A spinnerbait is among Jacob Wheeler’s top search baits when hunting bass in windy conditions. He discusses why a heavy spinnerbait is one of the best presentation options when you’re fighting the wind and how the right blade and trailer combination can make all the difference in achieving the correct running depth and converting nippers into biters.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- SPINNERBAIT – Accent J. Wheeler Custom Double Willow Spinnerbait: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Rapala CrushCity Freeloader: Buy at Academy, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Duckett J. Wheeler Series Casting Rod, 7’3” Medium-Heavy (DFJW73MH): Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Duckett Jacob Wheeler JWC 100 Casting Reel, 6.8:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- HAT – Rapala Red, White, and Blue Trucker Cap: Buy at Rapala
WHY FISHING IN THE WIND IS HARD BUT WORTH IT
Let’s face it: fishing in the wind can be challenging. You’re not only dealing with increased boat control challenges but wind blasting your face can be uncomfortable and just plain annoying. But the bass don’t care and are often most active on wind-blown spots when the food chain is riled up.
SPINNERBAITS EXCEL ON WINDY DAYS
First and foremost, Wheeler likes fishing a heavier 3/4-ounce spinnerbait because it’s easier to cast than most baits, and the positive blade resistance makes it easier to feel bites than finesse presentations. It’s power fishing at its finest — cast and reel back to the boat. Big spinnerbaits are also aggressive by design; they have a large profile and generate lots of flash and vibration, a real plus when targeting the biggest active bass on any spot. Check out our Best Spinnerbaits roundup for a list of proven options.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAILER SELECTION
Do you use a trailer hook when fishing ChatterBaits? Most don’t, and Wheeler doesn’t with his spinnerbaits either. He’s a big proponent of trimming the skirt and adding a soft plastic trailer for visual attraction and improved hooking percentages. For Wheeler, a narrow shad profile trailer minimally affects running depth while adding seductive tail action. He knows through experience that the soft plastic addition results in bass taking the bait deeper and holding on to it longer than a skirt alone. The result? More bites and better hookups.
ROD SETUP FOR CASTING SPINNERBAITS IN THE WIND
These aren’t fairy wand conditions. When making long casts in search of bass, Wheeler uses a longer medium-heavy casting rod in the 7’3” range coupled with a moderate-fast reel spooled up with 17-pound fluorocarbon. You’re fishing with a wire lure, so line-shy bass isn’t the concern. Give yourself a longer rod for improved casting distance, hook-setting/handing power and efficiency, and a durable line.
As Wheeler states, your goal as a bass angler is to find that right spot at the right time and capitalize on a bunch of biting fish in an often narrow time window. Windy conditions produce many of his best fishing days of the year. There’s less pressure, bass are less spooky, and they’re often more aggressive. For these reasons, the inconveniences are worth the effort, and a spinnerbait is one of your best friends in these conditions.
