I HATE the wind :\

[A-Jay]

1 minute ago, YourBassIsGrass said:

Thank you for the detailed info. Right now I have two grapple anchors on 50ft each. The deep spots on two of my lakes are less than 20' so I have gotten away with the shorter lines. But 75' sounds like it would be a bit better, especially by removing the core of those braided style lines.

My problem more than likely was the starting too close deal. I did always seem to slide out on an anchor that was too vertical and could never keep them tight. Hopefully I can get some time on the water soon and do some practice with the windy spring.

 

Practice  in calm shallow water first.  The set up & line handling takes some getting used to. 

A-Jay

[livemusic]

The wind takes the fun out of it and I often just go home. I have never done any good drifting but I am going to try some more.

As for catching, my best day on my nearest local lake was 34 bass, and I caught them on about as windy a day as I've seen. It was crazy trying to cast but I just put on a larger size beetle spin and I also had trees to tie up to to work a section of this shallow flat, and then move to another. I sure caught them. None were big, they were 1-2 lb fish but it was a blast. That water was only 4' deep. So, 'anchoring' helped me enjoy it. Modern day, power poles would do the same thing easily.

[Nitrofreak]

I used to dread fishing in the wind and would do like others did and that was to find areas somewhat protected, I found that the wind is actually a good thing and eventually purchasing good anchoring equipment and learning how to use the wind, I agree with others in the fact that it takes practice and that markers are a big help, especially when you are first learning, I also found that it's important to pay attention to details, bring along a change of clothing, although I have not fallen overboard there were a few close calls, having protective clothing is also a big plus, watching where you are is also big key, being close to wooded areas in the wind you must be mindful of the trees and of the soil especially if it's saturated, winds will topple trees and they can fall as if they were cut down, being prepared for the wind is no different than being prepared for a winters day, or a hot summers day, if you don't have a good anchoring system then make sure you have your equipment ready to face the challenge of a windy day, a good strong trolling motor and strong healthy batteries are a must and should be matched for the size of your craft, I learned that the hard way, a 17 foot bass boat and a 50lb thrust trolling motor aren't a good match when fishing in the wind LOL, but it did aid me in my anchoring abilities so it kinda evened out, it truly does take a good bit of practice and awareness to get it right but the rewards are worth the effort.

 

[Pond fisher]

I fished Monday and Tuesday in 20 to 30 mph winds in my Bass Raider.  Three bites Monday, 1 bite Tuesday, no fish.  It was the first time out with my new Minn Kota Endura Max 55 and I Love it.  I have it on the back with a rudder attached and a 28# on the front.  I can normally go into a 10 mph wind with my 28# intermittently on 1.  There were times Monday I was running into the wind on 5 and going backwards.  I hate the wind too.

 

Ken