Hi, I'm kinda new here and I was wondering how I could check the water temperature in my local ponds. I don't have a fish/ depth finder. I don't really have a thermometer but I could buy one and if that's the only option if you all could point in the direction towards one it would be much appreciated.

Welcome to BR ~ !

A thermometer is a valuable tool - might as well have one.

A-Jay

First welcome to Bass Resource.

Second I'd say pick up a swimming pool thermometer. Not sure how long you'd have to leave it in to get an accurate reading though.

I use a small alchohol thermometer made for fishing - it has a metal sheath to protect it from breakage - similar to this one: http://www.basspro.com/Stream-Fly-Fishing-Thermometer/product/22921/

The pocket thermometer suggested is convent to check surface temps and can be used to check fish body temps by inserted the probe quickly into the fishes throat. Fish being cold blooded will have the same body temp as the water they came out of!

Tom

I use the same one that Goose52 linked to. It's known as a stream thermometer and is usually found in the aisle where the fly fishing stuff is.

Didn't realize they made a thermometer specifically for fishing. Forget the pool thermometer. Go with that instead,

I use infrared temp gun. I use this at work and for my other hobbie RC with nitro engines as well. Just point at water and take reading or grab a rock, weed, limb out of the water and take its temp.

Go to a swimming pool store and purchase a swimming pool thermometer.

There are ones that float and ones that sink.

Add a string to it and drop it into the waters you are fishing.

I keep one in my boat's well to check the well's water temperature.

I take it with me when fishing my double secret pond.

Works great.

I use this one. It only takes a few seconds to get the correct temp.

http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Digital-Instant-Read-Pocket-Thermometer/dp/B00004XSC3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355485939&sr=8-3&keywords=taylor+digital+thermometer

I have the analog version also.

Thank you all. I was new I needed some form of a thermometer but I guess my question was more of what kind I needed. I appreciate all the links and recommendations for the thermometers.

-Tight lines

I use a small alchohol thermometer made for fishing - it has a metal sheath to protect it from breakage - similar to this one: http://www.basspro.com/Stream-Fly-Fishing-Thermometer/product/22921/

I would get something like this, tie a strong nylon line to it and a float of some sort so the thermometer hangs under the surface a few feet and throw it out into the ponds.

Mine is this: http://www.target.com/p/compact-instant-read-digital-thermometer/-/A-11010202#prodSlot=medium_2_37&term=Thermometer

seriuosly. I have never used one. I have always just stuck my hand in there and got use to temps by feel. this is the way to go. Once you get use to it you will never need the thermometer again. and to my experience where I fish (could be different where you are), in northern florida, the fish need a big difference in temp to change their pattern. but the good thing about florida is it never gets freezing cold. so if you live north of me then forget everything i just said. LOL

Acurite 00888 with 10' probe. If you have one with a short probe, catch a fish, a stuff the probe down its throat (just make sure there isn't a sharp edge on it).

 

P.S. I have an extra one NIP I'll sell for $12 shipped. Will include a new battery too. 

Newbie question here....

Why do you want to know the water temp?

Newbie question here....

Why do you want to know the water temp?

 

So you know how long you can survive in case you fall in...

 

Just kidding.  Water temperature, along with the time of year, will give you a starting point to determine where the fish are and how active or lethargic they may be.  This in turn leads you to lure choice, speed of retrieve and locations to present your lure.  Of course, it never works as you plan, so you end up throwing a Senko at any target you see...

Newbie question here....

Why do you want to know the water temp?

Take a look at The Cosmic Clock in the general fishing forum. Bass live in water, are cold blooded ( body temp same as the water they are in) therefore water temperature is a major factor in their life cycle.

Tom

1.  Catch bass.

 

2.  Use rectal thermometer on bass.

 

Very easy.

 

Josh

I doubt if the bass thinks a rectal thermometer is so very easy...

Kidding aside, a floating aquarium thermometer is a nice cheat if you don't have electronics

I'd use Vexilar SonarPhone T-POD http://store12459.americommerce.com/store/p/26-SP100-T-POD.aspx

 

it's got temp listed

So you know how long you can survive in case you fall in...

Just kidding. Water temperature, along with the time of year, will give you a starting point to determine where the fish are and how active or lethargic they may be. This in turn leads you to lure choice, speed of retrieve and locations to present your lure. Of course, it never works as you plan, so you end up throwing a Senko at any target you see...

Thanks for the help

I was wondering if the same thing but I fish from the bank so I guess I would have to use Josh's method...but I was wondering if there was a way to get a rough estimate based on air temperature even if having to go back a few days and look at the highs & lows. Being in Louisiana we didn't have much of a winter this yr and the past few nights have been upper 50s n lower 60s & the highs have been mid to upper 70s 

MinnKota makes a portable temp gauge that is about the size a playing card by 3/4" thick.

 

Allen