I have recently had a question in the comments box on one of my older posts, I am always grateful for such feedback and I think that I should share my answer with all those who have nothing better to do than read my ramblings. Here are the questions.

“Will high or low preasure from the weather affect pike fishing?”
Comment by Jon Morgan-Parker — January 14, 2007

Most of my pike fishing is planned three or four weeks in advance so I don’t pay too much attention to air pressure when considering whether to go after pike or not but the major consideration as I see it is the temperature changes prior to your day’s fishing. Fish - being cold blooded creatures - cannot regulate their own body temerature and so are susceptable to sudden drops in temperature. These changes in temperature will cause their muscles and digestive systems to slow right down. They will feed very little and this will make them difficult to catch.

High pressure systems generally mean cold, bright weather and whilst the extra sunlight will help the pike find its prey and the cold water will cause the prey fish to shoal up, sudden drops in temperatre will discourage the pike from feeding.

Low pressure systems generally mean warm, wet and windy weather and although the river pike fishing can become difficult I prefer this type of conditions for my pike fishing. However do not discount the low pressure periods as most fish will adapt to the cold water and will start feeding again after three or four days despite the temperature if only for short spell each day. This is particulary true of pike and is not an exact science but that is what makes our sport so interesting.

“How long would you leave a bait in a swim before thinking of relocating with another cast?”
Comment by Jon Morgan-Parker — January 14, 2007

This is an even more difficult question to give a straight answer to as there are a number of variables. There are times when pike are active hunters and will go looking for food and there are times when you need to present them with an easy meal. The warmer the water the more likely they are to be actively hunting but even then they don’t need to feed as often as a mammal would so may not be hungry.

As a general rule I would say that if you haven’t had a run after forty five minutes then it is time for a move but not until you have tried twitching your dead bait a little. If you are lucky or hardworking enough to have located one of the legendary hot spots and are fishing in cold weather then it may be worthwhile waiting for a little longer for the short daily feeding spell that sometimes occurs. I used to fish a gravel pit where you could set your watch by the 1.15pm. feeding spell! If you didn’t get a run then you might as well have gone home.

Many thanks Jon for your questions - it really helps to motivate me whenI know that someone is reading this drivel I write, I hope I have been of some help.

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