East wind

[nhornback]

I was just recently told by a "seasoned vet" in all kinds of fishing that if the wind blows out of the east then, "you might as well stay home." 

Wisdom in those words? And if so, what's the theory behind it?

Thanks for your thoughts on it (sorry no pennies)

Nick

[Skeeter ZX190]

The old saying is "wind from the east, fishing is least".  However, that saying is trumped by another saying " a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work".  Generally I have found that an east wind does normally negatively affect the fishing.  But it would never keep me from going.  I have also had some really good days when there was an easterly wind.

[thegambler]

In my honest opinion I've seen it go both ways. I've caught fish on days of east wind and then I've been skunked. Most generally it means a cold front has hit. When I face east wind usually I switch to a slower presentation. Often you can find fish shallow or find fish tight to cover. Just my 2 cents

[nhornback]

On that note, Do you notice better days when the general wind is out of the south?

Free time dictates when I go, not weather, but I figure any knowledge on weather as it pertains to fish habits can't hurt my odds of hauling in a few extra fish!

[dprice]

Big big zero   On that   I beleive 

I have found 

They build all lakes  with coves structure and creeks on the west side of all lakes   

Fish chase bait      Most of the time they simply moved the bait in a feeding frenzy leading up to this and relocated  to diferent  area within cove  or depth 

type of bottom contour plays  a big role  as winds change also

you can have 54 degree water in the mouth and push it straight to the back  and completely change the presentation 

 

shallow fish don't always shut off  the presentation did  do to light penetration or temps   

Strike zones can also be 30 feet to 3cm 

On coastal storms from the east you can Wacked them days on end 

 

Narrowed areas  are superior generally   as current generated by wind will relocate them and change feeding patterns    Try this one  next time horn  I think you will be pleasantly surprised 

[MOPanfisher]

I have had some good trips in an east qind, usually just before the storm hits, it is drawing in air just don't stay too long or it can get ugly.  Definitely more related to a cold front, north and east winds tend to put crappie off, but doesn't seem to bother walleye as much.  I have changed plans when wind changed and opted to garden or mow yard instead, don't like to crappie fish after a cold front.  Would rather fight white caps out of the south, I can always find someplace I can fish,  seems that I need a little "crappie chop" at least to catch anything, hate calm days.

[zarraspook]

9 minutes ago, MOPanfisher said:

I have had some good trips in an east qind, usually just before the storm hits, it is drawing in air just don't stay too long or it can get ugly.  Definitely more related to a cold front, north and east winds tend to put crappie off, but doesn't seem to bother walleye as much.  I have changed plans when wind changed and opted to garden or mow yard instead, don't like to crappie fish after a cold front.  Would rather fight white caps out of the south, I can always find someplace I can fish,  seems that I need a little "crappie chop" at least to catch anything, hate calm days.

Times 2.....

[slab slinger]

My thoughts are just go and make the best of it. Being a working stiff limits my days hunting and fishing. I have found if you don't go because of the weather man you'll just find something else to do and wish you would have gone. I just learn to adapt to the situation and have fun. Learning your lake and knowing where you can launch close to areas that are not far and shelter you from the winds is key. Its important to know these areas on Stockton so if a storm rolls in your not stuck making a long dangerous run back to the truck. Study lake maps and find fishable areas for every wind direction. Kinda like hanging stands for dear hunting you want to know where and where not to be in certain wind directions and speeds. Scouting these areas and getting familiar with the fishable structure and fish holding areas will give you back up locations for off the norm weather days. 

But to answer your question. I think it's hog wash about fish not bitting with east winds. I have had sucess in all directions of wind. The trick is finding areas you can fish an east wind. 

[fishinwrench]

An Easterly breeze has always been a bite killer for me. Not sure what it is other than you typically only get a East wind during the heart of a cold front.   On Okeechobee you can't even find a guide to take you out when a Easterly wind is blowing, cuz they know.  

I've heard that the further North you travel the less it matters.  I believe that.

[Unimog]

I know the Florida strain largemouth are more affected by cold fronts than our northern variety.