Imagine being deep in the backwaters, quietly listening to the winds blow in as you start to see droplets hit the water. You can hear and feel the cool air and thunder around you, setting an interesting atmosphere. While you may feel nervous about the conditions, you’re also excited for what’s to come – or unsure if this was even a good idea…
But then you feel that thump from your possible next PB! It’s only then that you’ll understand why anglers like me love fish during a thunderstorm.
In this article, I’ll run you through the ins and outs of fishing during a storm. I’ll talk you through the basics, such as why it can be a good idea, and give you a few pointers on how to make the most of it. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be patiently waiting for that next storm to hit…
How I Go Fishing in a Thunderstorm
Let me start by sharing some of my own personal experience. I do most of my fishing from Bonita Springs down to the Everglades. And being in South Florida, we tend to get quite a few bad storms during the rainy season. Yes, it can be wet and cold, and sometimes it’s a little nerve-wracking. The mosquitoes still find their way to you, too! But on the good side, it’s exciting, adrenaline-pumping, and very rewarding if you can pull off a good catch.
Sometimes it rains so hard that we even have mullet jumping out of the livewell and swimming around the flooded boat! Typically, we fish as long as it’s not pouring hard or lightning around us. So we just load up on our rain jackets, hats, and buffs, and get to fishing. If it gets rough, we may put up an umbrella and hang underneath while we wait for it to calm down. If we’re fishing in the rain, it’s usually for Tarpon, so we have live bait free-lined out, typically along mangrove lines or in a drifting current. It’s truly an exhilarating experience.
Why Go Fishing during a Thunderstorm
You may be wondering why even bother fishing during a thunderstorm? The idea of getting soaked head to toe while surrounded by thunder and possible lightning may sound a little crazy. But the whole point of fishing during these weather phenomena is that there’s an added potential of some pretty gnarly fishing. Especially if you’re in a heavily marine-life area such as mine – the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. There are a couple of reasons for this:
For one, when the sky darkens and the waves increase, bait gets disoriented, making it easier and more enticing for predators to ambush. In addition, storms bring quicker shifts in barometric pressures. Fish feel that change, and it often signals a “time to eat” message to them, in turn creating some aggressive frenzies. Finally, storms can also cause water to stir up, increasing oxygen levels and pushing bait and nutrients around, exciting target fish further.
If you’re a risk taker and down for a challenge, then I recommend trying it at least once. It may pay off if you can hook into a big game fish! Throw a line out right before and after the big parts of the storm and see what can happen.
What species get fired up during storms?
With all of the above in mind, there’s an almost endless list of species that become more active under the thunder and lightning. And this goes for freshwater and saltwater species.
If you’re fishing saltwater, you can expect species such as Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Grouper, Snook, Striped Bass, and Sharks to bite aggressively during thunderstorms. My favorite species to target is Tarpon. I throw live mullet or topwaters down a flowing current and wait for them to lunge on them at the surface or strike hard underneath.
In freshwater, Pike, Crappie, Muskies, Largemouth and Peacock Bass, and Catfish are all eager biters during some tough weather. However, these fish can become more territorial during thunderstorms. They may guard their fish beds or structures and strike your bait or lures when they feel they’re in their way.
Stormy Techniques: Safety First
First things first – be safe when fishing during a thunderstorm! While the fishing may be red hot, it can also be pretty dangerous, especially if there’s lightning around. If the conditions are too rough, then it’s best to stay off the water – or at least put all the rods down and get under some shelter. If it’s okay to proceed, then make sure you have some lighting-safe, waterproof gear and non-slip shoes.
When you’re fishing on land, you have a bit of an easier escape. If there’s lightning, you can head back towards any building or your car. You may also have a structure nearby, like a bridge or pier you can hang under.
Fishing on a boat is a little more intense in a thunderstorm. You have the ability to drive quickly to potentially escape it, or you can brace the storm head-on at some of the honeyholes. Obviously, it’s a little riskier on a boat, as the rain can flood the boat and you have limited area for shelter. The metal pieces or rods on a boat can also further attract lightning. That being said, you should really trust your gut and pay attention to the weather to ensure it’s safe enough to proceed.
How to Go Fishing during a Thunderstorm
But that’s enough about safety. Let’s discuss the best tactics! Stick to areas that have flowing water, strong currents, cuts, and drop-offs. It’s also beneficial to fish near structure, whether it’s a mangrove line in the ocean or a log or some vegetation in freshwater. Fish like to hang around structure, especially when the weather turns.
It’s a good idea to use live bait during these times, as the fish are usually feisty. However, lures – especially topwaters – work great as well. You want to use artificials that are flashy, noisy, and look enticing to game fish. The Berkley J-Walker is my go-to.
Finally, the best time to fish a thunderstorm is the moments leading up to and after it. That’s when the environmental changes come in quickly, and all the fish’s senses will be alert. Fish may be moving around during these times so you never know who may stroll by and strike your bait!
Thunderstorm Fishing FAQs
Don’t Let a Storm Ruin Your Trip!
There’s no doubt about it, thunderstorms can light up the bite. It changes the conditions, awakens the predators, and can produce a wild frenzy. But never let the idea of a big fish bring you to danger. Fish the storm – don’t let it fish you! Know and keep an eye on the weather, bring the necessary gear, trust your gut, and remember it’s okay to back out. But if you can get out there safely, you may be in for a wild ride!
While thunderstorms aren’t guaranteed to always entice fish, they often get several species really fired up. This could end up with you having the angling trip of a lifetime. Now, when’s that next storm coming?!
Have you fished a thunderstorm before? Do you use them to your advantage in freshwater or saltwater? What was the experience like, and did you catch anything? Let us know in the comments below!
