Fishing barometer - practical tips

Fishing barometer can be called a kind of compass, the fisherman’s main assistant. Using this device, a Blue Neva worker can measure atmospheric air pressure, which can greatly affect the result of the catch.

In order to determine the best day for fishing, you need to measure the atmospheric pressure for 2-3 days in a row; if the indicator displayed by the device is approximately the same from day to day, then you can safely go fishing. If within one day the atmospheric pressure indicator has changed by an average of 7-8 points, then it is better to put the fishing rod aside.

Fishing is in full swing, and the barometer has changed dramatically, then you need to change your location. As atmospheric pressure increases, fish also rise closer to the surface of the reservoir.

general information

Having this device, it is much easier to determine at which point there will be a larger catch, and at which point you should not wait for fish. In order to predict the outcome of fishing, it is not enough to purchase a barometer in the store, since this device will not tell you where and what is best to catch. It will only determine the atmospheric pressure in a specific place at a certain time.

And to correctly carry out the analysis, to understand whether a particular fish is found here and now, this must be done by the fisherman himself, for this he must be aware of some of the physiological characteristics of aquatic reptiles, this aspect will be considered by us further.

Purpose

They are designed to measure atmospheric pressure in the place where you fish.
At a certain pressure, one type of fish bites, another does not. For example, a pike at high pressure does not bite, as if sleeping. And, conversely, at low pressure, it actively grabs the bait. It has been experimentally observed that pike activity increases with a slow decrease in atmospheric pressure. The strongest bite with minimal pressure.

As pressure begins to rise, pike activity gradually decreases. Pike-perch and perch, on the contrary, bite poorly at low pressure, but well at high pressure. Crucian carp are not caught on days when there is a pressure drop, and two or three days after.

On days when the pressure remains at the same level (high or low), fishing is good. Fishermen have noticed that when the pressure changes abruptly, most species of fish do not bite, but when the pressure changes smoothly, there is a good bite.

Practical purpose

A barometer can be used in everyday life not only by people who are interested in fishing, but also by the average person to determine the weather outside the window. Today, of course, it is not difficult to find out the forecasts of the heavenly office; dozens of sites contain such information.

However, despite this, there are quite often cases when information on the World Wide Web is quite contradictory, and it is not clear where the truth is and where it is not. Just such a situation can be easily explained by looking at the barometer indicator.

If the indicator is steadily falling, then you should expect rain and bad weather, but if, on the contrary, the needle of this measuring device is gaining momentum, then sunny, clear weather is expected.

Device

As we have already said, there is no flask with liquid inside the aneroid, but a tin box whose walls compress or expand. A spring is attached to it, which rotates the needle of the device, and on a scale mounted on the dial, you can monitor the change in pressure in real time. For accurate measurements, engineers use up to 10 aneroid boxes connected in parallel into one circuit, resulting in the most accurate barometer.

On a semicircular or circular scale, depending on the modification of the device, there are several specific zones:

• dry;
• variable;
• It's clear;
• rain;
• storm.

When the pressure decreases, you can be completely sure that the weather is getting worse and it is better not to go on a picnic, but if the arrow moves in the direction of increase, this means that it will be sunny and you can go to barbecue.

The barometer is very helpful for avid fishermen, because the fish feel the change in pressure quite strongly and stop biting at low pressure values. To monitor changes in parameters, it is enough to place the control arrow on top of the main one, and then the changes will show the result - the pressure increases or decreases.

The influence of atmospheric pressure on fish behavior

Such a tool is a must when fishing; only when using it will pre-prepared bait and other equipment really prove to be effective. However, it is not enough to purchase such a measuring device; you also need to know the physiological characteristics of the fish that you plan to hunt.

• Species such as roach, crucian carp, pike and bream have a bladder that is directly connected to the external aquatic environment through the oral cavity, so to equalize the pressure in the bladder they need a lot of energy, so the slightest change in atmospheric pressure sharply increases the appetite of the aquatic reptile and it goes in search of food.
• Those aquatic individuals whose bladder is located separately, these include perch and pike perch , have a less sensitive reaction to changes in atmospheric pressure. Their appetite increases only when the barometer indicator increases; when it decreases, the fish also have practically no appetite: it simply disappears in the depths of the water.

All these physiological characteristics must be taken into account when preparing for fishing.

Main categories and their principle of operation

Today, there are many devices on store shelves that differ not only in appearance and price, but also in their operating principle. Therefore, below we will focus on each type separately.

1. Mechanical . Also called aneroid. This device is a cylindrical box with a corrugated base. In the middle of this device there is a bellows. If the atmospheric pressure increases, the box compresses and pulls the spring, and when it decreases, the mechanism pushes the spring back. By changing the position of the spring, the indicator on the scale also rises or falls.
2. Electronic. They are more compact in size, unlike their mechanical counterparts, but at the same time they are more functional. These devices display information on a modern liquid crystal display.

