winds and currents

[RONDAYVOO]

How do you know what the wind is going to do to the current direction. For example if there has been a steady southwest wind and the current has been running south to north then the wind changes to a strong northwest wind what is the current going to do then? I know it will push colder water in from the deep but what about the currents ?

[Paulywood]

Wind might only change the current on the surface. You have to look at rods, rigger wires or a probe to figure what what the down currents are doing. They are what's important. Last time we were out the wind was out of the southwest and thats where the waves were coming from. But there was a strong current out of the north. You could see this by the downriggers. Wind won't necessarily change the lower currents.

[salmonquest]

I could be mistaken but I think any west wind will pile warm water up on the west coast. It takes a strong easterly wind to push that warm water out and draw the cold water in. At least that's what I think I remember from "Keating on Kings"

[Fishwhisperer]

The current generally moves in the opposite direction of wind. It's not exact, but gives you a starting point. Watch your riggers, as they are a pretty good indicator.