at what water temp does fishing shut down?

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Reel Class

Usually 40* is that "Mendoza line" when it comes to ocean temps. If it drops below 40 things are very dogfishy and basically anything on the bottom kinda goes into hibernation mode.

Offshore is a different story - but the inshore stuff gets real tough inside of 40.

Interesting..Why would the fish offshore at 39-40 degrees be more active than the same species would be offshore?..
btw, I am not wanting to get on a head boat and go fish for dogs, eels, and pout..
I just think its an interesting discussion, and right now, thats all we have...
I can ice fish, but I went through the ice once at the age of 12-13, and was alone.. Good thing the water was only about 3-4 feet.. If it was deeper, I would not be typing this.. So i do NOT go on the ice...If the water isn't open i don't fish, I just talk about fishing..bob

[HDMarc]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Interesting..Why would the fish offshore at 39-40 degrees be more active than the same species would be offshore?

I think that he means when the temps inshore go 40° or lower that you need to go offshore into deeper water to find warmer temps. I've fished some really cold weather at depths over 100' where I'd reel in my rig and the sinker was warm when you grabbed it.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by HDMarc

I think that he means when the temps inshore go 40° or lower that you need to go offshore into deeper water to find warmer temps. I've fished some really cold weather at depths over 100' where I'd reel in my rig and the sinker was warm when you grabbed it.

Understood.. I remember during last years mid winter offshore sea bass season, the reports were the water temps were in the 50's, and blues, and a a few weaks and triggers were caught in the middle of winter, when most everything inshore was shut down.. Must have something to do with warm Gulf Stream eddies or something, that far out... bob

[HDMarc]

Just checked the weather, looks like we're in for some temps into the 40s in the first week of February, hopefully this kicks things back into gear, cabin fever sucks!