Launching from Mcavoy's

I'm thinking about launching from Mcavoy's and sturgeon fishing in Honker Bay. I'm wondering what it's like crossing over. Does the tide create problems? Do I need to adjust my course much to compensate for the tide? I'd like to fish near the Firing Line. Does anyone have some good intel?

Super easy launch from McAvoy Harbor. The paddle across to Honker Bay could be easy if you cross during slack tide. The current there could be fast during max ebb. Fish for sturgeon near high tide.

Good to know. Thanks. Anything to do or worry about regarding large ship and boat traffic when crossing the main channel?

Good to know. Thanks. Anything to do or worry about regarding large ship and boat traffic when crossing the main channel?

Stay out of their way! Those ships are not maneuverable. They must stay in the deep channels, and will not be able to stop for you. If you keep your radio tuned to channel 16, you should hear vessel traffic which will give you a heads up of what is approaching.

I've been out there several times, great place to go but it's really does have some hazards, tide, traffic, and wind, especially wind.  Lots of access to both deep and shallow areas. 

You're in big wide open water in what can be one of the windiest areas in the state.  I only venture out accross the channel on really low wind days, nothing special about the wind and the channel just distance. Know your wind forecast before you go.  It's a long paddle to the shallows in Honker bay.

The tide can rip thru that whole area especially nearshore on the McAvoy side, you can find yourself anchoring in some deep fast water so be sure to have your QRAS in good order. I missed the mouth of the harbor last time, and spent about 30 min paddling against it to make the last 100yds.  I had an angle on it but as I got closer the push really increased and I didn't adjust in time.

If visibility is good crossing the channel is fine, if you see a ship, when in doubt, wait.  Ships don't seem to throw much of a wake, but watch out for tugs and cruisers.

Be safe.

The current absolutely rips through there and the chop can get gnarly. Be careful. Use grass shrimp.