   
   Mechanical

   
   Electronic

   
   Watch

   
   Pocket

3. Barometer-clock . Based on their name, these models have the shape of a watch and are attached to the hand with a strap or bracelet. Such barometers are very convenient, they are always in front of your eyes and are produced in most cases in a waterproof case.
4. Pocket . They are also very convenient and compact barometers, which come in the form of a keychain, which allows you to carry them in your pocket or, by attaching a cord to the device, to hang it around your neck.

Kinds

Currently, more types and brands of fishing barometers are produced.

They are:

Mechanical

They are a device with an arrow. The dial has inscriptions and numbers. When the pressure changes, the arrow deviates and points to a number that corresponds to the current pressure.

Electronic

More accurate, compact and multifunctional. They display information on a liquid crystal display and differ in the set of functionality, general appearance, and screen size.

Fishing barometers are produced in a pocket version as a keychain and in the form of a wristwatch. They are improving at a rapid pace.

Barometer-clock

They are attached to the hand with a strap or bracelet, just like an ordinary wristwatch. A very convenient option, good design, always in sight, usually available in a waterproof case. Read about fishing watches in our review.

Pocket

Available in the form of a keychain. It can be carried in a pocket, bag, or worn on a special cord around the neck. There is a special ring for attaching the lanyard to the keychain. The dimensions and design are the same as for wrist barometers.

Key selection requirements

But which barometer to choose, what characteristics should you pay attention to? To clarify this point, we will further focus on particularly important factors that require emphasis when choosing a particular barometer model:

• Build quality . The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a barometer is the build quality. The measuring device you choose must be strong and free of any squeaks.
• Adjustment screw position . When choosing a mechanical barometer, you need to pay special attention to the position of the adjusting screw. It is located on the back cover of the barometer housing. The best option is to locate it as close as possible to the hole for it. If the location of this mechanism is not accurate, then you should not expect the correct operation of the measuring device.
• Bellows size . When choosing a barometer, it is imperative to look inside the device; this is the only way to clearly see the bellows of the device. And the correctness and accuracy of the device for measuring atmospheric pressure directly depends on its value.
• Dial clarity . When choosing a barometer, you need to inspect it up and down, including the dial. Are the numbers clear and the right size? You also need to take a closer look at the glass to see if there are any glare or excessive reflection on it.
• Waterproof . When choosing a barometer for fishing, you need to pay attention to such a property as water resistance. Since the chance of falling into the water near the barometer while fishing is very high, and no one is safe from unexpected natural precipitation.
• Impact resistance . If you decide to purchase a pocket or wrist barometer, then it would be a good idea to pay attention to such a property as impact resistance. On wet ground it is easy to slip and hit the device on a stone, so additional strength will not harm such a device.
• List of functions . When planning to purchase a digital weather station or a multifunctional watch, you need to make a list of functions that are necessary for you; this approach will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses for additional capabilities of the device that will not be needed in the future.
• Backlight . If in the future you plan not only daytime but also night fishing, then you should choose a device with the option of display or dial backlighting.
• Trident mechanism . At the very center of the digital barometer scale there is a trident. When the instrument needle is at the 750 mm mark, all components of the trident must be parallel. This position indicates that the arrow is correctly fixed and that its indicators are correct.
• Availability of thermometer and hygrometer . Some, especially more expensive models of barometers have not only a mercury scale, but also special divisions that determine the weather condition “clear”, “cloudy” and so on. Also today on the shelves of specialized stores you can find devices with a special bite scale.
• Possibility of calibration and verification .
  Any even the most modern barometer requires initial adjustment, the so-called verification. You can configure the newly purchased device according to the readings of the city weather station. Verification is carried out using a screw located on the back cover of the barometer. The screw must be turned carefully, no more than 45° in both directions, otherwise the entire mechanism may be damaged.

Most popular models

In order to use specific examples to consider the barometers on sale today, we will focus on some individual models.

"Captain FBR - 007"

This is a small, compact device that can easily fit into any pocket. Using this barometer will not cause any difficulties even for a beginner in fishing, since the device comes with clear instructions in Russian.

This barometer model has the following functions:

• Smart tracking of barometric pressure indicator.
• Built-in notification about the most suitable time for fishing.
• There is a scale recording changes in atmospheric pressure over the last twenty-four hours.
• There is a touch sensor that is particularly ultra-precise.
• Waterproof.
• Among other things, the device has a built-in altimeter, thermometer, weather forecast display, reverse stopwatch, time and date indicator.

  

  Captain FBR-007

CASIO PRG-250T-7D

Made in the form of a wristwatch, it is equipped with the following functions :

• Backlit.
• Compass.
• Barometer.
• Temperature sensor.
• The ability to recharge the battery from sunlight.
• The display shows the time and moon phase.
• Built-in calendar.

