Don't underestimate windblown banks

[farmpond1]

Yesterday two buddies of mine (one is a member of this forum-hi Matt!) and I hit Clinton Lake in Central Illinois.  Though the weather was nice, it was pretty tough fishing until we found a windblown shoreline (which dropped off into 9-12 feet of water).  Fishing dramatically improved.  It held numbers of  white bass and some pretty fair largemouth (the latter were hanging 'round fallen trees.  Apart from that spot, we only picked up...2 fish.  So, if your day is slow and you can't catch fish, if there is a wind blowing, go to the windward side of the lake and look for fish there.

[-HAWK-]

How would you postion your boat to fish a wind blown bank? I have had minimal success fishing these situations.

[farmpond1]

How would you postion your boat to fish a wind blown bank? I have had minimal success fishing these situations.

In our case, the wind wasn't so strong as to pose serious control problems.  I have the same challenges keeping the boat from crashing into the shore or veering off course as the next joe.  You're certainly not the lone ranger.  Best I can tell you is to keep the bow pointed into the wind (or cantered into it) and try to adjust your trolling motor to just keep up with the push against the boat  Easier said than done, of course.

[Bassn Blvd]

I always try to fish into the wind when fishing from shore.  My theory is, the wind blows the bait to the end of the lake which attract the the bass.

[farmpond1]

I always try to fish into the wind when fishing from shore. My theory is, the wind blows the bait to the end of the lake which attract the the bass.

Ditto.

Oh, and if the wind is strong, I don't bother with jigs or plastic worms-there's too little control to fish them effectively.  I switch to fast moving crankbaits.  It's much easier to get a nice presentation and shad are what's often pushed against the shore, anyway.

[Sam]

And don't forget windblown points, grass and pads, too.

As for keeping your boat under control, I anchor.

Yes, I throw out the anchor if I can't keep the boat under control with the trolling motor.

It does not look pretty but it works.  

[farmpond1]

And don't forget windblown points, grass and pads, too.

As for keeping your boat under control, I anchor.

Yes, I throw out the anchor if I can't keep the boat under control with the trolling motor.

It does not look pretty but it works.

My turn to ask a question:  I have an achor on my boat but if the wind is stronger than..."mild", it isn't much good.  What kind/size anchor do you use?

[Tin]

And don't forget windblown points, grass and pads, too.

As for keeping your boat under control, I anchor.

Yes, I throw out the anchor if I can't keep the boat under control with the trolling motor.

It does not look pretty but it works.

My turn to ask a question: I have an achor on my boat but if the wind is stronger than..."mild", it isn't much good. What kind/size anchor do you use?

Drift socks are a wonderful thing. And if you can do it, a 36v 101 with a long shaft can make all the difference in the world. You won't ever have an issue with the wind again. Unless your in 6 footers....

Just to expand on what Bassn Blvd said wind blown banks usually won't recieve as much pressure because most anglers don't want to deal with the wind. And it makes the fish "stupid" so to say. They will be much more aggressive and this is the time when spinnerbaits and jerkbaits shine, especially in cold, clear, prespawn lakes as well as in fall.

[-HAWK-]

Hey Farmpond1, I head out today and tried fishing the wind blown bank again. Your success, made me give it a second try. Check it out.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1223339477/8#8

[cart7t]

You mean there are some here that DON'T fish windblown banks if given a choice?

I learned a long time ago, if the wind blows, head to the side of the lake the wind is a blowing to. Specifically key on cover, points, pockets, underwater humps, etc the wave action is working on.

Yes, it's a pain in the butt to fish since you're constantly having to work the TM while you fish but 9 out of 10 times your best bite on the lake will be on the leeward side of the lake.

[Sam]

I have 10, 15 and 25 pound anchors and I select one based on the weather and wind for the day.

The 25 pound anchor means you arn't going anywhere when you use it.  

I think they call it a "fisherman's anchor" and it works great.

But I am not sure of its correct name.

[-HAWK-]

You mean there are some here that DON'T fish windblown banks if given a choice?

I learned a long time ago, if the wind blows, head to the side of the lake the wind is a blowing to. Specifically key on cover, points, pockets, underwater humps, etc the wave action is working on.

Yes, it's a pain in the butt to fish since you're constantly having to work the TM while you fish but 9 out of 10 times your best bite on the lake will be on the leeward side of the lake.

The biggest reason I avoided the wind blown side of the lake Is because I mormally fish solo without an anchor. But now that I have an anchor, It really makes all the difference. Before I would literally be trying to fish while being blown around In circles, cussing the whole time. ;D ;D

[fish-fighting-illini]

Farmpond1 AKA  ( Jeff ) was pretty kind in the thread. He failed to mentioned that in the LG bass perspect he spanked both his buddy and I.

 It was a great day for weather, a small BassResource.com member get together and a general all around god time.

 I'm thinking of starting a guide service as a result. " Hey lets go fish over there; you'll catch fish. I won't but somebody will" lol

 I'm still planning on being in town on Wed night Jeff.

Thanks again for the boat ride!

[farmpond1]

Hey Farmpond1, I head out today and tried fishing the wind blown bank again. Your success, made me give it a second try. Check it out.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1223339477/8#8

Beautiful fish!  Nice going!  Glad I could help!