Fishing Report brought to you by Captain Mike Vickers Jr,
Hammock Bait & Tackle
As I sit down to write this article, another hurricane is on the horizon.
Recently, I have been chatting with some regular customers about
fishing, and the topic of atmospheric pressure, or barometer readings,
came up. Before diving in, I will clarify: I am not a scientist. These
thoughts are based on my observations and experiences. There are
varying opinions on how atmospheric pressure affects fishing, with
arguments both for and against it.
One argument suggests that hydrodynamic pressure (the weight of water) overshadows
atmospheric pressure (the weight of air) since water exerts greater static pressure than
air. It is true—at sea level, atmospheric pressure is about 14.7 pounds per square inch
(psi). However, at a depth of 32.8 feet, the pressure reaches 2 atmospheres, and at
65.6 feet, it’s 3 atmospheres, equating to 44.1 pounds of force per square inch. Some
assert that this water pressure has no impact on fish behavior. While there’s scientific
backing to this, it’s essential to note that pressure (force) differs from weight (mass),
and all fish possess swim bladders that help them maintain buoyancy or change depths.
Another viewpoint suggests that it’s not the barometric (atmospheric) change itself that
affects fishing, but rather the associated weather changes. Of course, one cannot have
weather shifts without changes in barometric readings. Proponents of this theory argue
that falling barometers indicate approaching storms and reduced light conditions, which
can trigger feeding behavior in fish. These are just two of the many prevalent arguments
against the influence of atmospheric pressure on fishing.
In my experience, I believe that fluctuations in atmospheric pressure do impact fish
biting behavior. When pressure remains steady, I often notice a strong bite as the fall
approaches. I’m not sure if it’s due to changing light conditions or subtle shifts in
pressure affecting the fish, but ultimately, I’m just focused on catching them. After a few
hours, as the fall continues, the bite tends to slow down—often coinciding with the onset
of a storm (not your typical Florida thunderstorm), signaling it’s time to head in. A similar
pattern holds for rising barometric pressure; while storms can complicate things, the bite
can actually improve in those conditions.
Now let’s put this information to use. The surf has been producing good-sized Whiting,
Sharks and Black drum on the beaches with rocks and a few Redfish. The river and
canals are producing Snook and Trout early morning and at night, Mangrove (Grey)
snapper, Redfish, Black drum, and Tarpon. The best fishing has been at low tide.
Matanzas inlet has been busy with Redfish, Mangrove (Grey) Snapper, Black Drum,
Flounder, and Trout. I expect to see this pattern continue after the Hurricane.