How windy before you don't fish?

cd1 · April 10, 2016, 02:22:23 PM

I know there are will be a wide variety of answer to this question due to variations in boat size, lake size, etc...but how windy does it have to get before you decide it's just not worth fishing?

This weekend I didn't even plan on fishing because the wind forecast was for 10 to 20 MPH, gusting to 30.

Experience has taught me that the wind is always worse than forecast on the lake...and my boat is simply no fun in 15 MPH or greater winds. It just doesn't handle rough water at all.

So...what kind of wind forecast makes you cancel your plans?

Capt. BassinLou · April 10, 2016, 03:31:39 PM

Quote from: cd1 on April 10, 2016, 02:22:23 PM
I know there are will be a wide variety of answer to this question due to variations in boat size, lake size, etc...but how windy does it have to get before you decide it's just not worth fishing?

This weekend I didn't even plan on fishing because the wind forecast was for 10 to 20 MPH, gusting to 30.

Experience has taught me that the wind is always worse than forecast on the lake...and my simply is no fun in 15 MPH or greater winds. It just doesn't handle rough water at all.

So...what kind of wind forecast makes you cancel your plans?

I have a little 16 ft aluminum tin, and wind is tin's cryptonite..

For me to call a trip the winds have to be above 25mph.

Fickman · April 10, 2016, 03:33:08 PM

Quote from: cd1 on April 10, 2016, 02:22:23 PM
I know there are will be a wide variety of answer to this question due to variations in boat size, lake size, etc...but how windy does it have to get before you decide it's just not worth fishing?

This weekend I didn't even plan on fishing because the wind forecast was for 10 to 20 MPH, gusting to 30.

Experience has taught me that the wind is always worse than forecast on the lake...and my simply is no fun in 15 MPH or greater winds. It just doesn't handle rough water at all.

So...what kind of wind forecast makes you cancel your plans?

Apocalypse!

I hate it as much as anyone, but will always try to get over to the calmest side of whatever water I'm fishing. My boat handles rough water well but it is misery trying to fish with 2 or 3 foot rollers, so if there is nothing calm anywhere, I'd probably tap out with a 15 to 20 mph forecast!

rockchalk06 · April 10, 2016, 03:55:05 PM

My comment would probably be different if I lived near LMG or one of those lucky guys down in the SEC territory, but for me around here, anything over 15 and I'm done.

I'm shore bound and several of our lakes have areas only accessible by boat. The fishing isn't the greatest without making a 2 hour road trip.

DonM · April 10, 2016, 04:07:56 PM

Well it is 21 to 27 mph today and I couldn't find anyone to go with me, so I haven't gone yet. It's more a nuisance at the dock than fishing. I can find a place at least semi-protected to fish if necessary. It can get a little hairy docking boat alone, using rope.
Being from Oklahoma originally, we didn't ever let it affect our decision to fish because we would have been sitting at home most of the time!

DonM

Donald Garner · April 10, 2016, 05:28:43 PM

For me just fun fishing 20mph is the limit. Here on Belton there are a few places to get out of the wind. I have fished in 30 (+) winds tournament fishing which wasn't fun at all.

Oldfart9999 · April 10, 2016, 06:17:14 PM

I try to not let wind bother me, Like DonM in Oklahoma, we have wind in the Great Lakes. If there are big white caps I'm staying home.
Rodney

coldfront · April 10, 2016, 06:26:43 PM

Quote from: Donald Garner on April 10, 2016, 05:28:43 PM
For me just fun fishing 20mph is the limit. Here on Belton there are a few places to get out of the wind. I have fished in 30 (+) winds tournament fishing which wasn't fun at all.

wind is tough. as a 'fun fishing' guy, I have the option of where I put in, where I go. I check the weather...and select my lake, ramp, etc...

Not a fan of fishing in 20mph or higher wind. If I can't get 'out of it'... I don't go out on it...

yes... I AM a big sissy!

LgMouthGambler · April 10, 2016, 06:46:44 PM

I will at least give it an attempt no matter what. I will find a way to get to protected water. When the winds get about 25mph it can be quite interesting. The best thing about the boat is that I have a 55lb trolling motor, which is way more than it needs. The good thing is I can get on high gear and it goes through anything.

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Down4ttown · April 10, 2016, 06:57:47 PM

Wind got up to 20mph yesterday and I caught 89 fish myself.

cd1 · April 10, 2016, 08:12:25 PM

Quote from: Down4ttown on April 10, 2016, 06:57:47 PM
Wind got up to 20mph yesterday and I caught 89 fish myself.

With what!? I've gone whole seasons where I don't catch 89 fish.

big g · April 10, 2016, 08:21:36 PM

If the wind is a solid 20 I stay home.

Bud Kennedy · April 10, 2016, 09:02:28 PM

Lake fishing I am go to about 15MPH. River fishing will depend upon tides and wind direction. Might go up to 20mph in this situation.

Down4ttown · April 10, 2016, 09:03:29 PM

Quote from: cd1 on April 10, 2016, 08:12:25 PM
With what!? I've gone whole seasons where I don't catch 89 fish.

It's all about the Ned rig. For quantity. Quality you will have to switch back to traditional baits.

Kris · April 10, 2016, 09:41:17 PM

I think that my limit is around 15 mph in my aluminum boat. In my old Gambler doing tournaments it was whatever the day had to deal with. With my present Ranger 20 mph depending on wind direction and tide changes.

loaded44 · April 10, 2016, 11:11:49 PM

In my 1548 Alweld, at 12mph I'm irritated. At 15mph, I'm giving up unless there is some miraculous way to break the wind.

zippyduck · April 11, 2016, 04:58:07 AM

White caps keep me on land. Other than that find the wind breaks and fish the wind blown points and hold on.

Princeton_Man · April 11, 2016, 05:21:40 AM

If I'm fun fishing, it depends on where and if I'm fishing alone or have a partner. If I have someone boat savvy who can help with launching and loading up, I'll cope with a fair amount of wind. If I don't have someone fishing with me, 15mph is about tops. Some of the docks and launch ramps around here leave a lot to be desired when it comes to tying up while parking the tow rig.

If I've entered a tournament, I fish regardless.

Oldfart9999 · April 11, 2016, 07:01:32 AM

Quote from: Down4ttown on April 10, 2016, 06:57:47 PM
Wind got up to 20mph yesterday and I caught 89 fish myself.

Show off!!! Good job!!!

Rodney

stumpy05 · April 12, 2016, 01:57:10 AM

Pretty much being a working guy if I make plans to fish friday thrn I'm going went last week wind blowing about 20 steady gust to 40 runninh sure sucked lol. Caught fish but worn down trolling batteries

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snakeeater · April 12, 2016, 07:42:15 AM

If it's too windy on my local lakes, I just go to one of the little creeks or rivers around here and fish out of my tube...it's good having lots of options. 'Bout the only thing that'll make me cancel is lightning...I sure as heck don't want to be out holding a graphite lightning rod!!