What many anglers know intuitively, but don’t actually understand ... it’s the direction in which the barometric pressure is heading–rising or falling–that has the most significant effect on fishing ...

Well, it helps to know a little chemistry ... but the fact that it is falling. Falling air pressure indicates that bad weather is coming, while rising air pressure indicates good weather.

MIKE MOSS SAYS: Margaret, "Hg" in this case comes from the Periodic Table of the Elements, and is the symbol for mercury, because the pressure value shown on the current conditions page is given ...

Warm air is lighter and less dense than cold air. High pressure is associated with relatively nice and quiet weather, or sinking air. Low pressure is associated with rising air, clouds ...

Your favorite weather app or website should tell you what the barometric pressure is today in your area. More important than the pressure itself, though, is whether it is rising or falling.