How heavy of a rain will you fish in?

[Catt]

@TOXIC Boat after a lightning strike.

 

 

[Texas Flood]

Looks like something my dog chewed up @TOXIC

[Swamp Girl]

Your boat, @TOXIC? 

[TOXIC]

Thankfully not my boat or rod.  I read the story about a guy who got hit and the strike ran through his arm and down his leg and finally out his toes blowing the ends of his shoes off.  If I remember correctly, he lost some toes but survived.  

[airshot]

Can't say how much rain I would tolerate, when starts to rain, I am already at shore, this ole boy doesn't take any chances.  One reason I have over 60 years if fishing/ boating under my belt with no accidents/ issues.

[Fishing_Rod]

Greetings All,

Yes, the answer is, "it depends..." My primary concern is safety, no need to assume too much risk for angling passion. That being said, I have been out in a wide range of rain conditions when it was reasonably safe to do so. Also it is helpful to seek "safe harbor" reasonably quick too if the conditions change. Good to align priorities properly for well being.

 

Here in AZ we've got a fairly wide range of rain events. Everything from light to heavy that is less than an hour in duration, or we can have the various storm systems move into the area for more significant events. This time of year we've got the triple digit temperatures with double digit humidity. Those in combination are identified with our summer time monsoon. Storm cells can blossom and form in minutes creating some very intense downpours with very damaging winds from the outflows. You can add in the lighting for additional drama and danger too. 

 

Other times of the year we have more traditional type rains found in many other areas. Much lower damage and risk. Those are the times where I'll observe the environment and make a judgement call as to continue angling or not.

 

During our monsoon season, it is best to have safety near by. Yes, it is amazing and astonishing how fast those storms blossom. Dramatic to see too! One of the reasons we have a number of storm chasing photographers and videographers in the region this time of year.

 

The safety aspect extends beyond just deciding to fish or not fish. Here in AZ the terrain is such that any modest rain can create travel hazards. Flash flooding can easily wash out roads or cover them in debris. Any of those conditions can make your route home impassible. Another consideration during poor weather.

 

There was a time when there was the remnant of an eastern pacific hurricane that down graded significantly as it diminished right over AZ. That brought some much needed regular type rain. Just wide coverage area rain, that was pretty consistent with good duration. The temperatures remained comfortable and I took my kayak out and worked the weed mats. Other than being wet it was a pretty good day of fishing.

 

I've never found evidence of rain affecting or influencing the fishing, other than maybe the inflow of dirty water mixing with the clearer lake water. Fishing in the different lakes in the region, the fish were willing to play much like they would typically. I didn't really approach the angling in a different way either. I still worked the shoreline and weed line edges whether in clearer water or not using small compact soft plastics. Note: here in Southern AZ I rarely find "clear" water. It is usually murky or slightly less murky.

 

I mentioned the monsoon rains, that creates those frequent inputs of dirty water to the lakes. If the rain was significant it won't just be dirty water in the lakes, plenty of debris too. Many of the areas here have had recent range fires so all the ash and bits of floating material (branches, leaves, etc). The ash mixed with the water does change the lake chemistry too. I've not found where I couldn't catch fish even with all that going on. It is a challenge to get about and maneuver your line / bait on occasions.

 

Yeah, so angling in the rain is no big deal if the conditions are reasonably safe to do so. Now whether you want to do so is another thing. Depending on your gear and setup, rain can make a mess of things. My gear and setup is rather basic and because it is simple there is very little issue with rain. Your mileage may vary. Let's be careful out there. Be well, and Cheers!

[Bluebasser86]

Hard to tell in this video, but it was pouring, and it did all day. I caught fish nonstop until I left because I was literally watching the water rise on this tiny puddle. The inflow went from a trickle to roaring rapids in a couple hours and the water was going to be over the road leading into the lake if I stayed much longer than I did.