Wind factor

I had same setup you have only a starcraft. I fished large bodies of water Lake Erie, Lake st clair. I pretty much had a rule that if it was above 16K winds I stayed close to shore as it wasn't comfortable to be fishing. also I find wind forecast are mostly low. I wouldn't even think of going out in 20K.

Yup 20K winds can make some big waves, even on smaller bodies of water like Balsam, Sturgeon and the rest of the Kawarthas.

Sorry, my bad with my proof reading. WOULDN'T

SDC

Sorry, my bad with my proof reading. WOULDN'T

SDC

lol no worries.

Yea saturday looks real bad. Upwards of 50km, Sunday looks like it dies down a little.

Thanks for the replay.

Yea, they definitely do not handle the rough water well. Again, it is more about that then not feeling safe. With the extra bit of horse power on it. You are able to get around, just pretty bumpy.

I checked 5 weather/wind apps and as of now Saturday is a no go for fishing in a 16 footer on the south part of Simcoe especially if you do not know the lake well


Sunday is looking quite good


having the extra HP means squat...I have the exact same boat and anything on big water over 16 plus is a no go as when waves form there are always rogue ones that can be double the size of what is generally happening

Simcoe is not Chemong not even close

Something to keep in mind is Simcoe is large and open enough to get some fair size winds (especially with a north wind). However, it is small enough that those waves bounce off the other shore, and you end up getting waves hitting you from multiple directions.

A north wind can make some pretty unpleasant situations in Cook's Bay - as it has the whole lake to push.

This time of year with waters temps in the low 40's, things can go sideways very quickly. I always tend to use an abundance of caution this time of year.
Check Windfinder (you can download the app on your phone). I find it is generally pretty accurate with the forecast.
Good luck if you make it out!

I agree wholeheartedly. It's the waves that make fishing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous even with a strong trolling motor that can keep you anchored in one place. So i don't upgrade my 55 lsb 12V Minn Kota cause I know I won't be out on the water on any wind stronger than 15km/h.

Does the wind direction affect the Perch bite on Simcoe?

Nipissing has a saying..."Wind from the west bites the best, wind from the east bites the least"

On Saturday, Simcoe wind is from the WNW. On Sunday, the wind is NNW. Any difference in the bite. Looking to go down for Sunday with 2 others. Asking the experts.

I agree that an east wind makes for a tougher bite.
I feel that it's not so much the wind direction, but more the barometric pressure. Our prevailing winds are westerly. When a system comes in, the wind seems to shift easterly. Pressure rises/falls with the system and turns the fish off (or at least makes them more challenging to catch).

However, I've also noticed that the fish will adjust after a period of time. If we get 2-3 days of consistent east winds, the fishing has been good for me. It seems like it's the initial change that throws them for a loop.

Looks like you got the info you needed lol north wind 20km on cooks is getting all the waves coming from the main lake could b a very unpleasant day you might b able to sneak around degrassi point and it may not b as bad , i fish Great Lakes with a 15 foot and a 25hp I always check the wind forecast and always play it safe rather than asking someone else if it’s safe enough

A number of members have said their "wind limit" for going out is 15Kph.

That is my limit as well. My boat can handle stronger winds, but it is just no fun being out there and bouncing around like a cork in a tempest.

SDC

I think that's a general rule that applies to most people----you reach the comfort limit well before reaching the safety limit.

Well said.

It's very general question to answer as it depends on many factors besides the size of your boat.

I fished in 20k winds on Simcoe in 16 foot boat with 50 HP many times but you have to gain some experience before doing that and have a strong trolling motor to hold you in place .

if you not feel comfortable , fish some smaller lakes first to gain more experience and learn your boat capabilities before venturing into a bigger lake like Simcoe, especially that early in the season when the water is still very cold.

X2