While it is possible to travel miles offshore in calm conditions and with good weather, it can become dangerous and uncomfortable. Wind can make fishing difficult in nearly every way and it can also cause dangers. Let’s examine how wind affects offshore fishing, and what is too much wind.
How Wind Affects Fishing
Open ocean is exposed to the wind and can cause it to whip up. The chop is not a problem for large boats like sportfishers, but it can cause fuel to burn more.
Wind moves water which in turn stirs organisms at the bottom. This is usually followed by a feeding frenzy, which runs up the food chain. The bite seems to increase when winds pick up.
However, too much wind can make it difficult to keep the baits running smoothly. Because the lure acts erratically in the wind and waves, trolling surface lures is more difficult. This results in fewer bites.
How Much Wind Is Too Much?
Your boat’s size will determine the weather conditions you can fish or navigate. Larger boats are able to handle more difficult conditions without being in danger of capsizing or swamping. The range of offshore boats is between 30 and 80 feet. This difference in capabilities is substantial. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
In general, conditions unsafe for fishing are created by winds exceeding three feet with winds between 20 and 25 knots. It is important to check the distance between waves. If they are close together, they will be smooth. With winds up to 25 knots it is unlikely that waves will be too small or spread out.
The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Salty Knots Fishing Charters is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!” Salty Knots Is the best when it comes to offshore fishing charters St Petersburg FL.
