If you are a first-time fisher or you believe it’s time to teach the little one how to fish, there are certain things you need to know before you just toss your bait into the water. We’re not just talking about the how to and what-do kinds of things, but you also need to know things like where it is safe to stand when Mother Nature has a good breeze going. However, wind is not always a bad thing when it comes to fishing. There are also several ways it can be beneficial. So, without further ado, here are a few ways, good and bad, in which the wind can effect your fishing.
Aim of the Fishing String
Your biggest concern about the wind while you are fishing is the string from your rod and where it might end up when you try and aim at the water. if the wind is blowing in your face, it is probably not a good idea to stand in that spot, because the string could then end up in a tree, or literally anywhere else. With that hook attached, you want to be extra careful about the wind because the hook could end up in your skin!
Current
Maybe you are not fishing at home or in the stream near your house. You could be fishing in the local lake, in a boat. This being said, you will want to test the strength of the wind, and determine where you should be. It is common knowledge that wind and current in the water go hand in hand. Usually, fish like to swim against the current. So whichever way the wind is blowing, you may want to float in a spot slightly in the opposite direction before you cast your line, because most of the fish will likely be swimming in that direction. It’s more likely that you will catch the most fish this way.
Mother Nature Feeds the Fish
While you want to avoid the wind directly in your face and be able to aim the fishing rod to where the hook doesn’t end up anywhere inconvenient, It is common knowledge that fish will gladly fill themselves up with Nature’s food, such as bugs and plant life. When the wind blows these things into the water, the fish will practically teleport to the surface. So if you want to catch a lot of fish, a very likely way to succeed is to watch where the wind is blowing the dirt and bugs. You don’t have to stand or float your boat directly in the wind’s path to do this, either. The smarter thing to do would probably be to stand or float at a comfortable angle where you don’t get blinded by the wind, then try and aim your fishing rod in that general direction.
Harsh Wind
There are just some situations where you should be safe and forget fishing altogether. One of these examples is extremely harsh wind. Sure, you might benefit from the wind blowing a little hard, as mentioned above, but that is a whole different story. There is a difference between hard wind and a harsh one that is bordering on tornado weather. If the wind is over 39 miles per hour, you, your friends and family, and your boat could be destroyed and lost forever. With a smaller boat, 20 miles and hour is even dangerous. So when the wind is like this, please consider either staying home or doing something else. While fishing can be fun, or even soothing, please be cautious of the weather conditions when you are considering a fishing trip.
Flimsy Rod
In addition to the risk of losing or entangling your string, your fishing rod is also a thing to consider during a high wind. Especially if y0u have a very cheap one, there is generally a risk of the rod bending in the wind while you are trying to fish, or it can prevent you from drawing back properly. The rod might even fly out of your hands or break, given that the wind is harsh enough. This is another reason you should consider following the advice is example number four. If you do decide to go fishing during a strong wind, try your best to make sure your rod is a sturdy one first. Or, of course, you could also bring a backup rod.
Smaller Boats Need An Anchor
If there are only one or two people going fishing in a smaller boat, and there is a breeze that isn’t really all too gentle, you are most definitely going to need an anchor, because the stronger the wind, the tougher the tide. The combination of the harsh wind and strong moving tide may be dangerous for you and the boat. Having an anchor to drop will definitely reduce the chances of anything too dangerous going down. You also want to check which way the wind is blowing so you can determine where to drop the anchor. It’s better to have a slightly swaying boat than to be swept away by the tide.
So if you are considering going on a fishing trip, whether by yourself or with a friend or two, make sure you keep in mind the current weather conditions. The wind can be simultaneously a pleasant thing and a terrible nightmare. If the wind is too harsh, please consider going fishing on another day. Also be sure to bring life jackets, in case you encounter an unexpected storm, and something happens to your boat.
Also, as mentioned in example number five, it is a good idea to bring along not only a spare rod, but anything that might have any possibility of being destroyed or blown away by the wind. It’s always good to have a backup, even for your tackle box. Be sure to dress for the weather as well. Wear warm clothes when it is cold and vice versa. The big question: Does wind affect fishing? Yes it does. Happy fishing!