How To Fish In Big Wind

Editor's note: This blog installment was penned by Fishhound pro and Lake Guntersville guide Capt. Mike Gerry.

When it comes to catching bass, there's probably no condition on the lake that causes more heartburn than the presence of winds from 15 mph on up – especially if it blows up or down the length of the lake. It just devastates and tears down most everybody's confidence.

The key to catching fish in such conditions is to remember that bass generally stack up together in the wind, and this can work to your advantage, because one bite can lead to several more bites in the same area.

So the solution is two-fold: 1. You must be prepared to fish with search baits most of the day (nothing's better than spinnerbait), and 2. Use a dragging presentation once you find fish and need to slow down.

Most fishermen don't realize that dragging a worm or jig is just a deadly technique – wind or not. There are many times as a guide when I have inexperienced or handicapped anglers in the boat and the most deadly technique is for them to simply drag their bait on the bottom. You just need to develop a good sense of feel as your drag the bottom and the presentation can really save you on a tough, windy day.

There's another advantage to dragging baits in the wind: You can let the wind push the boat, which saves power on the trolling-motor batteries.

Hint: A lot of the pros like to drag a tube on the bottom when they have to slow down in the wind. A tube seem to be a good presentation for tournament-grade fish.

A final tip: If you're going to be successful in the wind, you must develop a positive, confident presence. The wind must be your friend and you must embrace the techniques it takes to fish in the wind.

Capt. Mike Gerry has lived in north Alabama since the 1970s and has been fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. He owns and operates Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service and books individual, group and corporate trips. He also offers pre-tournament trips for competitive anglers. Visit FishLakeGuntersvilleGuideService.com, send him an email at bassguide@comcast.net or call (256) 759-2270. He'd love to hear from you!

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