VIDEO: Al Lindner and Jeremy Smith are fishing in the wind for smallmouth bass.
Title: Wind, Spot-Lock, and Big Brown Bass: Mastering the Elements with Minn Kota
Leveraging Wind and Technology for Big Bass Success
On blustery days when many anglers shy away from the water, the dedicated few who embrace the elements often find themselves rewarded. While the camera might not capture just how relentless the wind can be, it was a constant presence during this outing. Nestled in a semi-sheltered area, we took advantage of brief lulls to work the water methodically—and effectively.
One of the most game-changing tools in these conditions is Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock. The ability to hit a button, lock in your position, and fan cast around a strike zone—without ever needing to touch the trolling motor again—has completely revolutionized how we approach windy-water fishing. Often, after tagging a fish, it’s just a matter of locking down and following it up with another, and then another: boom, boom, boom. This kind of repeatable precision simply wasn’t possible in years past.
Minn Kota: A Legacy of Reliability
There’s a reason Minn Kota has become synonymous with reliability and innovation in the fishing world. Their products just work. When you’re out on the water, especially in challenging conditions, that’s the kind of dependability you count on. Al and I have trusted Minn Kota for decades—and for good reason. It’s not just about holding position; it’s about confidence. Confidence that your motor won’t quit, your Spot-Lock will hold in a ripping wind, and your gear will let you focus on the fish.
The creativity and engineering that go into Minn Kota’s designs have made every season more productive than the last. Being part of their journey over the years has been a point of pride for us, and their ongoing improvements continue to make us better anglers.
Jerkbaits and Mule Bass: The Fall Bite is On
There’s a reason this season is our favorite. Fall fishing for big brown bass is nothing short of electrifying. That cold wind stirs up the fish, and nothing triggers them quite like a well-presented jerkbait riding the gusts. Watching another rod bend into a heavy smallmouth, I couldn’t resist. I tied one on myself—and it paid off.
“I needed one on a jerkbait,” I said. “You weren’t going to have all the fun, Jer.”
The result? A muley smallmouth—another thick, battle-hardened brown bass that fought with every ounce of strength. Even when they don’t quite hit trophy size, these fall fish are tougher than nails.
Spot-Lock: Game Changer in 30 MPH Winds
Make no mistake—fishing in 30 mile per hour winds is no picnic. Especially when you’re trying to finesse bites with a hair jig. But here’s the thing: smallmouth love that wind. And when they’re fired up, a jerkbait carried along by the gusts becomes irresistible.
Back in the day, fishing a spot like this would’ve been a nightmare. Holding on structure in that kind of wind? Nearly impossible. Today, with the Minn Kota Ultrex and Spot-Lock, it’s a breeze—literally. You lock onto a waypoint, and that boat doesn’t budge. There’s no need to fight the current or babysit the motor. You stay put, make precise casts, and put more fish in the boat.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this technology has helped us catch more fish than ever before. In a strong wind, when fish are stacked and aggressive, having that kind of control is an unmatched advantage.
Final Thoughts
Big wind, big fish, and the right gear. That’s the winning formula. Whether it’s the dependable performance of Minn Kota’s motors or the unbeatable precision of Spot-Lock, having the right tools makes all the difference—especially when chasing big brown bass in demanding conditions.
When the wind howls, don’t head for shore. Lean into it, trust your equipment, and let it work for you. The results speak for themselves.
Many times, windy conditions offer incredible bites! And one of the biggest breakthroughs in fishing electronics and technology in recent years is the combination of the Ultrex and Spot-Lock. Minnkota Motors Spot-Lock is a game-changing GPS anchor.
Just push it, and Spot-Lock uses GPS to lock your boat onto your fishing spot more accurately than anything else on the water. Updated hardware and software algorithms mean Spot-Lock can hold you on a spot more accurately than ever before.
A new heading sensor on i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link lets you move your spot five feet forward, backwards, left or right – just by pushing a button. A new “Distance to Spot” reading on the remote tells you how close you are to your set Spot-Lock.
