I fish all weather conditions. colorado is a beast for kayaking. I've fished 20mph plus. You're correct. You need to know your limits. My limit was 60mph winds on the ice
I fish in saltwater creeks never too far from the ocean. A calm day is less than 10 mph. If it is over 10mph I watch the direction closely. If I have to paddle against the wind coming home I don't go because it will take me an hour to go 1 mile.
14-18mph is my cut off; I only fish saltwater (inshore); heading out this Friday and plan on calling it when winds get to ~14mph around 1-2pm… plan on fishing Port Mansfield, TX or SPI, TX.
If you have a sturdy kayak, 11.5mph (18.5km/h) or round up to 19km/h would be my cut off point, especially if fishing shallow. Really upt ot the person. Do you feel comfortable? Are you still able to fish and have control of your boat? In the even that you fall out, are you confident with getting back in to your kayak and uprighting it if it tips over? Are you at risk of hypothermia if you fall onto the water? These are all things you need to consider.
So before I got my predator xl I rented one of those kinda cheap tourist kayaks. I went out near the inlet. It’s was hot and sunny barely no wind. Now keep in mind I could see the ocean maybe one min in a boat from me. I had a good time no fishing just paddling around checking on the channel. When I was coming back instantly the wind picked up. The current was so bad. I was paddling and going straight to the ocean. It seemed like the more I paddle to get back the more it took me to the ocean. So I’ve lived on the beach my entire life. I’ve always heard don’t fight the current because you will lose. I just sat back and relaxed. It took me straight to the beach lol. It was a huge relief. However I had to carry that kayak almost a half a mile back to my truck in that wind. 😂 I was exhausted walking on the sand carrying a kayak that felt like it was 600 lbs probably 70 😂😂😂. Anyways I will watch the wind for sure now. Which I mostly did before. But I didn’t have a kayak then 😂. I’ve noticed in saltwater when the current changes the wind picks a lot. When it does I guess I could fight it or hit a island and threw up camp for a while and enjoy 😂. Thanks for the video! It was a reminder!
I would say around 10 MPH. I didn't go out last week because the weather report was 15-25 mph winds. I took a look at the local lake and it was all white caps and going hard toward the dam. Since you mentioned low head dams, the one on Swatara Creek in Jonestown PA just claimed a couple more victims. They weren't kayakers. They trespassed through private property to stand on the dam and fish. That one usually gets a group of recreational kayakers every year or two,
Ugh.. that's heartbreaking TrueCrimson. For MPH... I'm right around 15 being my max and it's a pain in the rear but I'm able to manage on a smaller lake.
I think what you'll find is that most people really overestimate wind speed. 10-15 mph is really brisk. Most folks will say, "It's blowing 25 out there!" when it's really blowing about 15. 25 mph wind is strong and not safe. I'll even hang it up in my boat most days if it hits 15-18 and especially 20+ unless there's money on the line. It's just not any fun at that point.
I found my limit today actually. Forecast said 10 mph was the high when I launched but it picked up to 20 with gusts of 30. I thought I was going to die paddling 2 miles back to the ramp across open water. Anything over 12, I'm out.
I did 25 mph with 40 gust yesterday lol it was.........interesting after about 3 hours I decided it wasn't worth trying to fish anymore cuz I would literally blow across the lake (28 acrs) then have to go against the wind back to the deeper side since the ice has only been gone for 2 days lol
Being brand new to kayaking for a family of 3 *yes all three of us are getting into it this year* - We don't really know what the wind limit would be but would estimate between 5 and 10mph. Though I am curious about what your recommended temperatures should be, for starter kayaking i.e. those that will fall into the water?
