Feeding habits/conditions

[scorpio]

I have been studying the feeding habits of all fish from sea, coarse & game now for a number of years and would like to see some other peoples ideas on this subject. Since I started I have gained a lot of knowledge of the feeding habits, weather conditions, water temperature, natural food and time of day, I have my own ideas and when put into practice these ideas generally work. look forward to any comments /images/forum/icons/smile.gif I don't mind sharing my findings neither so anyone got any questions ask away.

Tony<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by scorpio on 23/02/01 12:44 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

[fatboy]

Although not a seasoned trout angler, I witnessed the most profound effect on the feeding habits when the weather conditions changed. It was as if a switch had been thrown.

Using a slow sinking lure (pheasant tail, I think) with the sun out I was getting regular/frequent bites. But once the sun went behind cloud those regular bites stopped, Sun out then regular bites again. Quite amazing.

I have witnessed the effects when pike fishing, and during the coldest of days normally experienced runs during the 11am-2pm period, especially when, again, the sun is shining. typically this has been in fairly clear water, with air temperatures just aboove zero.

It might be of interest, but I believe that by pre-baiting I have quite possibly modified a pikes feeding habit and created a hot-spot. I took numerous pike from one swim on Wraysbury 1 where previously I had nothing and in different weather conditions.

[scorpio]

I know what you mean, I change of fly with change of conditions, the sun brings the buzzers up from the bottom to then emerge, hense the takes when the sun was out, as soon as the sun goes in the buzzers will drop and then a fly change is essential. I took 18 trout in 4 hours from a lake last summer and most were caught on 3 different flies in 3 different types of conditions. This also works for fly fishing for coarse fish as well especially Rudd & chub. I have studied also the feeding patterns of Carp and the depths they feed with differening conditions.

By the way all the trout I caught that day were into the wind and also no more than 10 feet from the bank.

Tony<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by scorpio on 23/02/01 01:59 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

[fatboy]

It all makes sense now. I still managed to get my bag limit that day, and as it was my first fly fishing trip I was well chuffed.

[Sim0n]

Dear Doctor Scorpio,
I would be interested in what your views are for the time of day aspect or feeding spells maybe.
I'll explain: I have been fishing short day sessions at a local lake for the carp, usually from the crack of 9am to about 2-3pm. The thing is, I would generally consider weather conditions, etc. to determine where/when to fish, however 90% of my takes will arrive within minutes of 11:30am (or any specific time), and if you are lucky a couple of fish will be bagged...then nothing usually for the rest of the day. They obviously do feed at other times, but why 11:30? This seems to happen irrespective of temp / wind direction etc.
It is a busy park lake, which does not like pressure (like most lakes)...just wondering if you have any answers??
I would personally put this down to an actual time they feel safe to feed, as a result of the pressure they are generally under.
Concerned from Sussex.

[scorpio]

Hi,

When you say 11.30 is this all year or at the moment, and do you always fish the same swim? The more information the easier it is to determine when the fish will feed. For instance, a trout water I fish the fish shoal up and do a predetermined cruise of the water, if you fish the same spot all the time the fish will come every 3 to 4 hours, if you know the route these fish patrol great. I have discovered this and will catch all day if I time it right, this could be one of the factors with your scenario. It could be that the bait you are using takes time to attract and as you start at the same time maybe this is another factor. Obviously you are having trouble holding the fish maybe a different baiting program would assist in holding the fish, hemp is good for this. I hope this helps but without more information it is a tad difficult to asertain the main reasons... tell me some more and I may come up with a better solution...

Tony

[daytimedave]

i find that rivers are subject to conditions
and stillwaters more to habit
i find when you try chasing certain patterns etc it can
lead you on a wild goose chase
people say you have to be one step ahead
i say its hard enough trying to level with em!
keep it simple
dtd......................................

[Sim0n]

Tony,
I fish different swims, different sides of the lake, although it's not a large lake. Bait wise, I have caught instantly on it. I have only really been fishing the lake since sept/oct last year, right through till now. Because the fish aren't showing in the colder spells I have also tried recasting baits at regular intervals, changing areas slightly, hoping to drop a bait close to a static fish.....but still, baits in the water at 11:30 is the best ploy so far....
Simon.

[scorpio]

Maybe they are female and got an 11.30 appointment with the DietCokeCarp... I aint got a clue why this should be then Simon.... it is a strange one. Maybe it is just down to the position of the Sun in the sky? This alters everyday though.
just shows that we still can't work out the behaviour of wild animals all the time.

Tony

[fatboy]

If it is a busy park lake, do the general public walk dogs children etc around the lake, feed the ducks etc?

I used to find when fishing Virginia Water that around 11:30, the population of walkers etc reduced as they were returning home for lunch etc. so you would get a peak at around 10:00 and another one at between 2 and 3pm. Could it just be that bit quieter thus making them feel more secure?

[Smarts]

That could be bang on the money,Fatboy.
It is like that on my local lake.At 'tea-time' the lake is at it's best 'cause the thousands of walkers,dogs,skaters,kids,bikers......etc .... have all ******ed off!..(peace at last!)

Smarts

[scorpio]

I still find it hard to imagine that is the reason... if that was the case the fish would feed at night mor than 11.30. This is a bit of a mystery, I can't see that the fish would recognise the surroundings are quieter, they get used to their surroundings.

This has me stumped....

Tony

[fatboy]

I cannot guess at the answer, and my "solution" was based upon personal experience. The fish probably do feed at night but the original post talked about fishing short 9am to 2pm sessions, I think, so there was no experience of night feeding patterns.

The only other thing I would say is that surely fish will pick up vibrations and the collective vibrations of children, pushchairs, bikes (and dogs jumping in) must register. So the point I was trying to make was that as these vibrations died down, the fishes confidence grew. I also agree that fish get used to their environment which goes to prove that a lot of fish behaviour remains a mystery.