The weather has been relatively perfect for northern smallmouth fishing through the first two days. A little cloud cover early on Day 1, but since then the sun has shown and the winds have been relatively light, in the 5 to 10 mph range.
Today though, it’s cloudy and windy to start. Rained pushed into the area last night, starting towards the end of weigh-in yesterday, and has been lingering this morning. The forecast shows rain until around 11 am and then calls for winds out of the north to climb to near 15 mph.
Just looking at the map, with no personal experience on St Clair, it appears as though that would be the best direction for the wind to blow for the majority of our top contenders that are fishing up in the Anchor Bay area. But I don’t think there’s really a good direction for the wind to blow 15 on St Clair.
The fishing will change today too on account of the weather, becoming tougher. Smallmouth are visual feeders, we’ve heard that over and over this week. So, it makes sense, clouds and waves hinder light’s ability to penetrate the surface of the water, which decreases a smallmouth’s ability to see a finesse bait.
It’ll be interesting to see if anyone grabs a spinnerbait, vibrating jig or some other bait that gives off strong vibrations to attempt to appeal to the other senses of a smallmouth. This seems unlikely, as the bass are out fairly deep and not up running shallow flats. But someone will likely give it a shot and it could be a niche little deal to counteract the weather.
The tough bite will also make for some interesting boat rides this afternoon. The fish have bit unbelievably well this week. And though the anglers know in their minds that the fishing should be tougher today, they also have a pace now set in their hearts that will be hard for their emotions to ignore.
Believing he needs 21 pounds to stay alive, a guy in the Top 10 may push it a little too long a little too far from the ramp, until the winds are suddenly strong and sustained, making it a rough ride back with 20 pounds. But, if the angler can make it in with those 20 pounds intact, it may mean more with the tough conditions than 20 has the last few days.
Lots to consider here on semi-final Saturday. Fifty anglers went out this morning, only 10 will tomorrow. That cut sat at 44-2 to start the day, over a 22-pound average. Just a guess, but tacking on an additional 21 should be enough to go again tomorrow, putting the cut weight around 65 pounds to fish on Sunday, much stronger than we expected to start this event.
