I fished in a bass tournament this past weekend , we had 40 mph winds, couldnt get anything going, didnt even get a bite. Just got into fishing tournaments normally I probably wouldnt have fished however I realize if Im gonna fish tournaments this probably not gonna be the last time Im faced with this situation where there are high winds. Any tips or suggestions for bassin in high wind situations?

I fished in a local tournament last year with similar wind, there was even one boat that capsized on the lake during the tournament (not one of ours).  We worked a ditch that ran across the lake from an old road bed with crank baits - my partner won it with a 6#er and I finished with two small keepers.  My experience is that moving baits work best in really strong wind, 'cause you really can't control bottom baits very well.

I agree with Shadmaster on the moving baits. During windy conditions I try to find windblown points and run crankbaits down them. I have done quite well with this

I guess the way I think of it when faced with a situation like that is FOOD!  Go where the food is.  Baitfish follow the particles that the wind blows into the point or cove and the bass follow.  I was on Lake Lavon on a day like this and I was throwing a white double willow spinnerbait against a tree line and did quite well.

The best thing I ever read was "if you control the wind you will win" from a book on salt water shore fishing.

Even in small waters a logging chain minus hooks will slow a boat down dragged on bottom. Mine is 12 ft for a 20ft bassboat.

If you are working channel edges start big motor and leave in gear and steer with trolling motor. And if you are drifting put in reverse.

Don't forget to just anchor bassboat people get addicted to there trolling motors.

Drift Socks nobody fishes the great lakes without drift socks. they work everywhere.

Did you see Preston Clarks pole last year.

The trim on your big motor just trim it down and catch on the bottom in the right spot.

Theres lots more it's just a case of being willing to adjust.

Garnet

like that one guy said go to where the bait are and also if u can find any little pocket or run or anything where the water is calm FISH THERE there will be a fish there somewhere.

Gary

in or pond weve caught nice sized bass on a frog roostertail just fishing it like normal...but we try to find areas with as little wind as possible

Spinner baits are a good wingy day bait.

I think fishing in 40 mph wind is crazy.

Go home.

Use lipless crankbaits! Even in strong winds they still can be cast pretty accurately due to their weight.

When facing windy one must consider is it windy because of pre-frontal conditions, post frontal conditions, or high pressure blue bird sky conditions. Each of the above mentioned conditions require different approaches to try and scratch out a limit.

Pre-frontal conditions are the easiest to address because the bass should remain active until the actual day of the front. One should be able to catch bass in protected coves and on the back side of points. Just as mentioned wind blown points can be very productive but my I suggest you approach from the backside working you're way toward the end where the wind comes around the point.

Post frontal and high pressure conditions are a little more difficult to unlock due to the fact the bass will be highly inactive. The key areas will remain the same but you should plan on fishing real slow and tight to cove.

Bait presentations would be any thing you can cast easily with out back lashing; usually heavier lures. One should also consider fishing deep instead of shallower because deeper bass are less affected by frontal conditions. Due to safety factors I would avoid main lake structure and instead concentrate on deep structure in areas with tall trees or high banks that offer protection from the wind

Drift anchor!!!  Can't say enough about good things about them.  Different sizes are a must, then you can dial in the exact combo to get you at the exact drift speed (or crawl) you want.

Avid, you are right fishing in 40 mph winds is crazy but so am I. I cant just go home in the middle of a tournament. The 07 season getting off to a slow start for me but dedication and determination will eventually lead to the top.

Avid, you are right fishing in 40 mph winds is crazy but so am I. I cant just go home in the middle of a tournament. The 07 season getting off to a slow start for me but dedication and determination will eventually lead to the top.

Amen Brother!