Wind direction in the Rapp

[Runs41]

I'm trying to set up an outing for opening day Friday and they are calling for 18mph winds fom the SW. I plan on fishing from Greenvale up to the Norris Bridge. Can some of the experienced TF'rs help me understand if the water will be fishable? I've got a 21 ft. SeaFox so it handles some weather but not 3-4 foot seas very comfortably. Don't want my clients driving all the way from Richmond at o'dark thirty to sit at my dock and watch the waves. I want to put them on some fish! I appreciate any advise/suggestions of where to fish with this type of wind prediction or if I should not bother. Thanks in advance. Always enjoy the tips from this forum.

Chris

[Allegro]

I'm trying to set up an outing for opening day Friday and they are calling for 18mph winds fom the SW. I plan on fishing from Greenvale up to the Norris Bridge. Can some of the experienced TF'rs help me understand if the water will be fishable? I've got a 21 ft. SeaFox so it handles some weather but not 3-4 foot seas very comfortably. Don't want my clients driving all the way from Richmond at o'dark thirty to sit at my dock and watch the waves. I want to put them on some fish! I appreciate any advise/suggestions of where to fish with this type of wind prediction or if I should not bother. Thanks in advance. Always enjoy the tips from this forum.

Chris

The Rapp can get nasty, just like any other body of water. I've had my 23' out in some 15-20 knot conditions between #6 and #8, and believe me-it's no fun. The bridge section of the river will only be worse. Be careful out there.

[vinson7]

unless your clients are diehard fisherman, I'd rethink it with those wind conditions. With 18-20 winds, its going to be choppy, and nothing worse than someone being sick on board.

[biglee1]

May get a little choppy on the Lancaster side of the river, but I don't think you will see anything like 3-4 footers, maybe 1-2 footers. SW winds are going to be worse the further up river you are from Towles Point area depending on how much Southerly wind is involved. If it has more West in it, it could be choppier down towards the bridge. The bend in the river in this area allows fishing in many areas along the stretch that you mention, you just may have to favor one side or the other depending on wind direction. As always though, safety first and if you feel uncomfortable don' push it!

[SlateDog]

Not sure you will see 3-4 foot seas betwwen Greenvale and the bridge with 18 MPH wind though you can never trust the river or mother nature. They are calling for gusts as high as 28MPH on Friday so the river will no doubt be sloppy and probably not a lot of fun. With sustained 15-20 MPH winds you will definitely find it more difficult to troll and maintain consistent headings without moving faster than you would want for trolling. When trying to troll at 2-3 MPH with that kind of wind in a smaller boat you can get blown all over the place. There could also be a Small Craft Advisory in effect. Could be a game time decision for you and hard to predict this early in the week.

[WhitestoneCharlie]

Sunday looks like the best day this weekend. You could have your guests come down and take a look on Sat. with a fall back plan to go Sunday if it appears too rough. The other question is what type of crew do you have. Are they experienced or novices. I'd say don't take novices on Sat. but if the crew was experienced you might try it. Wind reports are so unpredictable it may just be doable. Remember you are the Captain and the safety of everyone rests on your judgement.

[Runs41]

Thanks for the quick replies. All good advice and I won't put anyone at risk. Unfortunately Friday is the only day they can make it so we will just wait and see how the week ends up. Perhaps we can get out early for a couple of hours if the wind lays down before sunrise like it can sometimes. The crew is experienced too but no sense in going out if the water is chopped up. I'll cook them a good breakfast if we are grounded. :thumbup: It's still better than working. Thanks again. Good luck this spring season and be safe.

[capt. dave]

They are now calling for South winds with gusts up to 30 Knots. That would be equal to about 35 MPH gusts. That could produce some unpleasant conditions. Here is a point of reference: the Northern Neck Anglers Club has a rule that if a Small Craft Advisory is issued for a tournament day, that day will be cancelled. While you might be reasonably safe out there on Friday, you might not like it very much.

[WhiteStoneBridge]

To heck with whatever the weather may turn out to be....what you need to do is still have your clients come down at O dark Thirty, meet you on the pier, and start cracking some Budweisers and be thankful you are not out among two footers or at work. I don't see what the problem is here just sitting on the dock all day and enjoying some Man time. That's what it's all about.

Seriously though, sounds like a good day to stay off the water. If they get seasick or hurt, you'll regret it.

[capt. dave]

If they could go on Friday, why couldn't they skip over to Saturday?

[Runs41]

Race weekend in Richmond!