Nearshore verses offshore???

[Tacklebuster]

I read in a previous thread about a considerable difference between nearshore and offshore fishing. Could someone give me their definition of the two? Didn't want to highjack another thread in progress so I started this one.

Thanks

[Boatdog]

I PM'd one of our USCG rep's this very question last year. Here is their answer for "offshore"...

Outside of 20 miles.

[id. painter]

In my mind there is not much difference between the two until it gets ugly and you have to get back to port .
Near shore is closer than off shore .
id. p.

[Tacklebuster]

I agree, I don't see much difference in the two either. Whether your 20 miles or 30 miles offshore, it's still going to be wet and bumpy if the water starts to get wicked.

[slowbuilder2005]

I don't know about inshore versus offshore fishing, except that maybe offshore fishing could imply that the water is too deep for bottom fishing ...you'd be fishing only for pelagic and migratory species. I know that in the boat design world, that "inshore" means no more than 20 nautical miles offshore. It's a standard international classification and has to do with how long it takes to get back to escape bad conditions. Boats designed for 'offshore' (outside of 20nm) have additional requirements.

Brian

[Boatdog]

I agree about both nearshore and offshore trips taking the same planning, preparation, and seamanship skills to be done right.

One notable difference is in the amount of fuel and supplies required for the offshore trip.

Nearshore, some vessels get away with a lot less safety equipment, preparation, navigation, and communication skills.

Preparing, planning, and safely executing an offshore trip is "in it's own class".

[Sebastesgirl]

Nearshore is considered everything within 40 fathoms. Offshore is everything outsite of 40fathoms.

[Flush Release]

Big difference when you consider at times you are 70+ miles out looking for Tuna.
You must also consider that you may be beyond the horizon and that there are few who travel offshore to great distances chasing fish.

Biggest concern is the time it may take the USCG to get to you in a emergency and to be prepared for such a event happening.

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/vessels.htm

Seabastigirl.

40 fathoms is not a good reference point. I know of places in Alaska that you can throw a rock and hit shore and be in 60+ fathoms

[Nalu]

I don't know that there is a true definition of nearshore or offshore, but in fishing terminology for charter boats in Oregon waters Sebastesgirl is correct. Offshore trips have been defined by outside of 40 fathoms in Oregon water.

From a safety equipment perspective, 20 miles offshroe is where classifications change for some commercially operating vessels. Outside of 20 miles all commercial charter vessels have to have a life raft, EPIRB, and single sideband radio.

[Pilar]

Curious .. what are the differences between offshore and nearshore in the thing you were reading?

I load extra fuel and take additional care for what I call offshore fishing. File a float plan, find a running mate and so on. TUNA!, Halibut at the ranch and maybe even the rockpile are offshore. I think maybe it's about the time running to get there and back.

If you can outrun any sudden weather or condition changes you are fishing nearshore. All the trailer sailors that fish Depoe Coho know what I mean.

When you get out away from the beach you have to think further ahead. What will the conditions be 4 hours from now? 6 hours?

[Flush Release]

I think she may have got it confused with the Oregon regulations involving fishing and not the definition of nearshore/offshore. In Oregon the Fishing reg's. call the 40 fathom line the break between nearshore and offshore.

[coconutdan]

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/nearshore/index.asp

Should explain everything, Brett Weidoff is running the show for ODFW, have worked with him on other projects..Nice Guy.. very helpful..

[bajadan2000]

<font color="red"> This quote was taken for the above link</font>

<font color="red"> </font> "Oregon's nearshore ocean is defined, for the purpose of the Nearshore Strategy, as the area from the coastal high-tide line offshore to the 30-fathom (approximately 180 feet or 55 meter) depth contour" <font color="red">



Says 30 fathoms not 40.

For my sportfishing boat, think I will go with the CG and the 20 mile logic. Makes more sense to me. <font color="red"> </font>

[ron m]

This discussion just highlights how the context (trip planning, fishing, state planning, CG, travel, regs, etc) of the discussion affects the definition of nearshore/offshore. No one difinition fits all the contexts, typically, it ain't simple!
ron m

[Flush Release]

No one difinition fits all the contexts

Looking for the USCG definition to see what it say's.

