First time out questions

[acummins]

We'll I would like to get on st Clair for the first time. Kind of hesitant tho. Been told my boat not big water boat and if I do watch for the waves. I'm sure my boat can handle it. I have a 96 skeeter zx190. What I'm wondering is what day of the week and what to look for in weather. How much wind is to much? 

[Jay-MadWags]

I would go during the week when the boat traffic is at its lowest.  Harley Ensign is a zoo on the weekends.  As far as wind goes nothing above 15 mph.  West winds are the best so u can fish the miles roads and hug the shoreline.

[Firefighter Jeff]

  I'm assuming from the model number it's a 19 foot boat.  That's plenty big enough for big water.  Maybe not the really rough days but who wants to fish those days if you don't have to anyway !!!   I ran a 17 foot stratos with a 115 on St. Clair and Erie years ago.  You just have to pic your days and play the wind direction. Good luck  !!!

[Skulley]

I own a 19 foot Champion. I go out there all the time. Both Jeff and Jay have told you what I would tell you. So I don't really have to tell you much more. I will tell you to watch the NOAA Website for weather and of course the weather buoys for wind and waves. Conditions change rapidly out there at times so stay alert. Have fun and be safe.




BD.                  

[acummins]

Thanks guys. Now my other question is there a map out that has hazards. I will be fishing just michigan waters. Mostl likely the mile roads

[Jay-MadWags]

Thanks guys. Now my other question is there a map out that has hazards. I will be fishing just michigan waters. Mostl likely the mile roads

Not a lot of hazards out there to worry about.  I have a navionics chip in my bird that tells me where everything is at.  A fishing hot spots paper map will do just fine.

Good luck.

[Got Fish??]

I have a 16ft pro-deep v  bass tracker. Just pick your days. Get a good map of the lake. The mile roads are a good place to start. There are several public and privet boat ramps, in that area.

[t-bone]

Nothing to worry about at the mile roads - run a couple hundred yards from shore and you'll be deep enough, wider on the points.
Pick a weekday and go - not much traffic on early morning week days. Don't go out if the wind is more than 20 mph and not out of the west. If it is coming out of the west, the shore will protect you and not allow for large waves to build up.

[acummins]

Thanks guys. Now just got find em. When I get out I will post a update of how it went. Again thanks guys.

[Rangerman]

Good fishing and safety investment is a good VHF radio with Weather Watch Just turn it on as set on Channel 16(as required by Federal Law if you have a VHF) with weather watch on and you will get a head up PDQ on Alerts etc in the area. Great for any big water fishing. I has helped me a few times local here in NC and SC and LSC. Very good investment. A good hand held with 5 watt can be purchased for under $200 It does work great calling for HELP if needed