Econfina Tips, Tricks, and Rocks

Post by **GoneGator** » June 18th, 2004, 6:37 pm

Going to Econfina dark thirty Sat. morning, know it's not the ideal tide but go when you can go. Have not been there since I had the big boat which is now gone and replaced by the skiff. (5 years) What I can remember is a big rock on the east side just below the landing, some north of the island, and you need to keep to the east on the way out? Is it pretty safe to run in front of Hickory Mound? I know there are bars but I can see them, it's rocks I am worried about. Any advice would be great. I will post a report Sat. eve. Good luck to all this weekend!

Post by **Chalk** » June 18th, 2004, 7:49 pm

Yep, rock at the end of the landing...not sure which island.....I tell everyone to stay in the middle til, you get to the last bend and can see the tripod....Then the channel meanders to the west, then a little east....Watch for PVC channel markers.....Then the tripod....on your on from there...there are 3-4 hazards around the mouth.....just watch for them.....Running a mile off the hill should be safe around Hickory.....

Post by **GoneGator** » June 18th, 2004, 8:15 pm

Thanks Chankinator, it's been a while and now with the new boat I,m extra careful. Old and .......... ? Used to run on old flats boat with a 70hp, no tilt and trim out of there with no problems, just bump and tilt. I question the wisdom of getting tilt on the new one, it makes little difference in the run as the boat is so light, but sure makes a difference when you hit something

EddieJoe · Post by **EddieJoe** » June 18th, 2004, 8:53 pm

Fraid I don't agree with Chalk about that mile from the hill and safe, stuff. Unless you really know that area, start going slow much offshore from that. There are some NASTY rocks more than a mile out from HM. At low tide, they almost stick out.

Go slow, put a lookout on the bow, go slow.

EJ

Post by **Tom Keels** » June 18th, 2004, 9:49 pm

Have to agree with EJ. I don't consider running east/west until I'm at least 2 miles off the hill. HM has some really bad rocks at least a mile out. I know because I marked a couple last time I was there.

There are 3 bad spots going down the river. One is right down from the landing. 2nd is on the sharp bend just after the second no wake and the 3rd is about 100 yards after the bend. Following the channel markers towards the mouth is good advice, but they are not perfect. However, there are no Minus tides this weekend so you should be good to go.

Post by **Chalk** » June 19th, 2004, 6:26 am

Been doing it for 20 years...one incident at a negative low tide....

EddieJoe · Post by **EddieJoe** » June 19th, 2004, 7:21 am

You a lucky man.