Will post what I can find.

Calling
USCGDepoebay,USCGYaquinabay,USCGboating

can you que in on this one to get a better understanding.

[Nalu]

No one definition is about right!!

Depends on what you are asking about?

Title 46 Subchapter C gives the information for Uninspected Vessels. Part 25 gives life safety requirements. Main categories are broken down into more or less than 3 miles. More than 3 miles is termed "HIGH SEAS"

In other parts, certain safety requirments are added after 20 miles in the CFR's depending on use of the craft.

Most information can be found in the CFR's here: TITLE 46 Shipping

The State Marine Board basically follows the CFR's lead in Divicion 15 which specifically addresses charter boats. OSMB Division 15

[Tacklebuster]

70+ miles out for Tuna... That's not offshore, that's off your rocker

Pilar,
I was refering to a statement made in a post refering to a certain boat good for nearshore use on nice conditions. I am along the same lines of thinking as you. If your planing on a Ranch or Tuna! run, maybe even a run to the south side of Popeye's Pile I consider that to be offshore. Nearshore to me is the 3 mile out Depoe coho or south from Newport to Seal Rock runs. I was just trying to see if us trailer sailors use the same lingo as some of the big guys with the pedigree salt water machines.

[Flush Release]

70+ miles out for Tuna... That's not offshore, that's off your rocker

Sometimes you have to go where the fish are. Safely though

Having the proper craft for such adventures and geared right helps a bit also.

[Tacklebuster]

Having the proper craft for such adventures and geared right helps a bit also

No debate on that issue my friend
If I ever found myself 70+ miles offshore in my Seahawk, I'd be humming the Gilligans Island song

[Flush Release]

I keep a photo of Alan Hail and Bob Denver inside the cabin as a reminder.

Was going to rename the boat to the SS Minnow but

[flapbreaker]

I would classify nearshore as "can you still see it". Once you can't see land I think it's safe to say your "off shore". :smile:

On a side note, what kind of range does your average marine VHF radio have? Once your out of coast guard range on the radio your at the mercy of boats around you.

[SnowDog]

True "offshore" to me is when you are out of range of the CG Helicopters! :shocked:

I made many trips from Portland to Hawaii back when I was working for Foss. Cool and Spooky way out there.

Cheers!
SD

[tomictime]

You may also want to consider that your insurance policy MAY not cover offshore use.

Jim

[backlash442]

I always thought of offshore in terms of fishing for pelagics/blue water and nearshore for bottom fish, salmon etc. Then there is fishing around the islands which you have to go offshore to get to depending on which island you are running to. Never the less it's still nearshore fishing to me once you are there. Of course that's not counting the El Nino year when you catch exotics within sight of the islands but deeper than 30-40 fathoms. Very confusing.

[Metal Manipulator]

I like your def. flapbreaker if you can see land then you are not far enough out yet.

[5 Salt]

Not exactly answering the question however from a safety perspective - plan on longer wait for rescue i.e. life raft on-board perhaps, taller/better VHF attenna, and hull design that can soften a long and grueling slog in the lumpy to get home. Crew fitness (prone to seasick is bad in an emergency or where highened states of awareness are required) Fog, floatsam, large seas - 4,6,8 eyes looking out are always better than just the skipper's 2.

[Billfisher]

20 fathoms, 30 fathoms, 40 fathoms, or 20 miles is a long swim; no matter how you look at it. As for me, I plan like I'm "offshore" if I'm more than about 10 miles out. Besides, I reserve the right in the later season to pull up gear and head out if there is a hot bite "offshore."

[Flush Release]

It's always best to be prepared not matter how far you go out.

Nearshore/offshore are just definitions for Navigational/safety reasons. Anyone who ventures out in the Ocean be it 3 miles or 300 should understand the dangers involved if things go wrong and be prepared to deal with them.