Adam, I look forward to the day where I can get all 4 on my family into kayaks. My littles are 4 and 6 so I have a little bit of time. Great question. I actually have bits and pieces of the answer to your question in a myriad of videos. My answer is more non specific. I believe that you should be prepared for immersion when you are out kayaking. Just assume you are going to fall in... if you have thought through (or practiced) deep water reentry, have the right clothes in case you do fall in (with a spare change) in the trunk of your car then this would be a better approach to the "how cold is too cold" question. If you are starting out.... better safe than sorry. Ironically, I have a video coming out Friday titled "8 Mistakes EVERY New Kayaker Makes Starting Out" You might like it.
I guess I should answer this as well. My cut off point is 15-18MPH. I fish smaller bodies of water and I have the advantage of a pedal powered yak as well..
Hello, I was out in my Nucanoe Unlimited with a Honda BF2.3 outboard this past weekend. The wind was howling at 16 to 25 mph. If not for my Honda I would have not made it out of the cove. For fun I shut off the motor in the middle of the lake and began paddling. Due to the size of the Unlimited 12.6 ft I made little forward progress. I was at the mercy of the wind and only able to keep myself going straight with the wind. There were 2 ft wind driven waves breaking over the sides of the Unlimited but at no time did I feel like I was in danger as this rig is extremely stable. It was a learning experience and a great time.
Right on boss, great little test to know what you are dealing with. It's when people overestimate their ability is where they get into trouble. You yak is one of the favorite on the market for stability and big guys.. nice buy
Depends how much open water wind is coming from or if you're fishing behind structures like land, bridges, islands, etc. I typically play it safe if I see white caps over open water, especially if you have to come back and it's hitting your yak from the sides vs. the port or stern.
lol, I bought some 9ft lifetime kayak off the craigslist and wanted to give it a whirl first opportunity, first time kayaking, in March. That day I learned one should check the wind before kayaking. Thought for sure I was going down in the 45 degree water due to the 18mph wind. Was terrible. Since then upgraded to a sportsman pdl and it's much happier in the wind, but I generally call it quits when the waves break over the bow and splash me in the face, unless the fishing is good... PFD engaged.
Whew... it can get scary pretty fast out there and glad you were okay.. I braved 15MPH with my PD Native Slayer and it paid off as I grabbed 5 pre-spawn bass off a squarebill. Would have never caught them if I was paddle powered.
Too windy for me is when I'm not enjoying the fishing. Don't misunderstand me, I've done a lot of pre-typhoon downwind paddling in my skinny surfski and feel very comfortable going one direction in those near hurricane winds, but, even though I can paddle my Stealth fishing kayak against 23 mph winds, it's not enjoyable. If I'm planning to go out and the forecast is going to be more than 11mph winds, I don't bother. If I'm out there and the winds pick up, I might persevere up to about 12 or 13mph, but I'll probably just troll my way back in. Constantly paddling upwind, hull slapping as you go, and having to drop to only one trolling rod just isn't fun - and fishing should be fun! (and safe).
I was out at a 148 acre reservoir in north central Ohio early this spring in my Old Town AP136. Forecast was 18-20mph north-west winds. I had limited experience or context of wind severity (first kayak season). I quickly found my comfort limit to be below this forecast. The boat actually did great but my motor was coming out of the water, water coming in the boat, and casting was difficult to impossible (especially since spot-lock faces you into the wind). I decided to call it quits. The next excitement not discussed in this video is trying to car top this moose of a kayak in the wind. It balanced so well on my cross bar the next gust spun the kayak sideways and it nearly crashed off of the top of my Xterrra (I trailer it now for many reasons including this event). Otherwise I'm convinced the boat could hang in much greater wind (at this specific direction) but have found anything over 12mph has been an annoying and frustrating source of wind knots/back lash/runn offs on my reels (even spinning reels). I have adjusted my equipment and technique from bank fishing but the wind really dictates my trips over air temp and even barometer (hence finding this video today). Thanks for the post!
I have found 12-15 MPH is the number depending on the inshore waters or lake. Always be aware of the wind direction and plan your day, particularly for your return trip.
