Winds direction and how it effects the water

[Tacklebuster]

I found out last Tuesday what a south wind can do to you when your 8 miles offshore in the ocean. The swells were not very big but the winds made the ocean feel like I was bobbing around in a washing machine. My question is how does a north or northwest wind say blowing at 15 effect the conditions. Given a west or northwest swell it would seem to me that if you started the day heading wnw that it would be a comfortable ride back to port. If the wind is a south or south west wind, would it be wise then to plan your trip heading wsw in the morning to have a nicer ride back to port?

It also occured to me that the stronger winds really have a fast effect on water temp. I was out in 230 feet of water last Tuesday and the water temp never raised over 49.5. I was only out in 150 feet of water Saturday and the water temp was 52. Is there a rule of thumb to go by when dealing with winds and water temps? I plan on doing some salmon fishing out of Newport on Friday and looking at the forecast, the winds seem to be shifting from south to north by then. You guys think the water temps will still be in the 52 degree range that close to shore by then?

Thanks,
Chris

[CAPT KUJO]

Chris,
I have been charting water temps and wind speeds as well as tide levels to try to figure the best conditions and visability for diving. And even after entering tons of data on to a spreadsheet this is what I came up with.

There is no rime or reason for conditions. They are what they are when they are. I could find no sustainable pattern for anything for temp, vis, tides, and wind. If you think you have come up with something, I'd be very interested

CAPT KUJO