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Topic: Worst sea state fishing  (Read 3920 times)

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Azkikr

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Hi, winds and tides are terrible lately. What are the worst sea state fishing you guys been to? And swell interval? What sea state you guys advice for a NO-GO kayak fishing?


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« Last Edit: October 23, 2017, 09:51:39 PM by Azkikr »


Tinker

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For me it depends on current + wind + swell height + swell period + the direction of current/wind/swells + height of break at the launch + whether it's the fourth Tuesday of the month...

I think a lot of us (most of us) look at the water and decide if we want to be out there.

If I'm reading forecasts to decide if I even want to take a look, I'm looking for a swell period from 3 to 5 times the height of the swell (longer periods for bigger swells).  I want the secondary and/or wind swell to be as small as conditions allow, and no more than 1/3 the height of the primary - and to be coming from a narrow arc along the same direction of the primary swell so all the swells flatten out.  I prefer the wind to not blow whitecaps and in general to be blowing less than 12 knots - and I don't want to fight through the wind coming or going.  If there's a strong current, I prefer it to not be opposing or perpendicular to the wind or swells.

And all of that will be particular to a location, experience level, and how easily you get seasick.

The worst conditions I've been caught out in had a 7+ foot primary at ~12 seconds from the NNW, ~3 foot secondary swells at ~12 seconds from the WNW, ~3 foot wind swell from the WSW, an ~16 knot wind from the WSW, with the launch 3 miles to the NE.  But at least it didn't rain.

I thought that was pretty sporty and I wouldn't choose to do it again, but it wasn't in the forecast and there weren't any signs of changing conditions when we launched.

« Last Edit: October 24, 2017, 03:41:11 AM by Tinker »


DG

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All good formulas but each launch can have different hazards based on all the conditions listed above.  Start fishing a protective cove and wander out of the protection and see if it is worth being out there.  Match that with the reported conditions and you will start to figure out what is comfortable to you. 

Everyone has different comfort levels. 

Without wind I will typically go look at the water as long as waves are not over 8Â’.  DoesnÂ’t mean I will go out but I will consider it.
« Last Edit: October 24, 2017, 05:29:10 AM by DG »
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crash

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Reposting my standard response to this question:

Quote
That's a call that is personal and comes with experience and depends upon location. For a thumbnail, where seas = swell + wind chop, ballpark I use:

If seas in feet <= (.5)*swell period in seconds; AND
Swell in feet + wind in knots <= 15, then

Launch

Else, stay on land and enjoy a beverage of your choice.

That's super rough, is nowhere near gospel, and will vary considerably amongst kayaker of different skill levels, location, swell and wind direction, tides, local bathymetry, etc etc.
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will vary considerably amongst kayaker of different skill levels, location, swell and wind direction, tides, local bathymetry, etc etc.

This.

If you are unsure go with someone that is more experienced than you.
Make sure you can self rescue without assistance and be cool with bailing and staying ashore if you are uncomfortable with the conditions.
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JohnnyAb

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whether it's the fourth Tuesday of the month...



Please explain  :smt001
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Tinker

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It means I'm a smartass.


NowhereMan

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It means I'm a smartass.

I took it to mean that you play Fizzbin.
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


Tinker

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It means I'm a smartass.

I took it to mean that you play Fizzbin.

Of course I do, but admitting to it might have required even more of an explanation.


VK

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It means I'm a smartass.

A smartass ?, here ?, on this site ?


crash

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It means I'm a smartass.

A smartass ?, here ?, on this site ?

He owes me smoked Mac n cheese in exchange for saving him fro the NCKA lynch mob.
"SCIENCE SUCKS" - bmb


Tinker

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It means I'm a smartass.

A smartass ?, here ?, on this site ?

Yes, sadly, it's true.  An Oregon smartass (Buttocks intelligensa oregonis) managed to infiltrate the site despite NWKA's outstanding programs to control invasive species.
« Last Edit: October 24, 2017, 08:13:23 PM by Tinker »


Mojo Jojo

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Don’t know about the worsts sea State as I have only fished the State of Oregon, was hoping to fish the sea in the State of California but with my luck I’ll be the one to meet the landlord.  :smt006 smart assess up this way too :smt008

My rule of thump on swell is nothing over 5ft and timing must be less then half of the hight so 5ft every 10 seconds maximum if that makes sense.... most of what comes out of my brain don’t make sense to others but me and I understand it, we argue from time to time but but understand :smt044 


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Mojo Jojo

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Ohhh snap I didn’t see who posted that first smart ass comment.  :smt044 :smt044 :smt044


2013 Jackson Big Tuna.........Ours
2011 Native Mariner Propel 12.5...His
2015 Native Slayer Propel 13.......Hers
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Event Coordinator
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Team C.O.D. FISHING (Crazy Old Dudes)just for forum fun challenges


crash

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Jefferson for the mother fucking win.
"SCIENCE SUCKS" - bmb