Hey again. I was checking out the DNR’s 2009 tide chart today and noticed that the tide at Limehouse landing is appx. 1.5 hrs behind the harbor. That seems strange since at my house near Mateeba Gardens, the tides about 1.5 hrs also. So my question is, “are there any wicked currents there I should consider?” While we are at it, when I see someone on/in a kayak on the Cooper river with raging tides under 526, It makes me wonder if they are getting back. Can anyone share thier experiences learning how not to get overwhelmed by the tide? That is my only concern pertaing to paddling and therefore my first criteria for choosing a boat. Long and fast.
Thanks, O.C.
The tides on the Stono can rip pretty hard just like the Wando. I fish near the cut frequently and the tides there are sometimes like white water rapids. If you are only going a mile or so, don’t worry about the tides too much. You will get wore out if the wind in your face but that’s life. If you plan on going more than a few miles, plan your trip around the tides so that you get the moving sidewalk effect. I like to fish like that when possible. I go with the tide one way on the river until it turn and then I am carried back to the landing.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
Jordan gave you good advice. I’ll add a few things
It seems like I spend way more time battling wind and tide than I’d like becuase of my “favorite” spots for different tides.
I love to fish Rantowles off the Wando at the last of the falling tide and early incoming. That means I’ll launch into the Wando on a SCREAMING falling tide and paddle nearly 2 miles upstream to where I want to fish. Then the return trip is nearly 2 miles back to the landing against the incoming tide.
There are some spots on the Stono that Jordan and I frequent with this same situation. But there are spots in the cut that fish well near low tide so we ride the outgoing through the rapids, fish, then ride the incoming through the rapids back to the landing.
You mentioned Long and fast. The rule of thumb hull speed of a displacement vessel is 1.34 * the square root of the waterline length. So a 16 foot has a max of 5.4 knots, a 12 foot 4.6 knots, and a 9 foot 4.0 knots.
This is JUST a rule of thumb. The real hul power calculation takes into consideration the prismatic coefficient (efficient shape factor), surface facors, , applied power, etc. What it boils down to is length PLUS a good hull shape PLUS a good motor and the motor is you.
I’m 45 and in reasonably good shape, Jordan is 25 and in very good shape, so he is a more powerful motor than I. The right yak can make up for a lot of that difference, but not all of it. I don’t think that he in his Pamlico 14 could keep up with me in a 19 foot K-1 racing yak, but sitting a K-1 is ■■■■ near impossible and trying to fish- fuhgetaboudit not gonna happen.
SO here’s my advice.
- Evaluate yourself. How good a motor are you
- Determine what you want to do. Are you going to paddle 20 feet, 200 yards, or 20 miles?
- Ask questions and get opinions. You’re doing that now.
- Look at hull shape and paddle some different yaks before you buy. The East Coast Canoe and Kayak festival is in 2 weeks at JI County Park. GREAT opportunity to try a bunch of yaks in 1 day
5
Anyone with any sense, paddling in the Cooper, is hugging the bank. It’s not that bad. I’ve camped and paddled/fished around Limehouse ldg. and was about the same except when the wind is blowing. The Wapoo cut is different-use caution!
When I am unsure, I’ll check the tides first and not go as far.
Too Busy, that was some good cipherin. I can maintain 6 knots in my Pungo 120 (12’) for about one minute, but that is laid over on one side and surfing a little. Against a strong Stono current you can move, but not too fast. Hugging the bank is sometimes the only way to get up the Cut; can’t be worse than that in the Stono.
Rambling post…need more coffee!
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120Motion to rename wappoo cut on the stono side to Charleston Rapids.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
Second!
Then we can say “Today I rode the standing wave on Charleston Rapids, category 3!”
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120Yep the cut is brutal at times. I’d never think about trying to go thru at mid point in a full moon tide.
We can send an e-mail “Who wants to go shoot the rapids.”
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
Thanks for the advice.I play the tide no matter what boat I’m in. The yak will be no exception. I’ll be at the kayak festival. Hopefully one day I’ll be fishing!
O.C.
“Junk always sounds best.”
Yeah,
The Cut is the one thing that really gives my Hobie a run for the money. It really makes me love my fins and pedaling at that point, but it is a severe cardio workout.
Consider a Hobie 
For winds, its great, because you dont have to fight the wind with the paddle, plus it allows for hands free fishing.
That being said, Jordan is a monster about the Stono and would be a good guy to go with to learn the currents
I don’t fear the Ocean, but it sure as hell has earned my respect!
2007 Regal 2120 Destiny (270hp Volvo I/O)
http://www.regalboats.com/2007/SportBoats/Destiny/2120/Features
2007 Hobie Revolution Kayak
http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/models_revolution.html
If you fish near the mouth of the cut on the stono, which I recommend you do, then be sure to anchor up very very well. I had a bull red pull me off anchor three times during a long fight on Sunday. That meant that not only did I have to fight a dozen pounds of pissed off red drum but I also had to paddle against the current. Not a bad problem to have but still it should be noted that your need to anchor up well when targeting breeders. Also make sure your lines and knots are 100%. I will be out of town next weekend fishing the Jacksonville tourney but I will probably be fishing the weekend after that if you want to join me. If you want to check out the stono just send me a PM and I will put you on the fish.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.