Wind from the east, fish bite the least
Wind from the west, the fish bite the best
Wind from the north, few sailors, set forth
Wind from the south blows bait in their mouth
I’ve heard variations of this old fishing rhyme at least a thousand times since I was a kid. While it’s not always correct, the little proverb is a good predictor for fishing trips across most U.S.
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The wind direction doesn’t cause fish to bite, but the reason behind the wind direction often does. For example, an east wind usually blows after a big cold front. A rapid drop in water temperature shocks the entire aquatic ecosystem, especially the bottom of the food chain, so it shouldn’t be surprising that this is the kiss of death for catching fish. A west wind, on the other hand, usually happens right before a storm hits.
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Sensing the changing conditions, fish often binge right before the front, making for the excellent fishing stories we remember so well. The north wind is also associated with the aforementioned cold front, and regardless of the fishing, cold air and big waves make most boaters think twice about going out. Finally, south winds blow during warm-ups in the spring and fall, or stable weather during the summer, both of which are generally agreeable to the fishermen and the fish.
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Another old saying is that “wind is the fisherman’s friend.” I tend to agree with that. A bit of chop on the water reduces the visibility underwater, so fish can’t readily see the flaws in your bait. Furthermore, the wave action along the shore often stirs up the bottom of the food chain, giving the big fish a reason to feed. Therefore, I’ll take an east blow or a north blow over no blow.
Everything is in moderation, though. Trust me a 50-mph blow is not your friend, even if it is from the west!