Ep. 28: Cody Smith Returns — Fast-Wind Retrieve & Bladed Baits in Winter

Guest: Cody Smith

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Cody Smith returns for Episode 28, recorded live on January 23, 2024, about a year after Episode 2. The fast-wind retrieve is no longer just an idea — it’s been tested and producing. This episode focuses on when it works, how conditions affect the bite, and how to adjust presentations based on tide, water clarity, and structure.

In This Episode

• Fast-wind retrieve — confirmed as a high-percentage technique when fish are actively chasing
• Bladed baits in dirty water — spinnerbaits and ChatterBaits producing in low-visibility winter conditions
• High tide pylon technique — vertical slow-pitching when fish push tight to structure
• Incoming vs outgoing tide — fish positioning changes with water movement, affecting where to cast first
• Winter color selection — darker, high-contrast baits outperforming natural colors in murky water
• Structure-first approach — identifying productive zones instead of fishing empty water

When the Fast-Wind Retrieve Works

The fast-wind retrieve is most effective when fish are in a chasing mode. In these conditions, speed triggers reaction bites — slowing down often reduces effectiveness. The key is committing to the retrieve and letting the fish react to the movement.

However, this is not a universal solution. When fish are less active or visibility drops, switching to vibration-based baits like spinnerbaits or ChatterBaits becomes more effective. The blade adds noise and presence that helps fish locate the bait.

How Tide Changes Fish Position

Tide movement plays a major role in where fish hold. On incoming tides, fish push inward and position tighter to structure. On outgoing tides, they begin moving outward, following bait and spreading into adjacent areas.

This shift changes how you fish a spot. Cody’s approach is to start on the inward-facing structure during the push, then adjust outward as the tide progresses. Matching your casts to fish position is often more important than changing baits.

Why Vertical Pylon Fishing Works

During high tide, fish often stack tighter to vertical structure like pylons. Instead of casting past and retrieving, Cody adjusts by fishing vertically — dropping the bait straight down, working it briefly, then moving on.

This approach matches where the fish actually are. When fish are positioned above or tight against structure, a vertical presentation keeps the bait in the strike zone longer than a traditional lateral retrieve.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it explains when and why techniques work, not just how to execute them. It connects retrieve style, water clarity, tide movement, and fish positioning into one system.

For SoCal anglers, the takeaway is clear: match your approach to conditions. The right technique at the wrong time won’t produce, but the right adjustment can change everything.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.