![]() ![]() If it is hard for you to get out of the marina, then it will be hard to dock your boat. Please respect the wind warnings and boat within your abilities. ![]() So how can you best assess the wind and wave situation before you head out? We’ll look at different forecasts and how to make an educated decision. On the west side of the island, you have to consider both swell and wind waves, whereas on the east side, you just need to consider wind waves. A local 15-kt wind will form 3′ wind chop waves (around a 4-second wave period) on top of the swell. You still must look at the wind waves in the area where you intend to fish. A swell of 4 m with 15-second period is quite safe to boat in, because the long period gives you enough time to react in between the swells. To find the swell period-the time from the peak of one swell to the peak of the next-take the swell height in metres and multiply by five. If the swell is 1 m with a 5-second period, you’ll be OK on a 21′ boat. Short swell periods arise from short distance weather systems (sometimes formed from local wind waves), while a long period swell is from a system far offshore (50 nm or more). So what’s considered a tolerable swell period? Less than 10 seconds is considered short, and from 10 to 20 seconds or more is considered long. Swell Marine Swell, Island Fisherman Diagram No one wants to be offshore on 3 m swells with 6-second period and 0.5 m wind chops on top, or nearshore with whitecaps. The wind (both speed and direction), the tide, and precipitation dictate if you can be out there safely. There are so many factors to consider before going out fishing on the ocean. Pro Tip: If you want more info on safe boating, please consider taking Power Squadron courses, or obtaining the commercial Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) ticket. ![]() Island Fisherman crew fishing in a BC downpour, but safely with no wind or waves. Always boat to your ability, and only wade in the river to your knees if you have any doubts. This is not a detailed course on weather forecasting or when it is okay to be on the water. ![]() If you are on the ocean and didn’t check any forecast, always watch for signs of building weather, like changing swell height/period and dark clouds on the horizon. In this article, we’ll cover some basic weather and water condition prediction strategies to help plan your trip, and to keep you safe out on the ocean, lake, or river. You need to be smart about the weather, and ideally, you should plan your trip 24 to 48 hours ahead of departure time. You might luck into the best weather day you’ve ever experienced, but here on the island, you just might find yourself trapped in the storm of your nightmares. We all have that moment we just grab the gear and run out to fish, without thinking about the weather conditions. Island Fisherman magazine makes no statement or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, availability, completeness or usefulness of the information, contained herein, and in so far as permitted by law, will not have any legal liability or responsibility (including liability for negligence) for any loss, damage, or injury (including death) which may result, whether directly or indirectly, from the supply or use of such information. This article is intended only as an introduction and suggestions for consideration by the author. Only experienced anglers with proper training should consider offshore boating. Marine weather can be extremely dangerous. ![]()
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