I took my bass boat to the jetties and grillage Saturday with relative ease and did not feel unsafe while out. I even saw 2 other bass boats similar to mine. I have heard lots of people saying they would not take smaller vessels to those areas. What are the dangers of going out there? Maybe I am missing something, if so let me know.
its all about picking your days correctly.
If I’m posting, its because I’m sitting here at work, dreaming about fishing.
I’ve been there in my 13 whaler…on a very calm day
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.eyestrikefishing.com #predatorsstriketheeye
You can go on a calm day, but you always have to be careful of huge wakes there especially in small vessels with low freeboard like bass boats. The pilot boat wake and sometimes cargo ship wakes (depending on speed) can ruin your day pretty quickly. Make sure the stern isnt facing the wakes when they go by or you could take on some water. I’ve seen john boats out there too.
You’ll have to watch the wind…you don’t want to be where the wind and current are opposing, the mouth of the jetties near the grillage is like a washing machine…once inside the rocks, it’s not to bad…getting there is sporty.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 22 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 18 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
Just because you have a bass boat doesn’t mean it’s a “small boat.” Most guys I’ve fished bass tournaments with have 20’ and 21’ bass boats. That’s hardly a “small boat.” Yes, bass boats have very low freeboard and that’s definitely not ideal when dealing with rough/big water. Granted, having been out on the Great Lakes in a bass boat is more than sufficient proof they can handle bigger water than most give them credit for but a lot of that has to do with the operator as well. Either way, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at the advice of “pick your days wisely.” Mother nature is unforgiving at times.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
I’ve had my 15 foot war eagle at the jetties a bunch of times
I’ve had day when I wouldn’t take mine out of the canal at Santee! The jetties are nothing on a good day, watch for subs tho!
I hear folks quite often asking, “Can I go out to wherever in this boat or that boat?” That’s the wrong question, because you can go out to wherever in any boat. The more important question is can you get back if conditions change quickly.
Harold Wilcox
www.haroldshogwash.com
Saturday was a great day.
I had my little 21 foot center console about 6 miles out on Saturday and had a fantastic ride. But I don’t make those runs if the forecast is >10knots wind.
If you had tried the same thing on Monday, it would have been a very different experience:
If you are willing to keep a close eye on the weather, you’ll be fine.
Like others, I too have seen john boats and bass boats at the grillage and the jetties. But importantly, several of them capsize every year. Sometimes it is not even the weather that is responsible. Some of the big boats throw a wake that is in the 3-4 foot range.
quote:Subs?
Originally posted by boatpoorI’ve had day when I wouldn’t take mine out of the canal at Santee! The jetties are nothing on a good day, watch for subs tho!
’
Down here is where a signature goes but they can confuse and anger some people so I don’t have one.
quote:You want that Mike's way?
Originally posted by CaptFritzquote:Subs?
Originally posted by boatpoorI’ve had day when I wouldn’t take mine out of the canal at Santee! The jetties are nothing on a good day, watch for subs tho!
’
Down here is where a signature goes but they can confuse and anger some people so I don’t have one.
Captfritz, one of the worst wakes I ever been overtaken by was from a sub on surface running about 20 knots! Must have been 20’ and it was breaking!
Hey if DNR can make it out there on there small jon boat, you are good!
22 robalo
when did you last see a sub in Charleston harbor?
We still have the Naval Weapons Station here. You just don’t see um
quote:That gave me a chuckle
Originally posted by bhr3
2002 17’SeaHunt