Air temp Vs. Water Temp

[John J.]

This may be a redundant question but does air temperature have any effect on water temperature? For instance, it is the middle of December and here it's been staying between the 30s and 40s and we've had a couple of 50 degree days and a few, rare 60 degree days. What would be the water temps for certain days with these temperatures?

And what techniques, locations, or presentations should I use? Or should I just stay home? Lol!

Any help will be appreciated.  8-)

[HesterIsGod]

the water temp doesnt vary hardly at all. Water takes a long time to heat up or cool down. When it gets warm or cold, more than normal for the current time of year, then shallow bass are effected much more than deep ones. When it warms up the fish will probably move shallow and sun themselves. when it gets colder they will back off to deeper water.

[Marty]

  Quote

What would be the water temps for certain days with these temperatures?

There is no answer to that. There are factors such as what the water temp has been running and what the air temp has been running. If your air has been in the 30s and 40s and then you get a few days of 50s, then the water should warm up a few degrees, depending on how much sun you got on those warmer days and what the water temp had been, as well as the depth of the body of water.

If your water isn't ice-covered, I wouldn't stay home unless you're convinced that you won't catch anything.

[Sam]

John J,

Perfect question for you to write a paper for your science or English class and get an A and then apply to LSU in their biology department with an emphasis on marine science.

And how do you like higher education?  Enjoying your freedom?

I agree with Marty.  In fact, we can further state that depending on the clarity of the water (clear, stained, muddy) the water will absorb the warmer temperature at the top level of the water column, maybe a few inches, depending on the length of time the warm air circulates over and touches the water surface.

Since water is denser than air, it does not change its temperature as fast.  That said, with the couple of warm days we had in Virginia last week I do not believe it had any impact on fishing since the bass have already gone deep for winter and as the thermoclines rolled over.

I would think other factors would have a stronger affect on the bass, such as water movement; water levels dropping; movement of any baitfish; cloud cover; water temperatures; and the like.  You know what they are.

So did you catch anything when you went fishing on those beautiful warm sunny days? If so, please let us know.

And its Saturday night. Shouldn't you be out partying like the other college guys?

[John J.]

LOL! Nah I am at home enjoying my free time lol. I am planning on hitting the water Wed. as it is going to be a high of 54 and hardly any wind. I understand, water is more dense and that it cools much more slowly and not as dramatic.

I didn't go those days because I had school...I took final exams on Thurs and Fri and I think I passed them all! Right now I've got a break from now until Jan 7th when my next term starts and more classes. So I am planning on doing a little winter fishing (something I've never done). I usually stay home this time of year,  but after watching the bassmaster's tour on tv yesterday morning, it made me anxious to go fishing lol!

And in the tournament it was in the pre-spawn period down in Lake Amistad. And they were throwing swim-baits, jigs, and other things in water around 15-30 feet deep.

So when I go on Wed I will target drop offs and deep water structure/cover with my depth finder and see what I can get. If anything I will hit the dam and fish there (since it runs about 30-40 feet deep).

And I will try the soft-jerkbait, a peanut-butter jelly jig with my homemade trailer (craw-tail) and even throw a carolina-rig or drop shot rig.

[Sam]

Good luck and we all know you aced those exams!

Let us know how you do.

[John J.]

Will do!