding patterns and temperature.
You want to look for cooler temperatures, new moons, spawning, larvae hatches/bait-fish runs, and stormy weather. Choosing the best time to catch fish is not only an art, but a lucky man's game. Pick a day that will be comfortable for you, head over to your local tackle shop and ask for some advice, and stock up on fresh bait then hit the water. If you are in a place where you can utilize a fishing platform (i.e. kayak, boat, float tube) use it, as you will want to find areas with structure at different depths instead of standard shore fishing. There are a multitude of different schools of thought for when to fish, but I can say that even when I have been skunked, I have had more fun than sitting at home or work. Get out there, ask other locals for tips, and enjoy yourself. Remember, you are fishing, not catching! Tight lines.
I have always been told that either early morning or late evening. And if the weather is drizzly i have heard that is even better, but I cant back up that last bit.
For fishing in the bay/ocean, check your tide charts. This will get you started
(http://www.saltwatertides.com/pickpred.html). After you know the tides, try to hit the early morning tides coming in, then move your fishing location with the tide. For example, if you get on the water at 6 AM with high tide, start in the back of the bays, fish will be coming in to shallower waters with the cooler temperatures. As this tide moves out to the ocean from the bay, move your position toward inlets (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inlet). This is where the fish will be rushing through to get to the colder sea as the bay gets more shallow and warm.
Hope this helps.
Steve
For fishing in the bay/ocean, check your tide charts. This link to coastal tides will get you started. After you know the tides, try to hit the early morning tides coming in, then move your fishing location with the tide. For example, if you get on the water at 6 AM with high tide, start in the back of the bays, fish will be coming in to shallower waters with the cooler temperatures. As this tide moves out to the ocean from the bay, move your position toward inlets. This is where the fish will be rushing through to get to the colder sea as the bay gets more shallow and warm.
Hope this helps.
Steve
When i used to fish in fishing tournments, i found the best way to find out what time of day was good was visiting the local bait and tackle shops near which ever lake i was fishing. This to me was better than any info, many lakes can differ in times of day that fish are moving in schools and/or feeding, also many lakes differ in spawn schedules.
The best time to go fishing is in the early morning, or at night if you have the right equipment. Fish bite the most when it's cool, and when they haven't been feeding all day. For you I would suggest going in the early morning before it gets too hot, and you have a damn good shot at catching something.