Flags, (or something), are really important. Boats have a real hard time seeing in windy conditions. Make yourself visible! Don't get run over, by a boat running to shore. Live to fish! Fish do get more active during wind. But is it worth it?
My max thus far is 12-15 even with my peddle kayak. I recently installed a bow mount trolling motor, have yet to get out. I’ve seen guys out in some pretty crazy conditions.🤪
15-20 mph gets a little uncomfortable in combination with the surf. I surf launch into the Pacific (Oregon) and the chop from the sides and complications with an already tricky landing make it less relaxing and a bit stressful. I wouldn't pull the crab traps in that wind and if the surf is 4-5 feet or higher there's a pretty good chance I'll dump on the way in. I don't really mind but I also don't get many people who want to go out with me. Sometimes people on the beach are calling 9-1-1 which is a nuisance and results in lectures, but I do point out 20 surfers out there in the same conditions. If you want to stay dry the 2-3 foot swells and 10 mph or less wind are fun days. I might add an offshore wind seems to add to the degree of difficulty (if you get caught in a wave right where it's breaking on the way in it seems like there is no way to avoid getting dumped).
Hi im new to the channel, love all your beginner kayaker videos (because I just got mine a couple days ago) I'm in ohio too bro!! I go to the rocky river marina in the metro parks . Learned my first wind lesson on my second day. Went paddling up towards lake Erie, when I started heading back wind picked up and waves were bigger than I expected . Had a heck of a time getting back when I was already sore from the previous days . Got myself an anchor after that so I can at least rest without being pushed backwards 😂 I definitley learned how much influence the wind has on kayaks . Great videos man! They are appreciated
@@wendellfishing I am fishing out of my yak! Or trying to at least lol I'm new to fishing. I got myself the lifetime Teton pro 116 , 11.5 foot kayak (& loving it !)
The worst wind I've personally dealt with is about 15 miles per hour and that was pretty rough I mean I got off the water it got hard to paddle and rock real hard too I usually don't go out if the wind is over 10 but I do like a little wind honestly
Great video and very informative. I have been kayak fishing for over 9 years, with at least around 40 times out on the water each year. One thing I'd like to add myself is, wind DIRECTION also plays very very important role, too! For example, if you are fishing on a big lake but in a bay not too far off the lake's big open water, then is the wind blowing from the bay into the open water, or is from the open water blowing into the bay? It makes a big difference. And I'd rather have wind blowing from the bay into the big open water🙂
Wendell?!? Normally I don't mind a 10 mph or less sustained wind, I will even chance 15-20mph gusts. But I am watching this video today trying to talk myself out of fishing 15-18 mph sustained winds because I know I will be paddling the whole time and not fishing. Seems like everytime I get a chance to go out this wind doesn't want to cooperate!
Wendell!!! My last name is Wendell.. my first is Daren :) Yeah.. 15-8 paddling will be tough for sure. Even anchored.. it would be a tough one. If you decide to go out.. hope you are rewarded!
Last weekend I was paddling fighting against 25 mph and was dyin the whole time. The only time I was able to efficiently fish was when I tied my kayak off to a rock and stood on a shallow plateau off the shore. Luckily I’m a fairly experienced kayaker and have flipped kayaks before.
That wind speed usually means you gotta paddle hard constantly to make head way. Ever second you stop to rest loses you 10 seconds of the distance you just made.
I think the heaviest wind on my paddle yak was 25 mph. It was a great workout haha never did it again after that. Waves were completely swamping the bow of the yak.
How much do you want to fish Vs what are you willing to put up with. A good break point I use is when I start focussing on the wind more than the fishing it's time to head in. Picking your spots is a big part of dealing with wind. If the forecast is for wind plan on fishing smaller lakes. Sticking to the up wind end of lakes helps too. Stay close to your launch. Paddle up wind to start the day. Be ready to change your game plan depending on conditions. It can take some experience to know. But knowing when to just turn around n go home can save serious grief.
