TOPIC:

I am looking to take my Grandsons out early Saturday morning. Most familiar with Portage but could do either. 16 foot Lund so safety is number 1. Thoughts?

Saturday is a tough call for smaller vessels to be honest. We have big winds forecasted with a wind switchs out of the northwest. If that switch happens earlier than expected if you are at Gary you will have a white knuckle experience. That being said pastrick blocks a north west wind. But in the morning we are supposed to be blowing very hard out of the south which can be very rough down inland wall out of Pastricks. What ever you choose pay very close attention to the wind and when it switches. Saturday’s forecast is one that can be devistating to someone who does not know exactly how or how much there vessel can handle. What ever you choose play it safe and be careful.

I have to agree on it being a tough call - Saturdays south winds will be very strong. While the water should be plenty fishable nearshore, it wont be comfortable with those cold winds beating on you. The biggest concern though, is what if your outboard fails and suddenly your being blown north at a rapid pace and suddenly in 3-4 footers in a heartbeat. If you do go out, just make sure you have a marine radio and a darn good anchor and 100-150' of rope if you do not already.

I've cancelled my Saturday trip and I'm out there to make money, not just for fun. 30+ winds, temps in the 30s, maybe 40, lines blowing out of the water. I don't need the money that much.

I really appreciate everyone's advice Won't be trying Saturday. Does Friday afternoon
around 3 or 4 look any better? Thanks so much. Your opinion is valued.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON...
TonightNorth winds 15 to 25 kt. Mostly cloudy. Waves 5 to 8 ft occasionally to 10 ft building to 6 to 9 ft occasionally to 12 ft in the late evening and early morning, then subsiding to 4 to 7 ft occasionally to 9 ft late.
FridayNorth winds 10 to 15 kt becoming east 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming mostly sunny. Waves 4 to 6 ft occasionally to 8 ft subsiding to 2 to 4 ft in the afternoon.
Friday NightSouth winds 10 to 15 kt increasing to 15 to 25 kt after midnight. Slight chance of rain after midnight. Waves 1 to 3 ft.
SaturdaySouthwest gales to 35 kt becoming west in the afternoon. Rain in the morning, then slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Waves 4 to 6 ft occasionally to 8 ft.


marine.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=lmz744#.Wr2Hq4jwZEY

Too bad I didn't see this post yesterday afternoon. Still, it's early. Actually, Friday afternoon looks pretty good, especially if you go out of Pastrick. As far as the National Weather Service forecast Ed posted, I find them about as reliable as a politician. I only occasionally even check their site anymore and then as much for the comedy as anything. #1 is fishweather.com, their wind forecasts are darned close to spot on - especially, near term. #2 is Accuweather.com mostly because they post hourly predictions so if the NWS says "showers" I can find out if they are early, midday or afternooners.

Look at the NWS from Ed - 8 footers subsiding to 3 feet on 15 to 25 Kt winds? Ridiculous stuff.

If you just want to get the little one on the water troll in circles by the casino boat at E.C. if that's allowed....haven't done that in years! You will still catch fish. I finally got the boat out and will spend Saturday working on prepping it for the year.

Actually I should have just pointed to the weather link on here for wave forecast. It is from NOAA but not sure if it is any more reliable. I figure any weather report is just a basic guess but if you are looking for info its a source. I will have to check out the fish site mentioned also. Accuweather and weather.com I generally check for hourly and go with what ever is in between if they dont agree. As with everything - use the resources available to make the safest decision.