Hi all new to the forum, not sure why I didn’t join until now. I have a 19’ modified vee center console with a Yamaha 150. We’ve been to the jetties a number of times but haven’t ventured past there. My son wants us to go out to the Charleston 60 and Comanche reefs when he gets home from college this summer. I’ve had my boat a couple years now but haven’t ventured that far out yet. Will my boat be able to make it out there safely and what advice do y’all have on things to think about other than making sure conditions are calmer when we go.
How big is your gas tank? Commanche is significantly further than the 60. I’d go to the 60 a few times first, pick your days; 2-3ft seas or less with a wind NOT out of the north or east…northeast is typically the worse; west winds seem to be the calmest in my experience). See how you feel after doing that at least a few times and monitor your fuel burn; general rule of thumb is to have at least 1/3 of a tank of fuel when you return to the dock…this allows for low fuel efficiency if the seas pick up on the way home. Both reefs are doable with proper fuel, safety gear and most importantly, captain’s capability. As you know, thunderstorms churn up almost every day in the summer time…you want no part of being caught in one of those in your boat (or most any boat), I’d plan on being back near safe harbor by 1 or 2pm. Best of luck to you and your son, be safe.
Start with Nearshore Reef and 4ki. Fish for sheeps, spades, and small sea bass. Put some big baits down and you’ll find some sharks or baracuda, a really fun fight. Maybe get lucky and catch a cobia. In the heat of summer there are good kings around.
Get comfortable with these close reefs within sight of land before venturing off further. The nearshore reef is really close to the jetties.
Chas 60 you really can’t see land. Sometimes on a clear day you can see the bridge. You want confidence in your boat and safety gear before you start doing that. The ocean gets really big and your boat gets really small fast if the weather picks up.
The fishing at Y73 isn’t that much better than Chas60, so with a 19’ boat, I wouldn’t venture too far beyond Chas60.
Double check all your safety gear and make a plan for worst case scenario. VHF is line of sight. Typically you can transmit 20ish miles with a 25w radio (your fixed mounted VHF). A handheld radio is much less power and typically transmits 5ish miles. Purchase a spot or epirb and make sure they are working properly. Check your batteries and pumps. Something will eventually go wrong offshore. Be calm and prepared when it does.