When Is It Safe to Fish Offshore?
Friday October 12, 2007
I have received a number of questions recently about offshore fishing in small boats. My first reaction to the questions was “don’t do it!” But then I had to stop and think about just what a small boat is and what it is not. Should you take a small boat offshore?
Comments
Why not take a small boat offshore? As long as you keep an eye to the weather and have all of the safety items and food and water . We have done it for years . We have a Mako 254 w/dual 135s and have only encountered minor problems.We live in Texas and mostly go out of Galveston with a second choice of Port Aransas.
Thanks for you great article Ron. My boat is that type of “crossover” boat you describe.
I have a small 24’ center console with a single 225 outboard. I have always wanted to venture off shore but have been talked out of it by other boaters due to the “what ifs” with the wind, waves etc. and my boats capabilities. Your article gives me the encouragement to safely venture off shore (no more than say 10-20 miles) and in waves and forecasts of no more than 2-4 feet for safety. I now understand that its not just the capabilities of the vessel but the capabilities of the pilot as you described your painful experience. I also like the idea of going out with another boat at first, just so I can get the feel of it. Your articles are always informative and entertaining, keep up the good work. See you at the oil rigs!
Larry, I consider your boat to be an offshore boat – twin engines and a big bow on a 25 ft boat. I also considered my 23 foot Seacraft an offshore boat. It has a lot to do with the design of the hull and the powering options.
I have a Ranger 2200 Bay boat and I live in north Florida. I go alittle ways offshore when the seas permit, but I really prefer the Keys where I can just about go outside most of the time but when the seas start to kick up I head to the Gulf.
I have a 14 foot john boat with an electric trolling motot with 14lbs of thrust. I never venture offshore with it. It’s always too crowded
u can take a boat as far as you want you just have to follow ur balls or brains. i take my sixteen foot whaler with a 25 johnson 32 miles to catalina u can take a 23 foot boat pretty far think about food fuel& electronics i have epirp gps and radios flares and bilge its all u need just watch for the weather plan your trips