A few weeks ago I decided to head out from Charleston to bottom fish nearshore. I was able to get off work early so was in the water at around 5pm. Now, when I came to the jetties it was really a washing machine out there. I was thrown around pretty bad in my 22ft boat. Anyway, I was thinking once I get out of jetties it would calm down so headed to the first artificial reef which is marked as PA-25 on my lowrance. It’s about 3-4 miles outside the jetties. Anyway, once I got there it was just as rough as when I was heading out. From my understanding (I’m new to saltwater fishing) it was supposed to be calm once you are outside the jetties but it was just as bad. I fished for a little, caught some undersized BSB and decided to head back in because it was too rough. Had a heck of a time getting back and I was the only one out there so I’m trying to figure out what I missed. I checked the waves on a couple apps and they both showed 1-2ft waves and there is no way those were 1-2 where I was. I would appreciate anyone’s opinions who have knowledge of the area.
There are a lot of factors that play into how rough it is. Wind speed and direction are a major part of it. You wanna look for light winds (preferably less than 10 kts) and small seas with a good wave period (8-10 secs). Two foot waves at 10 secs ins’t bad, but 4 secs is another story. The wind chop is really what makes it nasty. As for the jetties, the tide running out of the shipping channel can, many times, cause it to be rougher there than further offshore due to the wind vs tide affect. Additionally here in the summer we get an east sea breeze most days. This afternoon wind causes the afternoon to typically be rougher than early morning.
Turk is right. If it’s East/Northeast wind and over 10kts expect it to be bumpy. It is usually bumpier with in the 1st 10 miles heading offshore. I have a 22ft boat and have run 60+ miles offshore before. Even when it’s beautiful out once you get inside that 10 mile area it gets a little bumpy. Just do your research and make your plans. If you want to buddy boat up sometime hit me up.
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos
I had the same challenge this week. I tried to go out to PA-25 on a tidewater 232 with 250 HP with the family and it was rough. I looked at several weather apps to make sure the winds were less than 12 knts with 2 ft seas and 7 sec period. Unfortunately it was very clear that I missed the direction of the wind and tide as well. It’s awesome that there are so many people on this forum that can provide some pointers. I have been fishing inshore most of the last 5 years and just now starting to try nearshore and offshore.
Would love to buddy boat up with someone willing to give some pointers.
Reda hit me up anytime.
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos
Big tide coefficient is the biggest factor.
Knowing how to drive a boat and trim it so you aren’t pounding and slamming makes a huge difference.
Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
Thanks for the input saltydog235,cbeck6523 and 40inchreds. It’s always appreciated to get advice from experienced folks. I will keep an eye on those things next time I head out.
Also other inlets aren’t as bad as the jetties.
I usually get out of the channel proper as soon as I clear the jetties. Usually the ride will smooth out a bit.
On return, remember, bow up in a following sea.
Thank you so much for all the input. I might take the “buddy boat” offer up in the future. What is the best inlet to get out of in the area. I tried Murrels Inlet once and actually couldn’t get out because of huge waves. There were boats larger than mine that would turn around so I’m sure it wasn’t just my “safety fear” saying waves are too big. I can drive to anywhere on our coast really so if I can get some advice on the best inlet, I would really appreciate that.
Uhm maybe if your that far off on gauging the forecast just wait till someone who knows what is going on wants to go too? Then buddy boat. I can give you go or no go advice but my job now limits my availability to give written forecasts out for free or for $$. I will day I plan to fish Tuesday and the rest of the week looks reasonable. Good luck pay attention to what works and what doesn’t.
South Edisto is pretty good.
We usually leave N. Edisto
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
Catching Chaos
None of them are bad if you pay attention to what you’re doing and pick a decent forecast. They’re all a PITA if you pick the wrong forecast too. MI is about the tamest one on the coast. Spend time learning to run your boat, seems like that needs to be priority #1, we all have had to do that. Once you know how your boat reacts to trim inputs and it’s running attitude you start venturing out, pick calm days. Time on the water and hours at the helm are your best teachers.
Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
SailFlow has become my go to App for wind/wave forecast. For nearshore I click on Capers reef.
BTW, tomorrow looks very nice.
quote:
Originally posted by saltydog235None of them are bad if you pay attention to what you’re doing and pick a decent forecast. They’re all a PITA if you pick the wrong forecast too. MI is about the tamest one on the coast. Spend time learning to run your boat, seems like that needs to be priority #1, we all have had to do that. Once you know how your boat reacts to trim inputs and it’s running attitude you start venturing out, pick calm days. Time on the water and hours at the helm are your best teachers.
Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
There’s some good wisdom here…
“Another poon dream splintered on the rocks of reality.” --Peepod 07-25-2017
I’m hesitant about fishing nearshore/offshore in the afternoons during the warmer months. Even in calm seas, a pop up thunderstorm can make it sporty instantly. Keep a close eye on the radar (weather apps on your phone help if you don’t have one on the boat) and try to get back by 4pm or so if possible to limit the chances.
Those of you guys that want to buddy boat out of Charleston go on FB and join our Buddy Boat group. A few people have hooked up using that.
Here is the link: