No one likes fishing in bad weather. However, it is not enough to blame the weather for why you cannot catch enough fish. There are certain factors at play even during a seemingly adverse weather situation which can make for a good or bad fishing experience. One such factor is wind. When is it considered too windy for fishing?
The type of boat you have and your experience level play a role in what is considered too windy and dangerous to fish. There is a warning system in place when the wind blows at 39 miles per hour and above. It creates difficulties while fishing, and it is dangerous.
Wind can either make your day or waste it. This article will delve into the details of how wind affects fishing, how it can work in your favor, and when it is considered dangerous and futile to fish. Let’s go!
How Does Wind Affect Fishing?
Wind speed and direction play a critical role in fishing.
Fishermen need to be wary of the weather before they set out to fish.
Rainfall and wind are the most critical weather variables that affect fishing, especially from a safety point of view.
A good wind blows in your favor since it affects fish behavior and location.
It will push fish right to you, and you will end up going home with a nice big haul.
However, bad winds put you at risk in the water and are not worth the fish.
There are several ways wind direction and speed affect fishing.
If you want to improve your fishing and regularly haul in bucketloads of fish, remember the following pointers.
It is a good idea to bring out your fishing gear when the wind begins to blow toward the shorelines.
This is because baitfish tend to get more active and predictable.
The wind moves the current, which moves the plankton and algae.
The fish will position themselves in a manner that will allow them to chomp on the food that drifts by.
Once the small fish gather, larger fish will too. This provides a lovely fishing spot.
The best times for fishing are when the wind blows from the west and the south. However, massive winds are not good for anyone.
Learn how to fish effectively in windy conditions by watching this video. Discover tips and techniques for adapting to the wind and catching more fish:
Do Fish Bite When It’s Windy?
While wind can work in your favor when it comes to fishing, it can also work against you.
Certain conditions are dangerous for boaters to be out on the water.
The type of boat you are using and your skill play a role in whether or not it is too windy for you to fish.
For instance, if you are out on the water in a small boat, wind speeds that are 39 miles per hour and above can be extremely dangerous.
It is important that you check the current and future conditions before you go out on the water.
If you are on an offshore powerboat, you will not feel the effects of a 20-knot wind.
However, it is a whole different scenario if you are in the water on a 15-foot skiff.
Once the winds pick up a velocity of ten miles per hour, it is time for boats that are less than 25 feet in length to get to the docks.
In addition to looking out for wind speed, the size of the waves is also something you should factor in.
Sometimes, when you are on open waters, you can experience uncomfortably high waves even without high wind speeds.
Smaller boats tend not to handle big waves rolling in.
If you are not accustomed to being on a boat, you might have an uncomfortable fishing experience in choppy waters with wind speeds over 15 miles per hour.
In order to keep boaters safe, there is a system in place that issues statements advising them about coastal conditions. It is important to pay attention to these statements.
Modern technology has made it easier to determine and predict the weather.
This gives you time to come up with a game plan that will keep you safe and give you ample opportunity to haul your target fish. Make the weather data work in your favor.
However, the weather is known to be unpredictable.
For a safe fishing and boating experience, make sure you are well prepared and carrying proper safety equipment.
What Wind Speeds Are the Best for Fishing?
Wind can work to enhance a fishing experience and help you bring home a big haul.
It is considered favorable weather for fishing when wind speeds are between 8 to 17 knots.
At these speeds, the waves will carry the nutrients necessary for the fish to feed and not be turbulent enough to cause them to flee.
Are Wind Speeds of Over 20 Knots Safe for Fishing?
The size of the boat decides what weather conditions and wind speeds it can handle.
However, to stay on the safe side, it is better to stay out of the water when there are three-foot waves and wind speeds over 20 knots.
Do Fish Like Windy Weather Conditions?
Fish find certain windy weather conditions to work in their favor.
The wind stirs up their food source and allows them to effortlessly intercept food that the current brings by.
The turbulent waters also give them a certain level of protection and keep them from becoming food for predators like birds.
The Bottom Line
Fishing and wind direction go hand in hand.
As you may have understood by now, the wind has a major impact on fishing. It can be easier for you to fish or it can hype up the difficulty level.
To side with caution, you are advised to avoid fishing in a small vessel with wind speeds of 20 knots and above.
However, generally, you are asked to keep an eye out for wind speeds of 39 miles per hour and above.
Such strong winds make for a difficult and dangerous fishing experience, regardless of your boat size.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!