Sea fishing: the effects of wind on fish behaviour

Windy conditions are ideal for bass fishing! © Benjamin Le Provost

Wind influences fish behavior at sea by modifying currents, temperature and oxygenation. Understanding these effects helps you to better target your catch and optimize your fishing.

Fishing near-shore areas

The wind blowing from the open sea towards the coast pushes the forage fish towards the shore. As a result, predators follow this movement and also move closer to the shore.

As an angler, you need to take this into account when planning your fishing strategy. From the shore, you have every chance of achieving great sessions. Fish are generally found very close to shore, where food is carried in.

Lorsque le vent est fort, il est courant de trouver des chasses d'oiseaux, très proche du rivage. Tenez-vous prêt les bars ne sont pas loin.
When the wind is strong, it's common to find bird hunting very close to shore. Be prepared, sea bass are not far away.

Surface agitation and bottom stirring

The wind generates waves and surface agitation that stir up the seabed, releasing food that fish are actively seeking. This agitation also improves the dissolution of oxygen in the water, stimulating fish activity.

Lorsque la mer est agitée, les poissons se rapprochent du bord
When the sea is rough, fish move closer to the shore.

The sandy areas are excellent spots in such conditions, as are the rocky sections. On the latter, many crustaceans and small fish come to shelter. The agitation of the sea dislodges them, attracting predatory fish, which then have nothing left to do but feed.

Un joli bar pris du bord de côte lors d'une session venteuse.
A nice sea bass taken from the shore during a windy session.

Impact on water temperature

If there's one parameter that can literally alter fish behavior, it's water temperature. Depending on the nature of the wind, it can cool or warm the surface of the water.

A cold wind from the north or north-east cools the water. Near-surface activity will then be almost non-existent, and it will be necessary to look for fish deeper down. However, this wind also has the effect of oxygenating the water, allowing fish to remain active in the water layer.

 lorsque le vent est frais, il est souvent nécessaire d'aller les chercher les poissons en profondeur
When the wind is fresh, it's often necessary to fetch fish at depth.

The influence of wind on visibility

The turbulence of the water blurs the vision of the fish, making them less wary. Fishing in foamy areas, where bass can hide easily to intercept prey carried by this commotion, often pays off. Ambient noise is also reduced, making it easier to approach certain spots discreetly.

 lorsque le vent souffle, je sors souvent un gros leurre de surface? Ici un Asturie 150 !
When the wind blows, I often take out a big surface lure? Here's an Asturie 150!
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