Water temperature's

[GreggM]

When fishing in the fall, winter, and spring seasons, surface water temperatures can often be drastically deceiving. If you happen to be marking fish near the lake bottom take a pool thermometer and add enough weight, then drop the thermometer down so you can get a temperature reading where the fish are located. When you are targeting suspending fish just lower the thermometer to the level that the fish are holding.
This exercise always helps me to select the proper lure and presentation during all of the seasonal transitions. This simple step will help you up your catch, and save precious moments while you're on the water.

Gregg []
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[tubeN2]

Thank you for the excellent advice and Welcome the the BigFishTackle message boards.

I too like to fish the thermoclines(freshwater) and water columns(saltwater). In many cases there is a big difference between what goes on surface wise and the difference in 18 to 30 inch increments in the lakes. Some fish like to suspend in an area where it is most comfortable to them. Therefore, different species can and will be at different levels.

I do like the Poll thermometer idea. It makes alot of sense just like sharing on this site. Thanks again for your sharing and welcome.[cool]
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[GreggM]

Thanks for the welcome tubeN2. And hopefully the tip will save BFT anglers some precious time on the water. []
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[Tarpon4me]

That's a great tip Gregg. I know in my local area, the fresh water area's only reach depths of around 15 feet or so, so there is no thermocline. However, I use the Temp break as a depth guide for my lures when I troll in Saltwater. Most of the bait fish, if deep, hold in the thermocline. There is alot of scientific mumbo jumbo involved, but anyone who would like to know more about the thermocline, here's a link:

[url "http://www.oceansonline.com/thermocline.htm"]http://www.oceansonline.com/thermocline.htm[/url]

That site actually explains the effect of the thermocline on the Phytoplankton, which is a major food source for most bait fish. (in the ocean, but the same idea in fresh water as well)To make a long story short, the thermocline contains the highest nutrients level and provides a better habitat than the other water levels, thus the plankton thrive there, as does the bait fish feeding on them. The Thermocline is more than just a temp break, it's density is different, the oxygen level is different, etc... etc...

There are also fish finders/sonar that can detect the thermocline and/or an extreme temp. break. The fish finder I have does that(X67C by Lowrance), it's a pretty handy feature if you're fishing deep water. The sonar is so advanced, it can pick up the dense water associated with the thermocline.

The tricky part is that just because there is a change in water temp at certain depths doesn't neccesarily mean there is a thermocline present. This is where your trick would most definately be the ticket.

What type of fish do you primarily target? I'd like to give the old pool thermometer a try. What adjustments do you make and at what depths and temp ranges?
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[GreggM]

Thanks Tarpon4me, that is an outstanding link. I'm a freshwater Trophy Fisherman. I target mainly smallmouth bass, walleye's, and northern strain largemouth bass. I use this tool most during seasonal transition periods. Example: 1. When fall changes to winter. 2. lake turnover. 3. When winter gives way to spring.

It helps me get the proper mind-set, and this in turn leads to more confidence.
Water temp. example: lake bottom temp. at 21 feet is 42 degrees, surface temp is around 50 degrees. I'm marking fish at 7 feet down and water temp is at 45 degrees. I would fish a suspending jerk at 7 feet but my pause would be at least 20 seconds or more before the next twitch.
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