As a kid, I was always super excited when it started raining. I would grab my fishing gear, throw on my rain coat, and walk over to my neighborhood pond.
At the time, I thought it made fishing better and got the bass super aggressive. I didn’t know why it changed bass behavior.
Whether I was right or wrong, I thought it helped me catch bass. So, do bass bite in the rain?
Yes, bass certainly do bite in the rain. Depending on the season, time of day, and other factors that we will discuss, the rain will have different impacts on bass.
Sometimes the rain will make fishing better, and other times it will make fishing worse.
There is never a time when bass truly stop biting, so yes, bass do bite in the rain.
The important part is knowing how it effects them and implementing the correct techniques to catch them.
When raindrops dance upon the water’s surface, a subtle transformation takes place beneath – an intricate interplay that triggers a symphony of reactions among bass.
The rain causes a lot of water disturbance, both in the form of water vibration and sound. This makes it much harder for bass to find and hunt prey.
Imagine that you lost your phone and you ask a friend to call it so that you can hear the ringtone and find it.
Now imagine your phone is somewhere in a construction zone. This is a bit exaggerated, but it is similar to bass trying to find prey in the middle of a rain storm.
Simply put, the rain causes a lot of water disturbance which makes it harder for bass to find prey as well as your bass fishing lures.
The rain also stirs up the mud and debris in the water as well as washes dirt and other things from the bank into the water.
This makes to water muddy and decreases water clarity. Again, making it harder for bass hunt.
The rain is a double edged sword. Like I said before, it makes it harder for bass to locate their target, but the other side of the sword is that the rain makes bass very aggressive.
One of the main reasons for this is that the rain brings a lot of oxygen into the water. This gives the fish an energy boost and puts them on the hunt.
This means bass actually will bite more in the rain than on a nice sunny day.
So if you know how to fish correctly in the rain, than it can be an incredible time to catch loads of big bass.
When the skies open up and rain kisses the water’s surface, a unique opportunity unfolds for anglers seeking to outwit bass.
Since it is harder for bass to find prey in the rain, it is your job to make it easy for them. Choose lures that have a lot of sound, vibration, visibility, and overall presence. Here are the highest vibration lures:
Also Read: Best Color Lures for Cloudy Days
Once the bass have felt your lure and gotten the general location, the next step of for them to see it. When the rain clouds up the water, make sure you use these colors:
Bass need time to find your lures in the high disturbance, rainy conditions. So fish a little bit slower than you normally would.
Fish your lures as slow as possible without resulting in loss of lure action or proper lure depth.
Also try to bump covers such as rocks or logs to create more vibration and make you lure more noticeable.
Rainfall isn’t just about getting wet – it’s a catalyst for dynamic shifts in water temperature that can have a profound impact on bass behavior.
When raindrops collide with the water’s surface, they bring cooler air in contact with the warmer water below.
This rapid cooling effect can lead to a noticeable drop in water temperature, sending ripples of change through the aquatic ecosystem.
While some bass may initially retreat to deeper, more stable areas in response to the temperature shift, this cooling can also trigger a feeding opportunity.
Bass are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their environment. As water temperature drops, their metabolism slows down, but they can still be enticed to strike if presented with the right lure and technique.
Furthermore, the cooling effect of rain can cause a slight uptick in dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen dissolves more readily in cooler water, potentially invigorating bass and other aquatic life.
This could lead to an increase in activity as bass become more energetic and more willing to chase down prey.
While rain has its enchanting effect on the waters, it also brings along a storm of misconceptions about bass behavior.
Let’s set the record straight and dispel these cloudy notions, shedding light on instances when bass might be less eager to nibble amid the raindrops.
Contrary to popular belief, bass aren’t necessarily turned off by rain alone.
High-pressure systems that often accompany clear skies can have a more substantial dampening effect on their activity.
We’ll explore why these weather patterns might cause a lull in the action, even during a drizzle.
While light to moderate rain can stimulate bass activity, torrential downpours can indeed create conditions that make them more reclusive.
Excessive rainfall can lead to rapid changes in water temperature, turbidity, and even alter the aquatic environment, leaving bass disoriented and less prone to biting.
Staying dry and warm will make your fishing trip a whole lot better. And having a great rain suit for fishing will do just that.
Keeping your feet dry is crucial for staying comfortable during rainy fishing sessions.
Opt for waterproof boots with good traction to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
Neoprene or rubber boots are excellent choices for staying dry in soggy conditions.
Cold, wet hands can quickly ruin your fishing experience. Invest in waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and dry while still allowing you to handle fishing gear and bait effectively.
In the world of bass fishing, rain isn’t just a drizzle – it’s a game-changer. We’ve dived into the depths, separating fact from fiction and discovering that rain sets the stage for a bass ballet like no other.
From temperature drops to tantalizing vibrations, rain orchestrates a symphony beneath the surface, inviting us to be part of the performance.
So, next time raindrops tap on your fishing hat, embrace the opportunity. Armed with insights and strategies, you’re now equipped to dance with bass in the rain and create your own angling masterpiece. Tight lines and happy fishing!
