For some fishermen, windy conditions are both a curse and a blessing. Strong winds limit the types of presentations that are available and make the boat difficult to control. On the other hand, the action of the wind concentrates plankton that attracts baitfish. This means that this can lead you to some great fishing. It is up to the fishermen whether they feel the wind is a blessing or a curse and whether they want to fish or not.
Tips for Fishing in the Wind
Move Into Shallower Water
When the wind blows, it will activate the whole water column and will cause the bass to feed closer to the surface of the water. For example, you found fish in 15-20 feet of water on a calm day. The next fishing trip the wind is blowing 20 mph, making it hard for you to fish using the drop shots and football jigs, you had to change your shots and jigs. Now you will need to try jerk bait, or spinnerbait in 5-10 feet of water in the same place as the last time. There is a good chance the wind will push the bass and baitfish up into shallower waters. For suspended fish, the windier it is, the shallower they seem to go.
Do Not be Afraid to Anchor
When you are fishing in offshore locations in windy conditions, it can sometimes be hard to control the boat so you can get any fishing done. Although most bass fishermen do not like to anchor, sometimes this is the best thing you can do. It can help you catch bass better. Line your cast up to the structure or area where you want to fish, drop the anchor, and fish without having to worry about controlling the boat and keeping it from floating too far away.
Go Heavier
If you are not catching any fish in the shallower water and feel they are only going to respond to bottom baits, you will need to upsize your weights. Start out upsizing by one size in order to maintain bottom contact in the wind. For example, when the wind starts to kick up and you are using a three-ounce weight, increase to a one-half to five-eighths ounce weight.
Control the Drift
When the wind is trying to push your boat faster than you can fish effectively then you need to find a way to control the boat. One way is to use your electric motor and work into the wind. If the wind is not too severe this will be very effective and one of the most efficient ways to fish. Another way is to use your Power-Pole Drift Paddle that will help you to control your drift in the current. They are easy to install on your boat and can be adjusted to best handle any situation. You can control your drift by using part or all the way. If you do not have these and the current is not too strong, then you can use your outboard to adjust the direction of the drift and to slow it down. The harder the wind is blowing the more motor you will want in the water. Just turn the steering wheel to alter the direction you are being pushed. Turn hard to the right and your boat will be pushed to the left and vice versa.
Change Your Line
Make sure that you pay attention to your line when the wind is blowing. If you decrease the diameter of your line you can cast easier into the wind so you can maintain bottom contact better. The thinner lines cut through the current and wind better than the thicker lines. If you are fishing baits then you want to keep in contact with the bottom. You can do this by using the fluorocarbon line, especially in the wind. Fluorocarbon lines sink so it will help to keep your lures deeper, even if the bait is drifting and the boat is moving.
Braided line can sometimes present issues when it is windy because this line moves with surface currents and it floats. It does cast well and when you are fishing horizontal baits that are high in water columns and the baits are moving fast, it can be your best choice. When fishing in the wind, do not forget to drop your rod tip. When the wind is really tough when you retrieve you might want to keep your rod tip in the water.
General Tips for Fishing in the Wind
- Make sure that all your equipment is in top notch condition, such as all accessories that are mounted to the boat should be checked to make sure they are secret.
- Make sure that all of the batteries are charged fully because when you are working wind-blown shorelines into the wind you will need all the power you can get.
- Make sure that all loose items are stowed in the compartments so they do not blow out or get bounced out into the lake, like tackle boxes and nets.
- Make sure that everyone has a life jacket.
- When fishing a windblown shoreline, use a spinnerbait.
- When you are fishing a main-lake structure, have marker buoys on board so you can mark where you are fishing and any abnormalities of that structure,
- Using a windsock while you are drift fishing will help to keep your bait in the strike zone longer and slow the speed of your drift. It will also give you more directional control.
Conclusion
- When fishing in the winds it can be both a blessing and a curse, which is why some fishermen shy away from fishing in the wind.
- Sometimes fishing in windy conditions can be better and you can catch more fish if you use the wind to your advantage.
- The wind is the most influential natural element that can impact sport fishing.
- Wind can influence the fish’s behavior, change in the temperature of the water, oxygen levels, visibility, and underwater food chain.
- When it comes to fishing, the wind is the proverbial game-changer.
Also, learn about How to Make a Fishing Pole Cast Further.
