How to fish in windy conditions? Wind helps activate fish in all seasons. Do you know what the wind does actually push around lakes when it’s blowing? (hint: it’s not the bass). Turn the wind to your advantage, with these tips from KVD.
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Wind can be a game-changer when it comes to fishing, regardless of the season. Many weekend anglers overlook this crucial factor, but understanding how wind affects fish behavior and water conditions can significantly boost your chances of success.
Here’s why the wind is your ally on the water and how you can leverage it effectively.
How to Fish in Windy Conditions: Pro Tips for Success By Kevin VanDam
Fishing on clear water lakes, like Table Rock Lake, offers unique challenges and opportunities. In such conditions, the water clarity often allows light to penetrate deeply, making fish more cautious.
However, wind disrupts this dynamic by reducing light penetration, creating a darker underwater environment.
Bass, being low-light feeders, thrive in these conditions. Reduced light levels make them more active, encouraging them to venture out in search of food. In windy weather, the natural prowling instincts of bass are triggered, making them easier to catch.
Wind and Water Movement: Dispelling Myths
Contrary to popular belief, wind doesn’t blow baitfish directly around the lake. Instead, it stirs up the water and pushes plankton, the primary food source for baitfish like shad, into specific areas.
As the baitfish follow the plankton, predators like bass become more concentrated and active in these zones, creating an ideal fishing scenario.
Maximizing Your Setup in Windy Conditions
Fishing in windy conditions often requires minor adjustments to your equipment and strategy. A stronger trolling motor can help you maintain control of your boat as you fish along wind-blown banks.
While the wind might make navigation trickier, it also enhances fishing opportunities by concentrating fish near these areas.
When the wind picks up—especially at speeds of 25 mph or more—it stirs up the water near the bank and reduces visibility for fish. This combination of factors makes them less cautious and more likely to bite.
Wind’s Impact Across Seasons
The benefits of fishing in windy conditions aren’t limited to any particular season. Whether it’s early spring, late fall, or even in winter, wind plays a pivotal role in activating fish.
Reducing light levels and stirring up the water creates conditions where fish are more likely to feed aggressively.
How to fish in windy conditions: Final Thoughts
The next time you head out, don’t shy away from windy conditions. Look for areas where the wind is blowing directly into the bank, as these spots are likely to hold active fish. While it may require adapting your approach, fishing in the windiest conditions you can handle will often lead to greater success on the water.