  

  CASIO PRG-250T-7D

PB-8

This barometer can safely be called a mini weather station, as it includes: a barometer, thermometer and hygrometer.

The main features of this device are:

• Made from precious wood in Baroque style.
• Wide range of atmospheric pressure measurement, which ranges from 730 to 790 mmHg.
• Aneroid barometer without the use of liquid.

  

  PB-8

RST 05536

Stylish wall barometer made in Sweden. The high accuracy of this device is largely achieved by the fact that it is assembled by hand.

In addition to the standard mercury scale, this device has an indicator of the weather conditions most suitable for fishing.

RST 05536

RST 05737

Refers to compact wall-mounted meteorological instruments. This unit is characterized by ultra-high accuracy; its measurement error is no more than 1 millimeter of mercury.

RST 05737

RST 05771 “Fisherman”

This weather meter of Swedish origin has a fairly affordable price, with unchanged European quality. In addition to a barometer, this unit also performs the functions of a thermometer. The error of this Swede does not exceed 0.3 mm Hg. With.

RST 05771

SUNROAD FX 702

SUNROAD FX 702

This unit, which looks like a regular wristwatch, includes the following devices: a clock, a barometer, a stopwatch, an altimeter, and a thermometer.

The watch is installed in a durable waterproof case; for additional efficiency, it has a dim backlight.

For additional convenience, they provide the ability to record a diagram of changes in atmospheric pressure, and also have a sound notification.

BTK-SN 14

This measuring device is capable of recording a reading in the range from 695 to 805 mmHg.

Also, using the barometer of this model, you can measure the change in general temperature from 10 to 50ºC.

BTK-SN 14

Garmin Phoenix-2

This is a modern, improved product of the latest generation. All climbers, paratroopers, and fishermen will find very interesting and useful functions in it. The manufacturer has built into this compact wristwatch a barometer, altimeter, compass, thermometer, and an accelerometer.

Garmin Phoenix-2

If you connect this watch with your smartphone, it turns into a real wrist phone. This watch is a real find; it is able to predict what time it will be before sunset or sunrise, thereby informing its owner how much time he can still spend at the fishing rod.

Waterproof Digital Fishing Barometer 72850

This is a pocket model with great functionality, including:

• Barometer.
• Watch.
• Thermometer.
• Weather forecast recorder (capable of remembering indicators on 6 bodies of water).

In addition to all this, this device is sold at an almost budget price, varying around 1,500 rubles.

DIY making

Today you can not only purchase it in a store, but also make it yourself, and how to do this, what materials will be needed for this will be discussed further.

Materials

Let's look at making a meter at home using a liquid model as an example. So, for this you will need the following materials:

• Vessel.
• Cork.
• Tube.

The ideal option would be to use a glass bottle as a vessel; a plastic analogue will not work, since it will not be able to withstand atmospheric pressure without deformation.

There are no special requirements for the stopper, the main thing is that it ensures the tightness of the closure of the vessel (you can use either a ready-made one or make it yourself, for example, from electrical tape).

A medical dropper is ideal as a tube; it is quite wide and it is possible to cut the length required in a particular case.

Build process

• So, first of all, you need to pour water into the bottle; the container needs to be filled halfway.
• To make it more convenient to observe the indicator, which in this case is water, it is better to give it some shade. This can be done using potassium permanganate or any food coloring.
• Now you need to make an indicator assembly, for this you need a medical tube.
• Next, you need to make a hole in the cork into which to insert the tube. When inserting the cork into the bottle, the tube should almost reach the bottom of the vessel.
• The home meter is almost ready, all that remains is to ensure the tightness of the structure using glue; plasticine will not give a sufficient effect.
• The barometer is ready: when atmospheric pressure rises, the liquid level in the tube will decrease, and when atmospheric pressure drops, on the contrary, it will creep up.

Which barometer is better to buy?

At home, mechanical, electromechanical and electronic barometers are used. The first ones have a simple design, and the readings are reflected using arrows on a special scale.

Electromechanical and electronic devices are equipped with a display. More often these are barometers with extended functionality, which can reflect:

• Pressure;
• Temperature;
• Humidity level;
• Time.

According to the principle of placement, barometers are divided into table-top and wall-mounted. They are made in classic and modern designs. The body is often made of wood and metal, less often of glass, acrylic and plastic.

Recommendations: 12 Best Hygrometers

12 best weather stations

9 best thermometers

Tips for use

• Under no circumstances should the device be installed near a battery.
• It should not be dropped or hit, as this may affect the accuracy and truthfulness of its testimony.
• You should not try to repair the device yourself; it is better to turn to professionals.
• It must be remembered that atmospheric pressure can remain unchanged for a long period of time.
• To adjust, you need to use a screwdriver.

If you follow all the above tips and recommendations, your personal weather predictor will serve you faithfully for quite a long period of time!