Hey guys, how does the rain affect the smallie fishing ? Fishing in a tournament on the week end for smallies on the river, and was wondering if the rain would affect the bite ?

Thx

Ive heard mixed reviews on this one.

Some will say you wont catch anything

Others say it can be the best fishing.

I personally have had luck in the rain. Light rain seems to cool the fish off on a summer day and gets them active where I live. However during a downpour I normally dont see any action until the rain calms a bit.

But there is only one way to find out if the fish where you live are active. get out and do it

From my personal experience during summer floats when a thunder storm or rain cloud lets loose and passes threw the smallmouth get viscous. Fishing in the rain has been some of the best fishing and most exciting smallmouth fishing i have encountered. I dont know if its the sudden drop in pressure or the rain hitting the water that turns those little chunks into fire balls. Im not to keen on the lighting but if im on a float and see a storm brewing up i get pumped.

Here's how to catch them after it rains: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/after_the_rain.html