Fish-Hawk.Net

Hi everyone.

I tried out my new old boat on the weekend. I was a bit nervous as this was my first time launching a boat. When I got to the marina (in Rockland) the water level was too high to have the docks in, the current was pretty fast and lots of white caps. The wind was pretty high too (on Saturday)...sustained 42Km/hr with gusts to about 56Km/hr. I was quite nervous at the water conditions (14' aluminum with 15hp Johnson) but was so itchy to try it I took a chance.

Backing up was okay for my 1st time and all went well (my son was a big help). I didn't go far along the river because the waves were just too rough (white knuckles) but we found a small bay close by where the water was calm and we anchored there.

Is there a rule of thumb as to wind conditions? Before heading out I didn't know how the river would look until I got there. Does this come with experience? Or is my nervousness due to my lack of experience?

Although we didn't catch anything I truly enjoyed the afternoon with my son (other than the white knuckles ...)


thanks
Guy

Having a 14' boat does limit you, but once you get to know the river you'll know where to hide from the wind.
I used to fish the Ottawa with a 13' boat, I kept my life jacket on just in case.

I've since upgrade to a 17' fiberglass, I didn't want to choose my days when I wanted to go out fishing.

Hi,
Always check the wind speed before going out.
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71628.html
From that you can decide on where you might go. ie east wind of 25 km or higher stay off the Ottawa.
Depending on where you are, a south or north wind just blows across the Ottawa river so there will be smaller waves.
You also can check the wind speeds and see how you can handle them, so you get to know exactly what you and your boat can handle.
Waves build up, so 5 km winds at 8:00 am and then moving up to 20 km or higher by noon may mean that big waves will push you off the water by 1:00 pm, so do not plan to go fishing at noon on that day.
Always wear a life jacket, tell your kids "no standing or walking in the boat" and no moving in the boat while it is underway.
David

Here's a great site for predicting the wind. http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/ottawa_airport

Quite often some lakes will offer more protection from the wind than the Ottawa, which can really blow up with those long wide open stretches. Good luck with your new rig. Cheers

Good question, after hearing about the two canoeist on lake of two mountains, and the 4 out in BC safety should be your prime concern.
And it does not matter is someone says they go out on the Ottawa or Lake Ontario in a 12/13/14 foot tinny all the time without issue.
Regardless of experience if there is any doubt in your mind DO NOT GO! fishing can wait.

I thnk you were lucky nothing went wrong.

1st time
high water
no docks
small boat
rough conditions.

I can't count the number of times I have been at a ramp where someone shows up - first time of the season - to launch and the motor doesn't start or runs poorly. You have to wonder what else will go wrong or what he is missing in his boat.

50% of going out is coming back in safely.

I was out on mississippi on saturday. It was a bit breezy to start, by noon there were 2-3 footers and whitecaps. As previoulsy written: a small wind in the morning can turn nasty by noon.

We were in a 19 ft bass boat (yes we were hunting bass cause thats all you can doin a bass boat - JOKE do not flame) going after crappie the plan was to go for walleye and maybe even pickeral. The wind and waves were too big to be comfortable so we put the boat on the trailer.

Guy,

In all honesty, I run a 18.6 foot Bass Tracker (190TX - Mod-V) and no matter where I plan on going, I check wind conditions. East winds are killer on most lakes and rivers around here so if they are blowing around 15-20KPH, I will usually look for a different system to fish. 20KPH on the Rideau between Manotick and Burrits Rapids seems to be the most shelterd area I fish and even on rough days is manageable in a 14 footer. The kicker is, you usually get bigger threataning waves as the wakes off the cruisers in the area.

20KPH on the St Lawrence/St. Francis is a different ballgame. I will go out in it, but I will be taking my Dad's bigger, deeper deck boat and even at that, I take my time. And this is of course only out of necassity.

20KPH is my cut off though, Anything more than that, I tend to stay home unless I am already out there and the wind picks up.

As novice boater, the only word of caution I have for you is many people do not realize how cold the water still is. Limbs stop moving really quick in this temps. Take as many precautions as you can and if you do not know the water well, find a more sheltered area to fish. No sense being another statistic this early in the year.

Adam

Good question, after hearing about the two canoeist on lake of two mountains, and the 4 out in BC safety should be your prime concern.
And it does not matter is someone says they go out on the Ottawa or Lake Ontario in a 12/13/14 foot tinny all the time without issue.
Regardless of experience if there is any doubt in your mind DO NOT GO! fishing can wait.

1st time
high water
no docks
small boat
rough conditions.

50% of going out is coming back in safely.

I ran a 14 with 9.9 for many years. Would never go out on the Ottawa (or any other lake or river) in winds over 15.
It was always about safety first for me. We now run an 18 foot Bass Boat with a 150.
If I don't have to (unless we are in a tournament) I still don't go out if winds are higher than 20.

Thanks all for your comments, tips and concerns. Much appreciated.