Don’t Get Washed Out: 8 Tips For Fishing in the Rain
By Alycia Downs
Jul 10, 2018
A little rain makes for the best fishing. Eight tips for fishing in the rain that will help you catch fish even when it’s wet outside. Follow this fishing in the rain tips for a successful trip in the outdoors.
Productive fishing requires smart planning. Great anglers consider numerous factors in advance such as area familiarization, tides, moon phases, water temperature and, of course, weather. Light rain tends to discourage some anglers from hitting the water, but actually provides a great opportunity for catching fish. Here are eight great tips for fishing in the rain.
When planning your rain fishing trip, consider all fishing in the rain tips and environmental factors such as water temperature, tides, structure, location of bait, water movement, and times to fish. Find more fishing tips on our website including the best time to fish and other fishing in the rain tips.
- Fish right before the storm. The most productive fishing will occur before the storm when the low barometric pressure can send fish into a feeding frenzy. It may slow down during the storm and pick up after it passes when the pressure begins rising again.
- When fishing in wet weather, wear foul weather gear. Quality waterproof gear makes the difference in being comfortable or miserable. Stay warm and dry, then you can fish all day. Of all tips for fishing in the rain, this one is key for maintaining a positive mindset.
- Make noise, use color and contrast. Rain muddies up the water, decreasing visibility and making it harder for fish to see baits. When selecting artificial baits, consider bright colors and tackle that makes noise, such as crankbaits or popping corks, to help fish find the bait.
- Fish water movement. During storms, the tides are higher and rainwater builds up onshore. Fish near drains, inlets or spillways where the outflow will churn up bait and fish will be waiting to feed.
- Fish the windblown shoreline after the storm passes. Wind blowing into a shoreline during a storm will push bait and shellfish into the shoreline or ridges creating productive feeding grounds for fish.
- Pick up the speed. When the fish are aggressively feeding, use a quicker retrieve or try varying speeds to see what fish respond to.
- Try topwater. When the fish are active they may be in shallower water feeding near the surface. Try fishing with a topwater or a few feet under the surface.
- Practice safety first. While fishing in light rain can be a great idea, it’s never smart to fish if there is lightning present or dangerous surf conditions, follow these simple fishing safety tips during your trip. Tips for fishing in the rain include staying far away from lightning!
