Fish feed when they are hungry, but also when they are stimulated by environmental factors such as light, temperature, water flow, and prey availability. These factors affect the fish’s metabolism, behavior, and sensory perception, influencing their feeding patterns and preferences. In this article, we will explore how these factors trigger fish to feed, and how anglers can use this knowledge to improve their fishing success.
Light is one of the most important factors that affects fish feeding. Light regulates the fish’s circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that controls their daily activities. Fish are either diurnal (active during the day), nocturnal (active at night), or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), depending on their species and habitat. Light also affects the fish’s vision, which is their primary sense for finding food. Fish have different types of photoreceptors in their eyes, which allow them to see different colors and wavelengths of light. Some fish can see well in low-light conditions, while others need bright light to see clearly.
Light also influences the availability and behavior of the fish’s prey. Many prey species, such as insects, crustaceans, and plankton, have their own circadian rhythms and migrate vertically in the water column according to the light cycle. This creates a phenomenon called the “diel vertical migration”, where prey move up to the surface at night and down to the depths during the day, following the light and avoiding predators. Fish follow this movement and feed accordingly, often concentrating near the thermocline, which is the layer of water where the temperature changes rapidly.
Anglers can use light to their advantage by choosing the right time, place, and lure to fish. Generally, fish are more active and feed more aggressively during low-light periods, such as early morning, late afternoon, and night. This is because they have a better chance of catching their prey, which are also more active and less cautious. Anglers can also use artificial lights to attract fish, such as flashlights, lanterns, or glow-in-the-dark lures. However, anglers should be careful not to spook the fish with too much light, or to attract unwanted predators, such as sharks.
Temperature is another key factor that affects fish feeding. Temperature affects the fish’s metabolism, which is the rate at which they use energy and consume food. Fish are cold-blooded animals, which means they cannot regulate their body temperature and depend on the surrounding water temperature. As the water temperature changes, so does the fish’s metabolism. When the water is cold, the fish’s metabolism slows down, and they need less food and oxygen. When the water is warm, the fish’s metabolism speeds up, and they need more food and oxygen.
Temperature also affects the availability and behavior of the fish’s prey. Many prey species, such as insects, crustaceans, and plankton, have their own temperature preferences and tolerances, and will move to different depths and locations to find optimal conditions. Some prey species, such as shad and herring, are sensitive to temperature changes and will die or become stressed when the water is too cold or too warm. This creates a phenomenon called the “cold shock” or the “warm shock”, where large numbers of prey die or become vulnerable, attracting fish to feed on them.
Anglers can use temperature to their advantage by choosing the right time, place, and lure to fish. Generally, fish are more active and feed more aggressively when the water temperature is moderate, between 50°F and 80°F, depending on the species and habitat. This is because they have a higher metabolism and a higher demand for food. Anglers can also use thermometers, fish finders, or online sources to find the water temperature and locate the fish. However, anglers should be aware that sudden temperature changes, such as cold fronts or warm fronts, can affect the fish’s mood and behavior, making them less active and more selective.
Water Flow
Water flow is another important factor that affects fish feeding. Water flow affects the fish’s behavior, and sensory perception, influencing their feeding patterns and preferences. Fish are adapted to different types of water flow, depending on their species and habitat. Some fish prefer still water, such as lakes and ponds, while others prefer moving water, such as rivers and streams. Some fish can tolerate a wide range of water flow, while others are sensitive to changes in water flow.
Water flow also affects the availability and behavior of the fish’s prey. Many prey species, such as insects, crustaceans, and plankton, are carried by the water flow and drift with the current. This creates a phenomenon called the “drift”, where prey are transported from one place to another, often downstream. Fish follow this movement and feed accordingly, often positioning themselves near the bottom, behind rocks, or in eddies, where they can ambush their prey. Water flow also creates oxygen-rich areas, such as riffles, rapids, and waterfalls, where prey are more abundant and active.
Anglers can use water flow to their advantage by choosing the right time, place, and lure to fish. Generally, fish are more active and feed more aggressively when the water flow is moderate, not too fast or too slow, depending on the species and habitat. This is because they have a better chance of catching their prey, which are also more abundant and active. Anglers can also use the water flow to present their lures naturally, mimicking the movement and behavior of the prey. However, anglers should be careful not to fish in areas where the water flow is too strong or too weak, as this can affect the fish’s mood and behavior, making them less active and more selective.
Prey Availability
Prey availability is another crucial factor that affects fish feeding. Prey availability affects the fish’s hunger, which is the main motivation for them to feed. Fish feed when they are hungry, but also when they are stimulated by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and water flow. However, if there is no prey available, or if the prey is too scarce, too small, or too difficult to catch, the fish will not feed, regardless of the environmental factors. Conversely, if there is abundant prey available, or if the prey is large, easy, or attractive to catch, the fish will feed, regardless of the environmental factors.
Prey availability also affects the fish’s preferences, which are the types of prey that they like to eat. Fish have different preferences, depending on their species, habitat, size, and experience. Some fish are generalists, which means they eat a variety of prey, while others are specialists, which means they eat only specific prey. Some fish are opportunists, which means they eat whatever is available, while others are selective, which means they eat only what they prefer. Some fish are adaptable, which means they change their preferences according to the season, the location, or the situation, while others are consistent, which means they stick to their preferences regardless of the changes.
Anglers can use prey availability to their advantage by choosing the right time, place, and lure to fish. Generally, fish are more active and feed more aggressively when there is high prey availability, or when there is a sudden increase in prey availability, such as during a hatch, a spawn, or a shock. This is because they have a higher hunger and a lower selectivity. Anglers can also use the prey availability to match their lures to the prey, mimicking the size, shape, color, and behavior of the prey. However, anglers should be aware that fish can become satiated, or full, after feeding on abundant prey, making them less active and more selective.
Conclusion
Fish feed when they are hungry, but also when they are stimulated by environmental factors such as light, temperature, water flow, and prey availability. These factors affect the fish’s metabolism, behavior, and sensory perception, influencing their feeding patterns and preferences. Anglers can use this knowledge to improve their fishing success by choosing the right time, place, and lure to fish, according to the fish’s feeding triggers. However, anglers should also remember that fish are unpredictable and complex animals, and that there are many other factors that can affect their feeding, such as weather, pressure, moon phase, competition, predation, and mood. Therefore, anglers should always be observant, flexible, and willing to experiment, to find out what works best for each fishing situation.
