Have you ever experienced a sudden flurry of bites right after a barge passes by? Many anglers swear by the "barge bite" - an unexplained increase in fish activity that seems to follow in the wake of these large vessels.
What causes this phenomenon? There are a few theories from experienced river guides:
Capt. Ben Goebel of River City Guide Service believes barges churn up baitfish, causing predator species like catfish to become more active as they hunt the disoriented prey.[1] The powerful propeller wash may also dislodge or injure some baitfish, creating an easy meal for opportunistic feeders.
Goebel has witnessed this first-hand on his sonar unit, seeing fish scatter momentarily when his boat strikes an obstruction. He thinks the commotion and vibration from a passing barge has a similar effect, temporarily putting fish on high alert and feeding mode.[1]
The barge bite isn't just limited to catfish either. Goebel has observed increased strikes from multiple species after these large boats roll through an area.[1]
Another theory is that the barge's disturbance simply repositions fish that were holding in the middle of the channel, pushing them toward the banks and ledges where they become more susceptible to anglers' baits and lures.[1]
While the science behind it remains unproven, there are enough anecdotal reports to take the barge bite seriously. If you find yourself fishing a major river when one of these behemoths approaches, refreshing your baits and keeping a watchful eye could pay off with a hot bite![1][4] Just be sure to reel in your lines and find a secure position before the barge's wake rolls through.
So next time you hear that distant horn and see an 800-foot leviathan bearing down, get ready - you may be about to experience the mysterious power of the barge bite!
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