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Topic: 8 foot swell to big for the kayak?  (Read 2934 times)

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Jigasaurus

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Checking the weather for sonoma coast this weekend and it's calling for 8' swell @13 sec. Wind forecast is less than 5kts before noon. I launch in a protected cove so getting in and out is no big deal. What's your thought on padding in these conditions?  I'm not an expert but I've been kayaking the ocean for the past 6 years. Last time Iwas out in 6 foot swells with no wind and it was very manageable.


Fish Master1

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Doesn't sound to big to me, but know your limits! :smt006
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ThreemoneyJ

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It all depends on the person. Bring a perch rod along and fish from shore if you don’t like how it looks. For me that sounds like conditions for getting sick so I won’t be there.
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NowhereMan

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It's like a slow motion roller coaster ride. If that doesn't bother you, then no problem. But, a big swell can make the rockfish tight-lipped...
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Vermillion

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It all depends on exactly where you are. 13 sec, is a lot of water, so if it has to come up a steep shelf then its ugly, if you are in the flats fishing intermittent structure then its just a bit rollie. Makes jigging easy though. Its all about your comfort level. Always take all of your safety gear, plan for submersion and plan your fish and fish your plan. Communicate your intentions with someone who isnt afraid of calling the Coast Guard
I only fish on days that end with Y


Tinker

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What's the secondary swell?  Is there a tertiary swell?  What direction are they coming from?

There's a huge difference between a single swell or primary + second/third swells coming from the same direction and swells coming from all over the compass.

All from one direction, it's a roller coaster.  Different directions and it's lumpy and bumpy and ideal conditions to lose your cookies.

The direction of the wind changes the shape of the swell. too.  Opposing it and you get a steep face.  A backing wind will smooth the swells.

There's a lot more to a Go/No Go decision than how big the primary swell may be.


E Kayaker

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The forecast I'm reading shows the swell coming from the west. I'm not sure how well protected the launch will be. A 7-8 ft swell on the beach could be difficult. I'd like to fish the opener too. I'm hesitating because of the forecast.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

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Jigasaurus

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No secondary swell. Just a groundswell. Wind is supposed to be same direction as the swell. Im so anxious to catch some fish but i think im gonna sit this weekend out. I think your right about the big swell turning off the bite. Most times I go out in a big swell and don't catch fish I regret it. Good luck to any of guys that do go out. Hopefully the forecast is wrong.


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... plan your fish and fish your plan...

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yakyakyak

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It's like a slow motion roller coaster ride. If that doesn't bother you, then no problem. But, a big swell can make the rockfish tight-lipped...

This.  Sit on the floor, imagine a not so slow roller coaster ride, and you see hump coming up (X feet high; this may include losing sight of the coast) and your yak is wobbly .....   if you can handle that, then all you have to worry about is wind (so you can go back to shore).
« Last Edit: April 10, 2018, 05:20:33 PM by yakyakyak »
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E Kayaker

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It's like a slow motion roller coaster ride. If that doesn't bother you, then no problem. But, a big swell can make the rockfish tight-lipped...

This.  Sit on the floor, imagine a not so slow roller coaster ride, and you see hump coming up (X feet high; this may include losing sight of the coast) and your yak is wobbly .....   if you can handle that, then all you have to worry about is wind (so you can go back to shore).

Wind and potential 8ft swells on the beach.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


Azkikr

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Fish the Bay!!
Second that.
Same here. Was planning for rocks, but will go to bay instead


Tote

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Anxious about the opener. Anxious about the opener. Anxious about the opener.
It's just another day.
I'd rather fish a better day a week later than a shitty day on the opener.
Will the fishing be worse a week later with better conditions? ...no.
Will it be better fishing...more than likely.
Pick your battles.
Look at it like this. Would you rather have patio dining during a wind storm or during a calm day? Fish are surprisingly the same. Big swell makes for lockjaw syndrome. They seek shelter. Calmer seas make them want to come out and play.
Better wx makes for an all around better day OTW.
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