Catching fish in choppy water is possible since fish are still present and feeding in rough water conditions.

How Do You Catch Fish in Rough Water?

Catching fish in bad weather can be challenging even for experienced anglers, but it can be done successfully with the right approach and techniques.

Follow my fishing tips below when fishing in choppy water.

1. Use Noisy Lures: In rough water, visibility is reduced, and fish may rely more on their senses of vibration and sound to locate prey. Choose lures that have vibrant colors, strong contrast, and create noise or vibrations in the water.
2. Choose Larger Baits: Fish usually feed more in rough water and look for larger prey. So using larger baits or lures is a good, tried and tested technique.
3. Take Into Consideration Structure and Currents: Look for areas such as reefs, rocks, or submerged objects that can provide fish with shelter from the strong currents and big waves.
4. Target Windward Shorelines: Look for where the wind is blowing against the shore since it can create a build-up of nutrients and attract fish. Cast your baits or lures parallel to the shoreline and work them back towards you.
5. Stay Safe: Fishing in choppy water can be dangerous, so prioritize safety. Wear a life jacket, be cautious of waves and swells, and ensure you have proper control of your boat or fishing position.

How Do You Fish in Choppy Water When It Rains?

As mentioned in the section above, rainy and choppy conditions drive fish to seek shelter and cover. Look for areas with structure, such as rocks, fallen trees, submerged vegetation, or docks.

Opt for lures that feature strong color contrasts or have a combination of bright and dark colors: choose lures in vibrant hues like chartreuse, orange, pink, or white.

Use spinnerbaits: the spinning blades create movement and reflect light, attracting fish even in low light or murky water. Choose spinnerbaits with bright or flashy skirts to enhance their visibility.

Crankbaits with rattles or built-in noise-making features can be effective as well. Opt for crankbaits with a wide wobble or a diving depth that matches your fishing water depth.

Rain can increase water movement, making topwater lures a great choice. Use topwater lures like poppers, prop baits, or walking baits that create commotion on the surface. These lures imitate injured or fleeing prey and can draw fish to the surface even in rainy weather.

Surf Fishing in Choppy Water

Surf fishing in choppy water can be exciting; however, safety should always be the top priority. Be aware of the strong currents and undertows associated with rough surf conditions. It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the beach’s layout, entry and exit points. Wear appropriate fishing gear.

Use a fishing rod with sufficient length and strength to cast beyond the breaking waves and handle the potential resistance from the rough surf. A medium to heavy-action spinning or casting rod in the range of 9 to 12 feet is a good choice.

Effective bait options include cut bait, shrimp, sandfleas, or bloodworms. For lures, consider using spoons, bucktail jigs, or topwater plugs.

It’s often recommended to fish during periods of tidal movement, such as the incoming or outgoing tide. These tide movements can stir up food and attract fish to feed in the turbulent water.

Can You Fish Topwater in Choppy Water?

Yes, you can fish topwater lures in rough water conditions.

Choose topwater lures that are designed to handle rougher water conditions. Look for lures with a larger profile, heavier weight, or a more pronounced action that can create enough commotion to get noticed amidst the choppy water. Lures with propellers, churning tails, or noisy parts are very effective in these weather conditions.

Adapt your topwater technique to suit the choppy water and make more pronounced pops, jerks, or aggressive retrieves to create a larger disturbance on the water’s surface and generate attention from fish.

Experiment with different retrieve speeds to determine what triggers fish to strike in the choppy water. In some cases, a faster retrieve might be more effective in getting fish to react to the lure’s movement amidst the turbulence.

The timing of your topwater lures can be crucial, so look for periods of relative calm between waves or when the water settles momentarily. These brief windows can give fish a better opportunity to see and strike your lure.

Look for pockets of calmer water within the choppy environment. Fish may seek out these areas to escape the full force of the rough water.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Fish in Rough Water?

In rough water, fishing in low-light conditions can be an effective choice. Dawn and dusk, commonly referred to as the “golden hours,” can be productive as fish are often more active during these times.

Pay attention to the tide movements. Fishing around the incoming or outgoing tide can stimulate fish to feed, as the water movement brings in fresh nutrients and prey items.

Consider the weather patterns that are causing the rough water conditions. Fish tend to be more active and feed more aggressively before a storm or a significant weather change.

If you notice fish actively feeding or surfacing in the rough water, it indicates a good time to fish. Pay attention to cues such as bird activity, baitfish presence, or fish movement to determine the best time to cast your line.

What Lures Are Good for Choppy Water?

As I already mentioned in the section about fishing when it rains, Brightly colored crankbaits with built-in rattles and a wide wobble are a great choice when fishing in rough conditions.

Spinnerbaits work well too. The rotating blades create flash and vibration, making them highly visible and attractive to fish.

Use poppers with a cupped face for better water displacement and select colors that contrast well with the water conditions.

Swimbaits can be effective, particularly those with paddle tails or other swimming appendages. The movement and vibration generated by the soft plastic body can attract fish.

Blade baits, such as spoons or vibrating jigs, are known for their strong vibrations and flash. These vibrations can be easily detected by fish, even in low visibility.

Saltwater jigs can be super effective; choose jigs with heavy heads to help them penetrate the chop and reach the preferred depth. Pair them with soft plastic trailers or baitfish imitations.

What Kind of Fish Bait is Best for Fishing in Choppy Water?

In choppy water, the strong scent and oils released by cut bait can disperse quickly, attracting fish more effectively. Fresh chunks of fish like mullet, mackerel, or bunker are all good choices.

Fish like live shrimp, minnows, or shad can be used as live bait. Also, use appropriate rigs and hooks to keep the live bait in place.

Crustaceans like crabs or crayfish are especially good in choppy water. Their natural scent and movement can attract fish even in low visibility.