Durn Wind!

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Take the day off to do some fishing today on my home lake and a front rolls through last night. Normally I'd still go out just to relax. But this 20+ mile per hour steady wind is making it impossible. I won't even get into what it's gusting up to. To the point where it's almost impossible to controll my little boat in it, much less make any decent casts.

So I went and bought tackle instead. Not sure which is worse, the sting in my wallet, or me going stir crazy hoping the wind will die down at least a little....

[Dwight Hottle]

I feel your pain Eric.

[John G]

It's windy here too. I tried a little topwater today with no luck.

[flyingmonkie]

My three most hated things:

 

1. Wind

2. Stickers

3. Selfish people

[Darren.]

Wind is awful, I haven't found it to be my friend yet -- when out fishing, that is.

 

But that said, before my better senses kicked in, I've been out in my kayak in 40 mph wind (gusts, steady 25-30). Very close to shore, never again.

[Bluebasser86]

If I wasn't willing to fish in 20+ mph winds, I'd never get to go. It's just a fact of life in the Midwest. 

[Oregon Native]

Used to fish the mighty Columbia in wind and loved it. Would launch boat on upper river around Dalles and idle down river with bow up for couple miles trying not to get wet and then pull into bank and float back with waves braking at times over back of boat. Would throw jigs and cranks in the heavy wind and it was awesome in summer. Especially since hardly anyone else would be out. Those smallies crushed in that weather.

[flipin4bass]

Wind is awful, I haven't found it to be my friend yet -- when out fishing, that is.

 

But that said, before my better senses kicked in, I've been out in my kayak in 40 mph wind (gusts, steady 25-30). Very close to shore, never again.

Remembering my first time in strong wind while kayak fishing…I was on the other side of the lake from where my truck was parked when it kicked up. I don’t know how hard it was blowing, but it was creating white caps and 2, 2 ½ foot waves. I paddled into a protected cove to wait it out, but it wasn’t letting up. I could either paddle straight across back to the ramp, little over 3 miles, or I could stay near shore and take the long route. I decided to cross the lake and at first I was white with fear, but the kayak, a Trident 13, handled beautifully…it cut through and over the waves with no problem. I’d be lying if I told you I no longer fear getting caught in bad weather or conditions, but I gained a lot of confidence in both myself and my kayak that day. Knowing your craft’s limits as well as your own is important. It’s also a good idea to practice reentry just in case you roll.  

[mjseverson24]

I like wind, anything lees than 40 MPH and I will still be able to catch good fish (depending on the lake)...

 

Mitch 

[wrat]

fish dont care if its windy

[Bass Commander]

Never tried it but read on here that wacky rigged senkos suspended from a bobber work good because bobber on choppy water keeps the senkos dancing below. Just a thought.

[AQUA VELVA]

It gets windy a lot on my lake once the sun gets up there. At least I have a few good size islands I can get behind, otherwise, I just let the wind blow me down the lake while I fan cast.

[Dwight Hottle]

Strong off shore winds are fish able on Erie if your not to far off shore. I have had some killer days with strong SW winds.

[Darren.]

Remembering my first time in strong wind while kayak fishing…I was on the other side of the lake from where my truck was parked when it kicked up. I don’t know how hard it was blowing, but it was creating white caps and 2, 2 ½ foot waves. I paddled into a protected cove to wait it out, but it wasn’t letting up. I could either paddle straight across back to the ramp, little over 3 miles, or I could stay near shore and take the long route. I decided to cross the lake and at first I was white with fear, but the kayak, a Trident 13, handled beautifully…it cut through and over the waves with no problem. I’d be lying if I told you I no longer fear getting caught in bad weather or conditions, but I gained a lot of confidence in both myself and my kayak that day. Knowing your craft’s limits as well as your own is important. It’s also a good idea to practice reentry just in case you roll.  

 

Reentry is a great idea, done it a few times. Had my boys practice it, too. I just tend to avoid the higher windy days for both safety (wife and 4 boys to come home to), and sheer amount of frustration it can bring on just about everything when fishing, LOL.

 

What a harrowing experience you had, though. Goodness gracious!

[slonezp]

Suck it up. I'm working with 3ft of ice and I won't be on the water for God knows how long.

[geo g]

Any wind over 20 MPH and I park the boat and fish from the shore.  From the shore the wind usually is not a problem especially if you keep it to your back.  I will put out a sea anchor if the wind cranks up while I'm already out there.  It really slows the boat down.

[WIGuide]

If it doesn't bother the fish then it doesn't bother me...well unless if affects safety. I've fished in some pretty nasty stuff though that's for sure. 

[flyingmonkie]

Ruined my day today.  On the water for 3 hours and I bet I didn't make 100 casts.  Argh!

 

Better than going to the office, though!

[TorqueConverter]

If I wasn't willing to fish in 20+ mph winds, I'd never get to go. It's just a fact of life in the Midwest. 

 

x2  20 mph is nothing.