Thunder & Lighting - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

nptstriper · 07-01-2005, 07:45 AM

I know Bass have a sensitivity to light. Flash lights, latterns, fires are all tabue so you would think lighting would spook them also? Any one have a opinion on this??
Thanks!

rwilhelm · 07-01-2005, 07:51 AM

Don't know and don't want to try and find out. As soon as I see any lighting I head back to the car.

RIJIMMY · 07-01-2005, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwilhelm

Don't know and don't want to try and find out. As soon as I see any lighting I head back to the car.

Amen to that.

eelman · 07-01-2005, 08:17 AM

My 29th , this year..Horrible thunderstorms lightning everywhere..During this Steve lands bass of 40lbs 33lbs and 35lbs, I was there. The fishing was awesome that night and the funny part is the best of it was during the storm.Naturally it is dangerous , however from a standpoint of "does it matter to the fish" absolutely not! This is one reason I just called Fishoholic to have a fiberglass rod made ! I dont run for cover unless its really bad and close.

As far as lights on the water go? I think its BS, I never turn my back to the water when unhooking fish or wading, Now I do not advocate putting the light on the water every chance you get and I always keep it off when fishing but, If it means the difference between a broken neck and some light on the water I chose the light, I have never noticed any difference in my score. I tried the red light which I just baught and I dont like it, it does not penetrate the water enough to wade safely, I use a "mini Q 40" Dive light which is awesome. I am also not advocating the use of lanterns or million candle power hand helds, just using the light for safety and when you have to does not spook the fish IMO.......

nptstriper · 07-01-2005, 08:20 AM

Thank #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, That is exactly what I wanted to here...

capesams · 07-01-2005, 08:25 AM

one yes- one no...we were into a good size school of lrg. on the beach when old thor desided to let go...it didn't take the fish 15 sec.'s to completely vanish..the beach was dead after that. so I'd have to say it scare's the crap outta them.

Mike P · 07-01-2005, 08:49 AM

Uh, Bill, don't bet your life that a glass rod makes you lightning proof. It will still have metal guides, and lightning can arc between them, especially when it's soaked with salt water

As per the former elecitrical engineer I'm married to, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide are excellent conductors.

reelecstasy · 07-01-2005, 09:11 AM

A lightning storm does not have to be close either. Lightning strikes can occur something like 10 miles from the storm. Noone should be at the waters edge with a thunderstorm in action, nothing is worth that. I don't care if you are fishing with a rubber rod, take a look down the beach and then at the water, not much around that is taller than yourself. sorta like standing in a open field, but worse........just get to steppin

beamie · 07-01-2005, 09:12 AM

I agree the fiberglass pole is no "saftey" rod. Heck, wood is an "insulator" but look at the trees that pass the juice and get blown apart. Getting hit is still probably a million to one shot, but would sure suk if it were you.

BasicPatrick · 07-01-2005, 09:27 AM

A few of my own experiences,

July 4th 1999...Sitting with the honey along Hingham harbor waiting for the fireworks...as soon as the fireworks started, exactly a the same moment, blitz in three feet of water right at our feet...fish bustin the surface as if they were trying to eat the reflections of the fireworks on the water...it was so cool to watch but sucked as I did not have a rod with me...lights abnd noise did not bother the bass this night

Fishing a tournament many years ago...I think it was the old "Save the Harbor Save the Bay" weekend tournament...Marine wrnings come on as a bad thunder and lightning storm comes in...We tie up to a dock on a Boston harbor island as everyone goes back to port...The second the wordst passed by we were in our spot and the bite was on bigtime...if allowed more than one place we would have placed 1st -3rd..

I love fishing in and around thunderstorms

Late august 2003 I think...drifting live sea herring in Boston Harbor...we are picking away at a lazy school of 20-25 lb S-B...we see a line of thunder showers coming towards us...I say to Mike (Ave Maria charters) "get ready they are gonna turn on hard"...as soon as the storm exploded above us with the first bang of thunder I hooked a 30 lb bass and fought it in a God aweful t-storm...pics on www.AveMariaCharters.com

I should also mention that on some days when there are multiple fronts coming through and the barometer is doing the rollercoaster ride I have seen the fishing shut down hard

Lights are a different and even more confusing story from my experiences...in some cases I do not think they matter a bit and in other places and times I am pretty sure that they killed the bite

Who knows...

Redsoxticket · 07-01-2005, 09:58 AM

I was also a EE and I concur with what MikeP said.

Homerun04 · 07-01-2005, 01:41 PM

Thunderbolt and Lightening....very, very frightening me....Gallileo,...Gallileo...Gallileo Figaro.....magnifico......I'm just a poor boy from a poor family....

Oh sorry, '70's flashback for me......