TIMING

by JJ
(Upstate SC)

I have always been told that the best time to go fishing is, well....when you can. For most of us, a bevy of life’s undertakings dictate the time available for such endeavors. Because of this, I have never really considered the influence that things like the barometer, the moon, and the temperature will have on the fishes' activity. That’s not to say that I have ignored them altogether, as I certainly will not fish for trout when water temps get too warm. But, as a whole, those influencers weren’t going to change my available time for fishing, so why even consider them?

Well, that changes for me this year. I am not much of a New Year's resolution kind of guy, but the turning of the calendar is a good time to take stock of things, and one of the fishing related items on my list is info/journal keeping. I kept a pretty detailed journal several years back, and remembered enjoying the process, and as all fishermen are liars, found that the recorded notes often varied from memory. There is much info written about the effects of things like the barometer and solunar tables have on fishing, and with many smartphone apps available, I was wondering what many of you do? I’m sure that among us, there are those that have kept pretty good records and might share their experiences. Any strong indication that moon phase made a difference? What about barometer? Any phone apps that prove to be accurate? We have all experienced epic days and not so good days, question is, did anyone record the variables that may have influenced those? So chime in and share the knowledge.