Thread: Wind Hazard Question

​Thanks for the weather link, Randy. That's the best wind info that I've seen.

Originally Posted by prefers shiners

Ditto what Rees Guide said.....I love my 19 ft glass boat for big lakes or going far, but 98% of my fishing I could do in a 16 ft aluminum.....like this area....which is what most of south Louisiana (crappie fishing) looks like.....

Yeah, wind isn't going to be the big problem there. Just need to be alert for thunderstorms.

I fish canals off of lake verret, so you cross a pretty big lake to reach isolated canals, far off of the lake on the other side.
those canals have pretty tall and thick trees which will block much of the wind while you're fishing.
If the catch is good and you're not fighting wind in you're face, you can get a false sense of security.

If you fish areas like this, pay attention to the tree tops, look up every now and then.
If the tree tops are swaying back and forth, it's a good sign of what's happening on the lake.

Some times it's tempting to stay late in the afternoon.
If the wind is blowing, give yourself time to get back safely to the launch.
Sometimes the wind can push a lilly patch into a canal and block you in....carry a big paddle...

My one rule of thumb "always check on the weather forecast and the radar before leaving". Don't depend on what the weatherman said on the evening news the night before. Most times the day starts off with little or no wind but the wind can and usually builds as the day warms. I always check to see what the highest winds that are predicted by mid day. Also as others have stated always be aware of thunderstorms which can whip a calm lake into a frenzy in a matter of minutes. If you have a smart phone make sure you have a weather app that shows you the radar of the area, that is if you have reception at your location. Sometimes when fishing the boonies the phones don't work so well. Better safe than sorry. I've passed up many a fishing trip because of iffy situations.

"gene"

​Thanks for all your replies. Good advice for all.

Originally Posted by RMGeorge

Thanks for the advice. I do have a couple of weather apps on my i-phone and tend to err on the side of caution.
Much better to be at home wishing you were on the lake, than to be on the lake wishing you were home.

Learn the area you fish and pay attention to the predicted wind direction. If you are on the leeward side with a bluff or forest it's better than the windward side. Open marsh offers little protection except in real close. You learn by going as you say with "caution". Summer squalls are a whole different thing. Always fish with an exit plan as PS advised.

Years ago I fished Lake Erie 80 - 100 days a year, I will never forget the weather radio announcing a storm approaching at 30mph we were ~150 miles away so figured another couple hours fishing before heading in, Fish were starting to really bite and we were having a blast. about 30 minutes later my buddy said, holy S#&t we better leave. I turned around and 1/2 mile away was the leading edge of the storm which was best decribed as a white wall moving towards us.

Got lines in, poles locked and anchor pulled and WOT towards home. Not a chance, got caught in the most amzing amusement park ride ever invented. Thank heaven for a windshield and hardtop. Had to ride out the storm and keep from getting swamped. There was no way of trying to drive or outrun the storm. Learned my lesson in 20 minutes. After the front blew past us, just some light rain and we followed it in.

After getting back to the marina, was questioned by the harbor master as there were 3 boats missing. We only saw one other boat and it headed north and west when leaving. Two days later I found out out that 1 of the missing boats made a run to canada and rode out the storm on the beach. The other 2 had to be rescued by coast guard.

Now we have a lot better warning systems but reaction is critical and just because its 200 miles away and moveing 25mph DOES not mean 8 hours till it hits you.

If you can see the bottom of the leaves either stay home or head to the dock. Next the the wind is blowing look at the leaves and you will see the bottoms are white.