When it comes to fishing people think “WIND” but the wind is not always just blowing it helps the galvanize the fishery, especially if it is right after calm, warm weather. Undisturbed water can suffer from a lack of oxygen. Wind starting to beat on shorelines and structure, can inject oxygen into the water. Structures in the water can cause a disruption in the waves can bring up oxygen levels. And bringing up oxygen levels brings bait and the predators to the area. The wind blowing in the same direction against a shore line will push plankton and feed towards the shoreline. In which the oxygen levels in that area will increase. And the lack of oxygen in the water, comes with fish dying.
Another factor with the wind that helps with fishing is the wind and wave break up the smooth surface and makes fish more less likely to be spooked by boat movement and wading. But waves hitting the boat when anchored can put off noise so be careful when positioning the boat. A strong long-lasting directional wind can create a current along shorelines, if hit at an angle. Also, it can be easy to over-estimate a current, a 30 mph wind might generate a .5 mph current, and a slower wind will generate a much slower current. Fish will almost always point their head into the current, and so you should cast into the wind and so your lure retrieve will be in the face of the fish. Usually, fish are hesitant to chase a lure which has come from behind it. Be sure to look for cuts, humps, points in water banks, with the current going over low water could be an area of high activity. Also, look for windy shorelines and if it looks like the current is running try to fish upwind. But you need to keep in touch with your lure on the retrieve, and a fast retrieve on a heavier lure. Wind makes baitfish more active, so select lures which imitate the baitfish. The wind will play a factor in the temperature of the water as well, so it might affect the depth of the water you need to be fishing in. Long directional wind can push warmer surface water downwind and will be replaced from upwind by colder deeper water.
The downfall with wind comes more advisories in health and safety. And speaking for myself, I am horrible at getting windburn. It is merely the same thing. But the contributing, the cooling effects of the wind decrease the perception of heat and burning, meaning people are less likely to protect themselves against the sun, and most likely to stay exposed. If you plan on fishing or being on the water in high winds comes more safety precautions. Be sure your emergency equipment, anchor, life jackets are on the vessel and the motor is running well. Being safe on the water is number one and being ready for the wind and weather to change anytime. This is Texas and we all know how much the weather changes and so fast. Wind plays many factors on the water and fishing. So, good and some bad. But being cautious of your surrounds and weather is important.
Good Luck Hunting Them Trophy’s and Safe Adventures,
Cassie Willis, Pro Angler’