Cold water = Slow fishing????

[LuaP73]

I was watching the news this morning and saw that the water temp was 35. Now does this mean that the fishing wont be as good as last year?????? Because all I kept hearing was the reason that there were soo many fish around was because of our mild winters the past couple of years, But with this winter the way it has been i'm a little worried about how this upcomming year will be! Let me know your thoughts on this sittuatation.....Thanks

[Joe]

I don't think anyone can say with certainty.
My limited observations have led me to think that winter weather has little effect on the spring fishing season, but springtime weather has a big impact. However, I can't back up my statements with data. Either way, the new moon in May + June will still be a good time to fish.
I think most people would agree that abundance levels and the skill of the angler are the primary factors as to why one would have a good year, or not. What makes a "Good Year" is very subjective.
Weather-wise, I'd be more concerned with an Easter snowstorm than a President's Day blizzard.

[JohnR]

I think the winter & late winter might make a difference of a week on when the holdovers move out but other than that, no impact of any significance.

I think we see what impact the winter weather has on the fishery a few years down the road by how it affects the spawning conditions. In conjunction with the spring weather, the run off of the winter goes a long way to the spawn. Think of a year ago that there was so little snow & rain that there was harldy any water where these fish spawn. It had brought a lousy year class if I remember right. Maybe this will help towards a good one...

[Christian]

did any one else notice there were more peanut bunker around this season than others? before this last season i had never seen such huge schools of them before.

[JohnR]

Yes there was a lot more and hopefully some more mature ones this year too.... Let's see if the net bans in Jersey really reduces major pressure on the menhaden

[Spare Spool]

Hey John,
I think you are right about the spawning. I read somewhere that the best YOY classes (92,96) in the past ten years were both after hard winters.

Don't get me going about the menhadedn situation.

Down with Omega Protein!!

http://www.discover.com/sept_01/gthe...=featfish.html

[Clammer]

DON,t believe it will have any effect/

the spring will/but more importantly they amout of bait around

[LuaP73]

Clamdigger I hope your'e right!!!!!

[lennyr]

I think we might see a longer run of fish before the summer slowdown starts. The water warmed way to fast last year chasing the fish out of the shallows into deeper cooler water. They are comming, right on time to. Just need a few sunny days ...