So what is considered a good day as far as wind, wave height, direction and interval for the medium size fleet ( 26 footer with a 72 year old onboard) ?
EVERYONE will give a different opinion. For me I want maximum winds under 10mph. I want waves under 3’ spaced out by 8 or more seconds. But a wave height and period forecast isn’t the most concerning to me, it’s the wind. We went out on a 2.5ftx7sec forecast with winds 1-5mph and it was nearly GLASS all day. The next trip we went on a 2ftx8sec forecast with winds 10-15+mph and it was my most miserable trip to date. I almost called it in the jetties but pushed out anyways. 16mph out and only fished 2 hours as more than 50% of the crew was puking by 9:30am and being the captain I felt ill as well so pulled anchor and headed in. I prefer winds S and W. I’ll fish N too. If it’s E winds they better be 5 or less or I’m not going. Wave direction I look at too and I prefer a wave direction going out that’s quartering to my destination with a following wave if it does change for a quick ride in. I don’t go if I have a head on wave on the way in. These are all subjective as well. Wind is my biggest concern. I hate getting wet and being beat up and I feel like I have a good hull with good deadrise.
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Mike Martinez
2016 Sea Hunt 25 Gamefish twin Yamaha 150’s
NE is the worst SW is the best. Look for less than 10 kt winds starting at midnight before an early morning trip. In the summer the sea breeze will kick up from the SW in the afternoons and can make the last few miles in a
little sloppy so if you want to avoid that leave early and home early.
Mayhem
Pioneer 197
With a 72 year old, that man has earned the right to ride in an air conditioned cabin on the way to the fishing grounds. Charter him a big boat.
May all your favorite bands stay together…
Me personally…West is best!
I second what 23 said… contact some of the charters, but be sure to include Tide Down. There is ALOT to be said for AC on a boat…
I don’t think a senior citizen necessarily needs a big boat; that depends on the individual. I’m just slightly younger and still go offshore in my 22’ CC. But as you implied, I do pay more attention to the weather than I did 30 years ago.
In fact, I’m a lot more cautious since Memorial Day weekend maybe 7-8 years back? A nasty storm came up and the guys from three different CC’s had to be rescued from the water after dark. We were on the southern edge of the storm and made it back to Edisto okay. But it’s still a reminder of what can happen.
Roger
Pioneer 222