Staying safe
No fish is worth putting in danger. Going to sea is one thing, but getting back to land safely is the most important.
When consulting the weather forecast, it's important to take into account the fishing environment. A strong wind will have a different impact on sea state whether you're off the tip of Brittany or sheltered from the swell in a harbor, for example.
The exposure of your fishing spot to the wind should be taken into consideration. From the shore under a leeward cliff, in an archipelago or in a roadstead, you're sure to be sheltered.
Sector and wind strength
Wind strength, expressed on the Beaufort scale, is one parameter, but wind direction is just as important.
An onshore wind will have the effect of smoothing the sea, whereas a wind from the open sea towards the land will have the effect of lifting it. That's why I sometimes sail close to the coast with a strong southerly wind (20-25 knots) in areas of northern Brittany.
On the other hand, such conditions make it difficult to sail in southern Brittany, where the wind comes from the open sea.
But beware, a strong onshore wind doesn't necessarily mean that the sea will be beautiful, as other parameters such as the current need to be taken into account.
The current
This is also a parameter to be taken into account, particularly for the passage of certain sectors such as the Raz de Sein.
When the wind is against the current, the sea will tend to rise, especially during the 3? and 4? hours of the tide when it is strongest. Conversely, when the wind and current are in the same direction, the sea will tend to calm down. That's why I avoid sailing in areas with strong currents when the 2 elements are opposed.
And what about fishing?
Theoretically, your boat will drift according to the resultant of wind and current. But you're bound to encounter conditions where the wind is right against the current, and strong enough to take you upstream.
This situation is particularly restrictive for deep vertical fishing, as I do on wrecks.
To adapt, I use this technique when I'm sure the wind is blowing in the direction of the current. I choose either an incoming or outgoing tide, so that wind and current are in the same direction. What's more, having the 2 elements in the same direction means better sea conditions.
When it's not possible to get the elements in the same direction, I go for casting, trying as much as possible to fish across the current. I keep in mind that it's more natural to fish downstream with a lure than upstream at full speed.
To sum up
- An onshore wind will tend to smooth the sea, while an offshore wind will make it rougher.
- In areas exposed to strong currents, sail when the wind and current are in the same direction.
- For vertical fishing, choose the moment of the tide when the wind and current are in the same direction.
- Keep in mind that your lure should look as natural as possible, despite your boat's drift, especially when it's moving upstream in a strong wind.
