Seeing is believing when developing a windy-day fishing strategy. Here are four common fishing scenarios you’ll find on any given blustery day.
The Point of Wind
Aim the bow into the wind and drift across the tapering contours of a point of land. Fish suspend over the bottom to feed on bait swept across the shallow rise of bottom. Make repeated drifts, working from shore to the tip of the point where it drops into the deep water. Hold the fishing rod at a 45-degree angle, allowing the bait to bump across the bottom as you drift across the undulating contour of the point.
Marking the Spot
Marker buoys come with a heavy sinker and cord wrapped around the float. Use them as reference points for drifting around a submerged island or other habitat. Locate the biggest depth change with sonar and mark each corner (or sharp contour change) with a buoy. Fish relate to the corners and on the leeward side of the underwater habitat, using the depth variation and current break as an ambush spot for bait. Drift across the corners of the underwater island, letting your bait drift across the shallow water and then down the sides.
Island-Hopping
Wind blowing past the exposed sides of an island makes a great ambush point for predator fish. The corners of the island create a windbreak where fish hold until baitfish are swept by in the wind-blown current. The strike zone is where calm water and wind meet. Make repeated drifts across each side of the island, positioning the boat between the windy side of the shoreline and calm water.
Docks and Piers
Wind blowing parallel to a shoreline causes bait and food to wash down current. Not just any windy shoreline attracts fish, though. Look for banks with lots of man-made habitat, such as docks and piers. These areas form ambush points for the fish as they hide out until the food sweeps by. The more developed the shoreline is, the better your chances will be for picking up lone fish waiting for an easy meal. Point the bow into the wind and drift within casting distance of the objects.
