Wind vs. Current: Which One Actually Matters More?
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Weekly Newsletter: 08-17-25
If you’ve ever found the perfect fishing spot…
…and still struck out — the problem probably wasn’t the location.
It was your positioning.
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to move from beginner to intermediate by learning how to position your boat, kayak, or yourself based on the wind, current, and structure.
👉 Map System Shown Above (Smart Fishing Spots)
We’ll cover exactly what to do in:
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Shorelines & base systems
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Open grass flats
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Creek mouths & river systems
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Marshes with lots of twists and turns
And most importantly — when to prioritize wind over current, and how to fish effectively when the two don’t align.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
✅ Wind usually matters more than current in base systems, flats & marshes
✅ Always try to cast with the wind (better distance, stealth, and fewer tangles)
✅ Use drifting to your advantage on open flats — then slow down when you find the fish
✅ In creeks and rivers, current takes the lead — fish face into it, so cast accordingly
✅ If wind and current clash, go cross-wind/cross-current instead of fighting it
✅ Use Smart Fishing Spots to identify entry angles, structure, and drift lines
👉 Unlock Smart Fishing Spots (ALL Layers)
🎯 Want to unlock currents, oyster beds, 1-ft contours, and more?
Join the Insider Club and get full access to Smart Fishing Spots!
READY FOR THE NEXT LESSON?
This video is part of our Intermediate Fishing School series, built to help you catch fish confidently without relying on someone else’s “spot.”
👉 Continue the Intermediate Course here
Not quite there yet?
👉 Start with the Beginner Course here
Feeling advanced?
👉 Take on the Advanced Course here
Tight lines,
Luke Simonds
Chief Fishing Addict
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Lots of good info, thanks.
Great tips!
Good advice Luke. On the Coastal Bend of Texas, when fishing inshore, the wind is a factor about 75% of the time. Winds coming from the south/southeast have a really long fetch before hitting the Texas shores. Later in the summer and fall, the wind often shifts to come from the southwest. Gentler winds. “Wind from the southeast, fish bite the least. Wind from the southwest, fish bite the best.”
Wind seems to always be an obstacle so thanks for the tip. If you are fishing in 10 to 15 mph wind which tide would be better?
That depends on the spot I’m fishing… if the current is strong, I’ll def favor the current and make sure to use a lure that can punch through the wind. But in most casts fishing flats and/or shorelines, I favor the wind if it’s more than 5 mph since I can cast farther and move towards the fish more quietly (no hull slap).
Great overview Luke…something I wrestle with a lot, especially when I have lesser experienced people fishing with me who can’t cast as far.
Question: I live in South Carolina and fish, cuts and rivers in Charleston. I also much prefer outgoing tide for positioning, so would you prioritize outgoing tide over time of day(i.e early morning vs later)?
In the summer, I prioritize fishing the twilights over everything else (sunrise or sunset). Although the outgoing tide can be optimal for many spots, make sure to spend time fishing incoming current because fish are often feeding just as good then (they’ll often just move towards a different spot nearby where they can ambush prey).
Thanks Luke! This is information is great. I just asked Matt Robinson about this exact scenario the other day.
We’re so glad to see that you enjoyed this lesson. Thanks for making time to post the nice comment.
Luke, this was an excellent and very clear presentation. As you explained how to approach the target zones, I realized how often I’ve overlooked what now seems obvious when I’m casting to a spot. I’ll definitely be approaching these situations with a new mindset from now on. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into this.
Thanks so much for making time to post the nice comment Steve!
Thanks Luke, Great info, makes perfect sense the way you describe it. Tight lines 🎣
Our pleasure Enoch!
Thanks for the info.
Our pleasure David!
Great stuff, as usual Luke!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Clyde!