• A barometer can help predict weather changes before they happen.hygrometer and barometer image by Richard J Thompson from Fotolia.com
  
  For some, the hobby of fishing has a certain visceral element. A good angler simply knows from experience when the fish are biting, and eschews the expensive toys and gadgets that others use. However, a barometer is an old-fashioned tool that can appeal to gadget lovers as well as those who prefer to fish by "feel." A barometer measures changes in air pressure, and experience has shown that atmospheric conditions can have a profound effect on the feeding and activity level of fish.
  
  

Low Barometric Pressure

• Barometric pressure is low during rain.Rain image by RandomShots from Fotolia.com
  
  While fish are often active during the period before rain, they will seek shelter during protracted rainy periods, possibly because they sense a high pressure front approaching behind the rain, or because they took care of their feeding needs when the barometric pressure began falling. Look for fish at lower depths or under heavy vegetation during an extended period of rain and low pressure.
  
  

Falling Barometric Pressure

• Falling atmospheric pressure indicates that rain is on the way, causing fish to begin feeding in preparation for the storm. Periods of falling barometric pressure are often the best times to fish. If you tend to fish from the shore rather than using a boat, use extended weather forecasts to your advantage and try to plan your fishing excursions for days with falling atmospheric pressure.
  
  

Average Barometric Pressure

• When a few days have passed since the last weather front and no changes are expected to occur within the next few days, the activity level of fish is average. Periods of average barometric pressure are times when you should resort to the lures and techniques that have worked for you in the past. Steady barometric pressure does not work to your advantage or disadvantage.
  
  

Rising Barometric Pressure

• Barometric pressure begins to rise during the period following rain. Fish begin to leave shelter and feed during this period. Periods of rising atmospheric pressure, like those when the atmospheric pressure falls, are excellent times to fish if you do not own a boat. For best results, attract the attention of the hungry fish by selecting lures that glint when they catch the rays of the sun.
  
  

High Barometric Pressure

• Fish often seek shelter on hot days.Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
  
  Barometric pressure readings will usually be high on clear, sunny days. Unfortunately, while humans tend to be comfortable under these atmospheric conditions, fish are less happy. Try to avoid fishing on days with high barometric pressure, especially if you enjoy fishing for bass. Fish from a boat in the deep areas of a lake to improve your chance of catching languid fish on a high-pressure afternoon. Fish may occasionally venture from their shelter to take a bite.