Windy Day Lesson – Carry Heavier Jigs

Wind was absolutely brutal today. Steady 20mph gusts that made casting my normal jig setup basically impossible. Line blowing everywhere. Couldn’t feel bottom. Frustrating start to the morning.

Switched to a heavier jig — 3/8 oz instead of my usual 1/8 — and suddenly I could reach the structure again and actually feel what was happening down there. Simple fix once I stopped being stubborn about it.

Adapt or Go Home

Carry heavier options even when the forecast says calm. Weather changes fast out there. The fish don’t care about your excuses or your favorite finesse setup. They care about whether you can get a bait in front of them.

Ended with four keeper bass despite conditions that almost made me trailer the boat. Could have easily blanked if I’d stuck with the light stuff. Sometimes the best decision is the simplest one.

Dale Hawkins

Dale Hawkins

Author & Expert

Dale Hawkins has been fishing freshwater and saltwater for over 30 years across North America. A former competitive bass angler and licensed guide, he now writes about fishing techniques, gear reviews, and finding the best fishing spots. Dale is a Bassmaster Federation member and holds multiple state fishing records.

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