wind fishing

[bassman20042]

Hey all!!!! Got a question. When fishing in the wind, what would be good to use, and what would be a good place to start fishing? I've tried structure fishing by the shore,but have not caught alot of fish. What would I be doing wrong. Any help is greatfull. Bassman

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Bassman, when fishing in the wind I prefer if possible to fish into the wind. The fish will usually be facing the wind. I like to fish crankbaits across wind swept points, the fish lie on the downwind side waiting for crawfish and baitfish to be washed over the point. A jig and pig is another good tool. Spinnerbaits will work, but often get caught by the wind and spin which can cause backlashes. If I can use a spinnerbait, I run it fast just below the surface and try to make a wake, like a fleeing bait fish.
Any wind swept bank can produce some fish, some anglers will tell you that the wind pens the shad up against the bait, but I don't buy that-They could easily swim away from the wind, the wind only affects the top one foot of the surface. The bait fish are there to feed on Plankton, algae and insects just like all the other fish. Most baits will catch fish in the wind, I simply opt for the e4asiest to use. I don't rely on worms too much in high wind, too much bow in my line to detect strikes. Good luck, hope this helps. Johnnie

[BassFreak]

I have to agree, Whenever there is substantial wind on a lake, I try to fish the windblown side as much as I can. It makes for a tougher presentation but you can also use the wind to your advantage by factoring it in your cast. baits are somewhat limited and for really strong gusts I either pick up the C-rig or a crankbait. Or just move on.

[brendanc]

Another effective tool for fishing wind blown structures is a 1 oz. spoon (assuming vegitation is minimal). You can make long cast directly into or even quarter the wind... work the spoon back by giving short hard rips off the bottom. 99% of the strike occur on the fall, so make sure that you are able to feel the spoon falling.

Choy and Johnnie made some good suggestions with the Carolina Rig, Crainbait & Spinnerbait.

[carl]

If I fish in a strong wind I'll find a cove and fish the cov's point, that way I'm not fighting a full fledged wind, even though I'm casting into the wind. Fish tend to stack up in the less turbulant water. I never had much success fishing a wind swept shore line, at least a relatively shallow shore line. Good luck. Carl

[George Cawthorn]

Great post BTW.

I have to say that one of the worst windy conditions I was ever in... 45 mph headwind and I was on the shoreline casting dead into it.

Things were so gusty that lures that normally can be cast 60 yards would end up twenty yards behind me or in the trees if I wasn't carful to keep them cast real low.

I was getting nowhere and with one gust I was literally blown off the rock I was on and nearly went down flat on my back. In desparation I rigged up a faily heavily weighted Carolina rig with a watermelon lizzard on the business end.

After a couple of casts which I could barely get out ten yards casting sidearm and real low over the water to duck the wind, I finally connected with a really nice 4 lb. bass.

That one catch is one of my most memorable because it was so hard fought for.

So from my limited experience I'd have to give the nod to the C-rig if it's really windy. Either that or larger subsurface swimbaits.

Good fishing to you guys, later.......... geobass

[George Cawthorn]

Great story Nunz!!! I enjoyed reading it and the information as well.

Thanks....... geobass

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Brendan said-crainbait-for crankbait-I like it. Johnnie

[bassman20042]

Thanks guys. Will give spoon fishing a try. Also will try deep points and coves. Will let ya how I do, on the next trip out.