Protection is important

The forecast is showing 15 knot winds – uncomfortable without protection.

But not entirely the case with some.

Sheltered areas are your saving grace in being able to get out more often.

Let’s get a few things straight first.

Wind direction is the region where the wind originates from.

So a northerly wind, comes down from the north.

Westerly winds come across from the west.

Now for a little Geography.

If I’m fishing the top of Port Phillip Bay, the city is North of my position and open water is South of me.

I’m protected in Northerly winds and exposed in Southerly winds.

Basically the wind is blowing off the shore, and offshore winds offer better sheltered regions then onshore winds.

There is a limit though. Anything over 20 knots is a day probably better spent at home.

It can be done but it’s probably unwise in most cases.

The further you head away from land, the more it picks up. It’s wise to hug the coast and stay in sheltered waters if the wind picks up.

As a general rule of thumb:

• A calm day is generally up to 10 knots, ideally between 0-5 knots.
• 10-20 knots can work with sheltered pockets.
• Anything over 20 knots is a day best enjoyed on land.

What forecasts do I use?

The BOM, it has a marine wind map. I also like to have a second point of reference. 

I use Willy Weather to see if the direction and speed is similar to the BOM.

A final note, there is some data on average winds in Australia. The BOM have wind roses which can be found here.

In Melbourne, Northerly and Southerly winds are by far the most common, with Westerly winds making appearances closely in second.

Having a few spots you know are sheltered in certain winds might just mean you’re out that little bit more, or able to seek shelter if it turns nasty.