Trolling conditions.

[mikec17]

Any of you guys have any input on wind conditions suitable for trolling.
What I mean is, at what wind speed would you NOT go out on your boat trolling.
I was looking at: http://www.usairnet.com for the conditions at White Plains this Sunday and it is calling for wind between 10 - 13mph. Was just wondering if the more experienced guys on here think its too windy to troll?
Thanks in advance.
Mike

[arkpov56]

Mikec,

I would certainly avoid trolling in the wind that exceeds 10 mph.  It would be pretty tough to row upwind and maintain necessary speed and direction and it would be too fast to just drift downwind.  Multiply it by the chill factor and weigh it against your urge to go fishing, than decide for yourself...

Yes, this winter is disappointingly too warm for ice fishing yet, but still too cold for boating


Good luck.

[Gordon]

Agree with Ark, not much fun trolling with a lot of wind, but wind forecasts seem to be even less accurate than the rest of the weather forecast, so you might still be ok, particularly if you go early. Depends on which reservoir, your boat and your tolerance for pain!

[biggamee]

If you still have the guts to go out with the wind above 10 mph...wear super insulated boots..your feet will freeze first..the water is in the 40's fahrenheit..it becomes unbearable ..then wear a ton of layers cause that wind will feel like its cutting you in half..let us know how it goes...

[mikec17]

Thanks guys,
my boat is up by where 22 meets Rte 120 and its quiet a row down to the Rte 22 Bridge...so far all the forecasts I checked are calling for winds around or above 10mph.
Not sure if its worth it....getting down to the bridge may be ok but then we have to row back up again!

[ChrisM]

Tomorrow morning might be ok until around noon or so. They consistently overestimate the wind forecast, in my experience. Depending on how cold it feels, I might go out tomorrow and just stay fairly close to my spot in case the wind picks up...

[Biz-R-OWorld]

The wind might be a factor but the cold shouldn't be if you have the right clothes. People sit all day in temps aorund 0 degrees while hunting.

[KenH]

I wouldn't even think of trolling with winds at 10 mph and over even in warm weather.

[biggamee]

The wind might be a factor but the cold shouldn't be if you have the right clothes. People sit all day in temps aorund 0 degrees while hunting.

Take your boat out and try...I rather be out there in 0 degree weather with no wind..than 32 degrees and 15mph winds....and trolling where your constantly rowing so if you start to sweat..last year I was out on CR 20 degree f with no wind..I was fine..then I went out in 40 degrees with 10 mph..it was torture..trying to control a boat with all the gear on...sucks..maybe sitting in a blind with a heater probably less torture..just try it..

[biggamee]

I'm curious is Kensico or and Rye still open water?!!has there been any boats out there at all?

[KenH]

I'm curious is Kensico or and Rye still open water?!!has there been any boats out there at all?

It's all open water. But between the below freezing air temps and double digit winds
there isn't much opportunity to fish.

[Tom]

Mike,
Kensico near Rt. 120, where you boat is, will be one of the first places to ice over. If we have another string of low teen temperatures it will not be fish able. Fortunately I think the temps will be moderate over the next few days. Another consideration concerning trolling in wind is the actual direction of the wind. If the wind is coming from the east or west the channel going from area 3 down to the bridge has land blocking much of the wind's effect since the channel runs from north to south. Conversely a north or south 10 mph will be a real pain coming or going to your area and probably result in a skunk expedition.
Tom

[biggamee]

I'm curious is Kensico or and Rye still open water?!!has there been any boats out there at all?

It's all open water. But between the below freezing air temps and double digit winds
there isn't much opportunity to fish.

I thought maybe Saturday morning there was a small window of opportunity, but now it looks like 100% chance of precipitation...Let's go fishing in a snow storm!!!!!!!!

[new2titicus]

In normal conditions I try to make 10mph the limit, the problem is you have to factor wind gust into consideration.

As far as temperature, you have to first make sure your guides dont freeze up.  I agree with both Biz and Eric, the cold shouldn't be a factor if you dress warm, I personally dont have the gear for that, my feet usually freeze up rite away.  I havent been hunting, but i cant imagine that sitting in an open boat with the wind chill coming of a reservoir like kensico rye side would compare to being in a forest??

[Biz-R-OWorld]

In normal conditions I try to make 10mph the limit, the problem is you have to factor wind gust into consideration.

As far as temperature, you have to first make sure your guides dont freeze up.  I agree with both Biz and Eric, the cold shouldn't be a factor if you dress warm, I personally dont have the gear for that, my feet usually freeze up rite away.  I havent been hunting, but i cant imagine that sitting in an open boat with the wind chill coming of a reservoir like kensico rye side would compare to being in a forest??

Im not comparing it to hunting in Westchester County. Im comparing it places I have been like Kapuskasing, Canada which -24 this week (not factoring in the wind chill) or Bemidji, Minnesota (-11 right now).  Under Armour Base Layers work great. I have the 2.0 Cold Gear leggings and top, which I use for hunting down to temps around zero if sitting all day. This would be perfect for fishing from a boat with low activity levels.  For colder places where frostbite can be issue, I use the 4.0 which is for "brutal cold" and low activity levels.  Boots-wise, there are many great boots that are waterproof and plenty warm for fishing in the reservoirs in the winter.  Cabela's whitetail extreme and Inferno 2000 Pac boots are 2 that I have that work great.