Fishing in the wind

[southern7]

I use a 5 hp Nissan 4 stroke for my trolling motor. I have it connected to the steering on my main outboard and a separate throttle control near the captains seat for easy speed adjustment. I usually troll for crappie on Enid resevoir in MS, home of the world record crappie.
See photos below of my rigging.

[Texoma Toon]

I think it depends on what you're fishing for too. If you're drift fishing for blue cats, the wind socks are great. I have a guide friend who uses them on his 24' center console.

However, if you're trying to stay with a moving school of white bass, hybrids, or stripers, you need to be able to move with them. That can only be done with a good trolling motor. You may be in the same situation as I am, and need to upgrade to a more powerful trolling motor. I have a 12V 55# thrust Minn Kota, but plan on getting a 24V 70# + as soon as I can. Hoping that will give me a lot more control on these windy Texas lakes.

Ditto to what Bob said. If you are fishing in the AM fold up the Bimini that will help. I have an 80 lb 24v minkota that moves the toon well but sometimes it can't keep up with a moving school. I always try to position the toon so I am out in front of where they are moving. In other words the school comes to me.