Skagit Bay tomorrow

[BigKav]

Thinking about hitting the bay tomorrow. Big winds coming in (15-20 mph) Any opinions on how rough the waters get? Staying on the coast and anchoring up, so we won't be crossing. 14ft Jon boat with a 25 on it. Rather not post where we are launching from to keep the spot on the DL. ;0) PM for details if you can help due to your experience. Any information would be helpful. First time hunting the bay.

[NW-GSP]

Might try staying closer to the river inlets for your first time out.

[Blacktail135]

 I'm hunting inland tomorrow. I've tested/tempted big water/weather from outside northern Vancouver Is. down to outside Lopez Is (but, not with a Jonboat). Be wise dude. Wear your life jacket, put your cellphone in a Ziplock baggie and tell someone you trust with your plan before you go. Have fun.

[BigKav]

Yeah. Breaks my heart to wait to take the boat out, but doesn't do any good leaving my boat to a widow. :0(

[Skagit_Hunter]

Thinking about hitting the bay tomorrow. Big winds coming in (15-20 mph) Any opinions on how rough the waters get? Staying on the coast and anchoring up, so we won't be crossing. 14ft Jon boat with a 25 on it. Rather not post where we are launching from to keep the spot on the DL. ;0) PM for details if you can help due to your experience. Any information would be helpful. First time hunting the bay.

A day trip in blue bird weather is the best way to go. People think because others do it, It is safe and easy in anything that floats. WRONG!
I don't know any seasoned bay runner that hasn't had a O SCHIT moment out there.
I'm no saying don't go out there. But I'm saying. Do it wisely.
I see more and more of these posts every year. Fist thought is someone is going to die for no reason, But a stupid bird. Not worth it.

[Skagit_Hunter]

Thinking about hitting the bay tomorrow. Big winds coming in (15-20 mph) Any opinions on how rough the waters get? Staying on the coast and anchoring up, so we won't be crossing. 14ft Jon boat with a 25 on it. Rather not post where we are launching from to keep the spot on the DL. ;0) PM for details if you can help due to your experience. Any information would be helpful. First time hunting the bay.

Where your launching is no secret. A few launches
I run my 14ft in the bay all the time. It has a 54" beam and stable. But wouldn't even think about it in the next few days. I want to be around for the grand kids.

[PatoLoco]

Even the river between the HQ launch and the first cutoff sloughs can be very dangerous with these big south winds. A friend and I got caught in some 4-5 ft swells out there last year that were blowing upriver. I definately agree with those saying to check it out on a calm day first. Or better yet, take a few trips on different tides in july and august, get a feel for the place. Its called scouting.
But if you went out today I guess this advice comes a little too late!

[fethrduster]

I got caught in a 14 ft boat with a 9 horse in the Columbia River Gorge in December once, a long time ago, when a storm came in, blowing snow and high winds, 6-8 ft. swells, and we barely made it across, grabbing the decoy bags several times expecting to tip over.  Not fun.   It was one of those fiberglass twin hull gamefisher boats.  If it was a small regular v hull or flat jon boat, there's no way we would have made it.  Be safe, it's not worth a few ducks.

[Spuddieselwwu]

Do not try it.  Not worth dying over a few ducks.  That place is not easy even on a bluebird day with tides and such.  Not worth risking it your first time out.

[et1702]

Don't risk it!! I have 16ft welded w/60" beam w/25hp and not safe in high winds and scary tides.  I've had OH S$!t moments out there on the river trying to get back to the launch at bridge near Conway.  Plus, with all the rain today, some big stuff will be flaoting down the river pretty soon.

ET