®
TW W IADTAELRS
hen we say, “Wind is your friend,” we must
consider the fact that friendships are
rarely one-dimensional. At times, these relationships require understanding, often a good dose of patience helps; other times flexibility is the key ingredient. And then there are times when somebody’s having a bad hair day.
California Delta anglers know well the dynamics of moving air masses and their impacts on fishable habitat. A big blow is not unfishable, but an understanding of the when, where and how will serve you well.
For starters, this fishery’s vastness, coupled with its labyrinthine layout gives rise to what Delta rat Chris Lee described as micro-climates. “It can be windy in one section of the Delta, but you run to another area and it’s flat calm.”
Obviously, avoiding rough rides saves gas, time and back aches, so charting your course based on wind exposure is a
through a tule gap on the west side, rather than challenge the 3-footers in open water. (I, and my fillings, expressed our appreciation for this wise navigational strategy.)
Notwithstanding this boating wisdom, you need to keep a few more points in mind for fishing windy days.
HABITAT SELECTION
Mike Birch, of Oakley, Calif. spends most of his windy days targeting mats and tules, as both offer fish distinct ambush points from which to grab passing meals. Working the edges with a ChatterBait and then punching the thick stuff is his one-two punch, but he won’t waste time just anywhere. The Delta comprises about 1,100 miles of navigable waterways, most of which hold long tule stretched.
“You get on a lot of those tule berms that are half a mile to a mile long, but I really like to focus on the ends and the
Winter 2020
wise move. Example, Lee was my camera boat driver during points,” Birch said. “If you just go right in the middle, it’s kind
the Costa FLW Series event out of Russo’s Maria and when of a needle in a haystack. The same goes for mats; I prefer
our day’s journey took us to the northeast of a windblown
fishing little pieces of mat the size of your truck, as opposed
Frank’s Tract, he wisely skirted the perimeter and cut
to a 200-yard mat.”
wind effects & savvy strategies for
By David A. Brown
page 46
Photo: David A. Brown