Raritan Bay question

[bulletbob]

I have seen RB foaming white and have seen it where would be unsafe in any boat... thats not something you see all the time of course.. However, the boat is a 21 foot seaworthy hull, and usually in the bay thats plenty of boat to keep you reasonably safe,even with 25 knot wind against tide.. However, being "reasonably safe" out there and actually being able to enjoy the day and fish effectively are 2 different things..
strong E winds with an outgoing tide are bad if you area anywhere near the Hook to the Staten Island side..... Not as bad if you stay in the lee between say the Hook and the ammo pier, but still can be choppy as hell... If you are going to get battered, and not be able to fish, why bother?... I usually keep a close eye on tide and wind direction/speed before heading down to NJ, as well as approaching cold fronts... bob

[Ismellfishy]

Thanks for the replies guys!! Thats what makes this site the best!

Most likely we would be launching from keyport and fishing towards the back right now, would not be messing with a honking east wind and an outgoing tide near the hook at any time!!! Looks like we wont be able to make it out tomorrow anyway but should be a go for Saturday. At least now I have a little peace of mind and have some more of an idea of what to expect and what to look for.

[Duffman]

Sat you’ll have 5-10 NW switching to W later on. You’ll be fine. Low tide is 7 so wouldn’t cut west until your past the sailboats.

[Irish Jigger]

Very well said Gerry we downsized to a 23 CC last year and battling your way to get around the hook to a calm ocean is a rough ride. Stay outside to long on a great bite and the winds pick up make for a long, bumpy, soaked ride back at 5 to 10 knots. Everyone thinks we have the best of both worlds having the bay and ocean but getting to the ocean and back can be a white knuckling nightmare.