Windy Day Bassin

Working windy days does have its drawbacks. Whether wading or working from a boat, we are buffeted about. Control becomes a problem. Walking is difficult and boat handing is a nightmare. More effort and attention needs to be placed on where your body is rather than where your lure is. Casting becomes a big problem. Backlashes and errant accuracy become a curse. This really gets aggravating when trying to pitch to heavy cover and weeds. Face it, working windy days takes plenty of energy. Electric motors are relied on more heavily. Backs get sore and patience wears thin. One of the most overlooked factors for covering the windy shores is a lack of fishing pressure. Very few anglers like to slug it out with Mother Nature. Even pleasure boaters stay away. This gives the bass a chance to lower their defenses and make it easier for the angler to score. Keep in mind those tossing caps created by the wind do several things beneath the surface to shake things up and give the angler a better deal. Waves create enough disturbance to shake loose small creatures but not enough to hinder the larger ones, the bass. Therefore, crawfish, gizzard shad, and terrestrials are tossed from their moorings by the tempest. The breeze also carries the scent and taste of these critters more quickly. This stimulates fish into a feeding. Not only does the wind turn the bass into a feeding frenzy, it also hides the angler. The disturbed surface reflects light at different angles and makes it difficult to see above the surface. The blustery surface also makes it more difficult for a bass to hear an approaching fisherman. The slapping of waves on the shore muffles the tone of electric motors. Even the splash of the lure is changed from something that usually spooks bass into something that sets off a terrific strike.

THE RIGHT LURE: Lure selection for windy waters needs to match the weather. Gentle surface baits, light bodied crankbaits, and petite spinnerbaits have no place in heavy waves. Lures need to have some substance. They need to be tossed into a stiff breeze, be seen on a roiled surface, and put up enough resistance to be detected with a bow in the line. Noise also becomes a factor. For example, a Zara Spook will certainly bounce and prance to the attention of a roving bass much better than a slim bodied minnow type bait. Buzzbaits: A big bladed buzzbait is a fine choice for working windy waters. By far the larger blades are preferred over smaller ones. Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits should also have at least a No.5 Indiana or Colorado blade to give resistance, vibration, and flash. Color: Color is also important when checking your windy list of lures. Bright colors seem better than dull ones. Chrome, white, and chartreuse are prime tones. Jigs: When using jigs they should be large enough to take the pressure of the waves. A 3/8 oz. model is as light as you should go. This is important when trying to keep contact with the bait. The stouter lead will keep the bow out of your line. Crankbaits: Your crankbait should match the agenda. A Rattle Trap sends out a racket perfect for getting the attention of searching largemouth in rough water. A Model 6A Bomber will send out rattles and put up enough resistance to keep you in touch with what is going on down there. Spoons: Even weedy water lures need a bit more action and loudness. A Johnson Silver Minnow will put out a wide sweep and gurgle seen and heard in the stiffest of breezes. Team the bait with either a piece of pork or plastic worm to give it more wiggle and a wider sweep. Tackle: Match your tackle to the conditions as well. A lighter line will keep sensitivity high and prevent line bow. Another trick is to keep the rod tip close to the water. This prevents the wind from putting a bow in the line. Also, try using a rod at least six feet long. It will give you plenty of hook setting sweep in the tough conditions. Casting: The final suggestion is either cast into the wind or with it. Perpendicular pitches will fly off target and also permit that dreaded bow. The extra effort is worth it.