Water Temperature?

[smcentee]

Much is written and spoken about water temperature as a success factor for catching fish. So I ask the basic question of where the temperature is measured. Is the referred temperature at the surface of the water, or below the surface? If below the surface, what is the standard depth?

[ring fry]

Most temp. is measured slightly below the surface with the depth finder puck.  Others have probes to measure temps at different depths.  I don't get too hung up on the exact temperature but look for a degree or two of change.  In the spring, I'll look for anything that is slightly warmer than the rest of the lake.  Right now, I'll look for something a little cooler.  

[RoLo]

The standard is Surface Water Temperature, which is therefore a relative statistic.

When no depth is specified, surface temperature is assumed

otherwise the specific depth must be specified (e.g. X-degs at fish level).

Roger

[J Francho]

Never heard of "STF" but i have heard the term Sea Surface Temperature (SST) on marine weather forecast sites.  I generally measure it at the transducer (its built in), which would be pretty close to the surface.

[WRB]

The water temperature that affects bass is at the depth the bass are using. Bass boats have surface temperature gauges and some fishermen assume the water temperature is the same throughout the water column.

Depending on the depth of the lake, wind and air temperatures during the day and night, the water temperature is usually cooler as it gets deeper.

WRB

[J Francho]

The water temperature that affects bass is at the depth the bass are using. Bass boats have surface temperature gauges and some fishermen assume the water temperature is the same throughout the water column.

Depending on the depth of the lake, wind and air temperatures during the day and night, the water temperature is usually cooler as it gets deeper.

WRB

And more importantly, more stable.

[Peter E.]

and fish will stage themselves according to their prefered temps. and bait fish range.

[fisher1973]

Just jump in and a lot of time in summer you can feel big difference between surface and 6 to 7 feet down.