Good conditions

[alanw]

I just wanted an idea of what some of you think is the point where the swells are too big and the wind is too strong to have fun fishing, not what you can handle, but where it becomes more work than recreational.

If I'm seeing 3-4 foot swells, or if I'm seeing 10 mph winds. I consider not going or staying in the harbor.

Yesterday I felt that swells and wind were borderline, but there were a few guys out there from the reports.

I paddle, maybe different conditions more tolerable when peddling?

[YakMedic]

As far as when it is still fun to be on the water with wind speed I find that if I start on a relatively calm morning and the wind increases I get off the water when I start to see whitecaps (usually around 15 knots). If the wind is predicted to maintain 10 knots all day I will still probably go out but fish into the wind and let the wind blow me back to my launch site.

Swell size doesn't affect me as much as swell direction. I have been in one directional swell of 10ft and it was manageable and I was still able to focus on fishing. I have also been in 4ft swell that was multi-directional (washing machine effect) and it was miserable.

It really comes down to your comfort and experience level. If you think it may be too rough to venture into open water, LISTEN TO YOURSELF! You know your capabilities and it is your responsibility to keep yourself safe. There are plenty of perfect days to get on the water, if it is out of your comfort zone don't go.

[vincentek9]

swells up to 6ft are fine by me. especially if they are long period swells with big gaps in between.

wind... anything past 10mph is usually my key to head back into the harbor. unless i'm set up for a drift. then 10mph winds provide for a nice drift. in which case i still stay fairly close the harbor mouth in case it gets too rough.

[alanw]

Yea I think you guys are right about the swell size not being as much an issue as the period between swells or multi-directional swells.

Going over a swell only to have another break over the bow of the yak on the way down from the first sends me back into the harbor.

[bus kid]

GaleWarningFlags.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/32zu7c2akeojtbd/100_0299.MP4

[taggermike]

For me I suppose it comes down to how bad I want to fish. I change plans with conditions too. If its looking a bit nasty maybe fish rockfish bass and sheephead in side the kelp instead of slow trolling around out side. When it is flat out nasty but I want to fish I'll launch at the ramp in Glorietta Bay and fish the docks behind the wind shadow the big condos make. Some times you gotta know when to say when. You extend your comfort level with experience. I feel pretty comfortable most of the time but White caps and washing machine will often turn me towards home unless I know the fish are biting. Mike

There are very few conditions that will keep me from fishing...don't mind the fish on the back, pay attention to the rain

[taggermike]

Drake, that is an awesome photo. Nice pay off too.

[StinkyMatt]

That day It rained for like 10 hours straight!

[jorluivil]

sometimes you just gotta go for it

[Cbad Mike]

If I can get off the beach then i don't worry about swell.
The wind starts to kick my ass at 10mph. It's really no fun to try fishing with anything stronger.

[blackcloud9]

Here are some thoughts and links for conditions:

http://www.larryl.com/favorite_kayak_conditions.htm

[FishNinjaY]

I'd probably stay in.

[makobob]

What an AWESOME picture!

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by makobob

What an AWESOME picture!

I agree but i'm sure its photoshopped