Fun and Safety- When to call the trip

Nalu · 08-08-2005, 11:13 AM

In the last 2 weeks I've cancelled 4 trips due to weather and distance.

One trip was cancelled by me, the morning of, when I determined that TUNA was simply too far offshore,and mixed with conditions that simply didn't make a safe/fun experience. That was with members from the board here.

The other three have been cancelled by the customers, but based on my honest opinion of what the fishing, and ocean conditions would be like. Hali/Tuna fishing this last Saturday, Hali fishing Sunday, and Bottom fishing today with small kids.

I'll cancel a trip without pause if I feel the ocean conditions are unsafe. This last weekend, ocean conditions weren't "unsafe", but certainly not "fun" for people that aren't hardcore.

I guess my point is that with all these posts about how much weather a boat can handle, it's good to keep in mind what PEOPLE can handle. The bigger the boat, the more it can handle safely, but also COMFORTABLY.

I guess I just don't understand how some people are so determined to go get fish that they will subject themselves to getting the tarnation beat out of them. Not for me, and not for my guests.

skein · 08-08-2005, 11:18 AM

I have to agree whole-heartedly!

I believe my boat will handle water that is beyond my competency level, and I believe I'm competent to handle water beyond my physical-comfort level.

When it ain't fun, it ain't fun.

Skein

Megabites · 08-08-2005, 11:43 AM

Lets face it the boats we take out will safely handle way more water then we really want to be out in. When the Fun Factor gauge reads zero it's time to catch up on honey-dos.

Hanapa'a Time · 08-08-2005, 12:00 PM

crabbait · 08-08-2005, 12:41 PM

I agree, Mega, as long as nothing goes wrong.

Take it from someone who has been on a disabled boat 50nm west of the Nestucca Bay entrance, it gets mighty quiet out there!

Do you have a large sea anchor to keep your nose into the swell if the big motor quits?

Do you have the ability to communicate/navigate if your onboard electronics go south?

If you want soem peaceful time to really focus on the gear you need, go to Tuna Town and shut the motor off. Clarity!

PeterMac · 08-08-2005, 03:03 PM

Mike,

I felt real bad for making that call

. Glad you understand, as these guys had never been out in the ocean before

! I could have covered their bodies in scopalamine and they still would have had a miserable time

. Heck, they'd probably never buy wood from me again

!!!

Thanks for being so open for us to make the call. We are still looking at that weekend in September, hopefull the weather will cooperate.

PeterMac

Nalu · 08-08-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Mike,

I felt real bad for making that call

. Glad you understand, as these guys had never been out in the ocean before

! I could have covered their bodies in scopalamine and they still would have had a miserable time

. Heck, they'd probably never buy wood from me again

!!!

Peter- No problem at all. If I'm not going to have a good time taking people out fishing, then it's pretty likely that those aboard aren't going to have a good time either. As skipper, it's always a wonder if your guests really understand that you have their best interests at heart though. Especially if some people still go fishing and return with catches.

saltwater only · 08-08-2005, 07:30 PM

Thats when I call it when its more work than fun.
Will the boat handle it yes, can I handle it yes, but when you can`t stand without geting bounced around and can`t keep your line on the bottom the fish will just have to wait.

Ducks4jimm · 08-08-2005, 08:21 PM

Good subject,
Fished Saturday out of Westport in marginal but acceptable conditions and did OK. Wind came up Saturday night and was still blowing Sunday AM. Left the harbor at 6:00, 3 foot swell inside, ran a mile or two, looked at the bar, and called it quits. Back inside, found out Coasties had (wisely) shut the bar down for boats under 30'. Got to watch a 15 footer pump about 300 gallons of water out while a 15' bow rider was launching and heading out and 20 to 26 footers were coming in.
Wow - some folks need to get a clue.

Popeye · 08-08-2005, 08:31 PM

Nalu.....I ALWAYS get a big kick out of hearing on the radio " Geez! The Julie Rose just turned around, and is heading in!???"
Fun is fun is fun...nuttin else matters

WP · 08-08-2005, 09:07 PM

Amen bruce and Mike...the fun factor is the ultimate decider. I frequently have stayed on shore because it was not worth the battle :smile: I find it very pleasing to see a charter captain with that kind of attitude and concern.

Dave

Silver Eagle · 08-08-2005, 09:11 PM

When the fun meter reads zero, then the trip really isn't worth making. Keep it fun and Safe. I hope the seas will settle down, want some fun time.............Ray

Popeye · 08-08-2005, 09:27 PM

Hey RAY....Got the goose bumps off yer neck yet

Man, I'm tellin' ya....that night was BRUTAL!!! . It'll be nice to get back into some nicer oceans.

I told Julie when we got in "I'm tired of scaring you.....AND myself"

Popeye...The FAIR WEATHER SAILOR

ron m · 08-08-2005, 09:55 PM

Nice discussion. I agree, I've called some trips too. Not always easy to do, but I haven't regretted it even when other folks have gone and caught fish. I do this for fun, not bruises.

ron m

KChookem · 08-09-2005, 06:11 AM

Nalu...

Good Karma. I appreciate a guide or charter who thinks of his clients as much as paying his expenses. I believe in the long run that pays off for those who are good to begin with.

I've got Grant Scheele at the top of my list, and now you are there for ocean stuff.