On Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:30:34 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

I think, from the threading, you may be asking SWS.... if not, then it
must be either me or D-Unit.

I can't speak for Tom's exact conditions, but D-Unit and I are just a
few miles apart, so we have the same conditions.

Locally we have three things to consider:

(1) The Gulf Stream is a minimum of 20 miles out, so.... depending on
weather, a trip offshore may be as much as 40 miles. For me, that is
in a boat that actually measures out at about 28 feet overall.

(2) Locally, we also have strong tidal currents which, with a boat not
under command, can send you swirling out of an inlet, like the Tidy
Bowl Man, and thence into rough water where the inlet or river meets
the ocean. If you aren't pooped, broached, or driven aground..... it
is just luck.

(3) Without power and in a sea where the anchor would drag, you are at
the mercy of the plentiful shoals.

An Ounce Of Preparation Is Worth A Pound Of Cure!

Anywhere on the North Atlantic can be an adventure, but for me and the
Ranger, it's pretty much inshore out to maybe a couple of miles
depending on sea state and weather.

And depending on where I am - there are so many possibilities and
potential for trouble, it's amazing. A place I fish all the time, The
Race, across to the Plum Gut, down towards Saybrook and environs, the
situation can change within a mile or less. It's the same over
towards Montauk if I make that run from Stonington.

Fisher's Island Sound is also an interesting place where deep water
can turn into shallow water in a heart beat.

Around Westerly up to Point Judith, there are tons of rocks, piles of
rocks and small breach ways that can be fished - everything from tidal
flats to deep pools and with all the attendant problems that can cause
if you aren't paying attention.

Then there's Narragansett Bay which is a whole environment all by
it'self with wrecks, channels, reefs, rocks and rock piles - islands
with shallow and deep water and two entrances that can be some of the
most challenging sea conditions anywhere.

You need power, a sturdy boat and some knowledge when and when not to
challenge nautical Powers That Be and even then you can get into
trouble.

Scott was with me once when I just backed out of heading to Ohio Ledge
because of sea state in the rip between Patience Island and Warwick
Neck.

You have to know your limits, but having the extra gear in case the
fecal matter hits the rotating cooling device is important.

At least to me.