I don't have a yak but, I have a Pelican pond prowler 8. If the wind is 30mph I won't go. But 20 mph wind is very fishable. Of course a 40 thrust trolling motor helps. 🙂
I'm not going to lie. I max out at 10 km/h (6.2 mp/h). I just find that trolling lures over this wind speed becomes increasingly difficult to get them down where I need them.
Probably anything over 15mph on a larger lake with no coves to block the wind will probably be my max! If 18-20 but you have coves and can find wind blocking spots then I’m still out but can be bad if the way back to boat ramp is more on the main lake thus more sketch
I hear ya there... at least you know your threshold, many do not and end up in trouble. 15-20MPH is hard to manage unless you are anchoring or have a pedal drive... Good luck out there.
Hi, I have been caught in high winds before & had to paddle 5 miles around the point to another landing access site. Now if I see whitecaps kayaking is a no-go.
I was just inlet yak fishing in 30mph gust 20mph sustained (don't even think about it), super frustrating but I did catch a 40in snook so it's all good
I’ve fished in 15mph wind before but was mainly fishing shallow water only and stay near the bank only. I don’t recommend it cuz there were white caps.
As a beginner 1-10 mph is my max. Once I was out and I could see the water started a bit white capping and knew it was time to get off the water. When I had a chase to check to wind it was12 mph. So now I set an alarm when the wind is expected to change so I can start heading back.
Solid add. I was planning on doing a Kayak Fishing Specific Walkie Talkie Review but the company who reached out was asking too many question so I ditched it. Maybe someday.
My big heavy 3 Waters Big Fish 108 handles waves well. White caps splashing over the bow with spray hitting me while still making head way into the wind and only peddling at half speed… It likes it. I’d say 15 mph is a good safe speed for my kayak and I to handle. It could probably handle 20 mph steady, but if it got much worse, I’d have to beach it somewhere.
Drove 80miles to the lake after checking the weather and it was supposed to be 9mph winds got here just now and found 26mph wind with higher gusts. Now I’m watching videos calculating my chances of survival. I have a life jacket I’ll wash out somewhere but I don’t want to lose my rods.
It's might not be what you originally planned. But stay close to shore on the up wind side of the lake. If there's a marina you can just stay there close to the launch.
Hey Wes, Yeah, something to definitely take into consideration. If you are really worried about the wind, I would recommend a pedal powered yak (if you can swing it) as you will be able to manage the wind much easier while still fishing on the move.
@@wendellfishing I just got my first kayak. I used to canoe. I watch a lot of your videos. I use the information you have provided for first time kayakers and look forward to the deep water reentry.
@@stevenlewis2852 Right on Steven... thanks for reaching out and sometime this summer I will make that DeepWater Rentry video. I already have the idea in my head
Call me nuts, but I definitely learned! I recently went out after the long awaited winter so eager to get the yak out, but it was 25 mph winds with gusts of 30-35 hoping to get to a tree side out of the wind, but I would've had to cross 1-2 foot rollers for a stretch of that travel and just didn't trust it so I immediately turned around and went home. If I didn't have a pedal system, I definitely would've been in the drink, never again!
@@wendellfishing Just winds from all sides 😂 wasn't quite my day! I'm glad to take that as a perfect learning experience though. We all gotta have them no matter how smart we think we all are.
@@JesseG085 I hear ya.. I was out in 15-20mpg here in Northern Ohio, and it was near impossible. I was however able to slay a couple 3lbers on the fluke so it was worth it. I do however have a pedal powered yak which makes it a bit more manageable. Were you able to pick any up?
@@wendellfishing I'm in Central CA and it was unseasonably cold at 65F yesterday morning. I got a lot wetter and colder than I thought I would. Didn't really fish much as there wasn't hardly anyone on the lake and I had no cell reception. Felt it was better to live to fish another day. 🤣 I have friends and family in Northern Ohio. Beautiful area!
