BigBendFishing.Net

I have a 180 bay scout and was wondering if that was a safe boat to take out to this place?

mojokoko wrote:I have a 180 bay scout and was wondering if that was a safe boat to take out to this place?

A qualified yes. I am no Econfina expert, but have gone out of the ramp and fished the river and flats many times. Others on the forum fish there more than I. Starting with the ramp, tides make a big difference, and I would work it first on a higher tide, to at least make an easy launch and downstream traverse. There are some big rocks and logs around upstream, especially near the ramp and down by the bend where the fish cabins are.

That being said, the Econfina has a ramp, river, river mouth, nearshore area, and even flats to a couple of miles out that have very rocky areas. These are subject to lots of tidal variation, and low tides will make them very hazardous, especially to the new person. Even high tide can sometimes be a problem, because deeper water on the sounder can trick you into thinking the area you are in is "safe" from rocks. There might be a big rock nearby you won't even see. An 18' glass boat will work the area just fine, but even experts get bumps, dings, and whack lower units and props now and then. That is the way it will be, and it is those rocks, sandy areas, and flats mixed together that makes the Econfina area so fishy.

If you haven't done so before, I recommend you fish with a friend who knows the waters well, and has either "visual knowledge" of the rocks or you have the major zones marked on a GPS. Go slow if you motor inshore to fish the grass lines, and realize that there are rocky areas in "surprise" spots.

Luck,

EJ

EddieJoe's reply is RIGHT ON!

If all else fails follow BAD BEHAVIOR!

I did these a while back. Hope it helps you some....

The red line in the bottom photo is the route I take going out....

I would also not advise going out under a 1.5 ft tide until you know the area well.







Dubble

Dubble Trubble wrote:I did these a while back. Hope it helps you some....

The red line in the bottom photo is the route I take going out....

I would also not advise going out under a 1.5 ft tide until you know the area well.







Dubble

Dubble:

Nice gift to the new guy.

Regards,

EJ

Mojo- Feel safe following these guys directions. Ive never had a problem with my 220 lts EXCEPT when others anchor in the channel. Im headed down one day next week I hope so feel free to PM me and if you can make it , you can follow me out. I have a friend in Brooks Co that fishes the same boat and he goes in really skinny. Thats a good boat.

What type of motor do you have on that boat BB?

One place to watch for is immediately after the you past the no wake sign where the river splits. Lot of hidden rocks in that area. Stay to the right going out. You will see a lot of shallow running boats flying through there, but the rocks are about 2-3 feet or less below the surface. Know one guy that fished it four times this summer and messed up his outboard four times. Be careful following people with shallow running boats, if yours drafts 12 inches or more and does not have a jack plate. A jack plate is the best investment I ever bought for my boat and I still bump tops of stuff every now and then in this area.

Does everyone run to the left of the tripod going out? I always go to the right then run a 180 for a mile or so before heading east or west. Just wondering if I need to change my route.

Stay to the left going out. If you go right there are rocks and shallow water.

BAD BEHAVIOR wrote:Ive never had a problem with my 220 lts EXCEPT when others anchor in the channel.

Oh no, here we go again!

And yes, I do go the right of the tripod most times....
"EXCEPT when others anchor in the channel."

mojokoko wrote:What type of motor do you have on that boat BB?

Mojo,
I have a 225 Optimax, set up 4 inches on the hydraulic 6 inch jackplate. I used to go to the right and never hit any one but now I go left. When I go to the left , I try to line back up with the tripod as I go straight out as there are some rocks on the left a little further out. This area can be tricky @ low tide. As for the second no wake(on the way out) I idle until Im past the dead stumps on the left and let out before I get to them on the way back in.

I HAVE FISHED ECKY MANY TIMES, AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY I HAVE DONE MORE DAMAGE TO THE FOOT OF MY MOTOR RIDING OUT SLOWLY THAN IN ANY OTHER PLACE I HAVE LAUNCHED FROM. MOST OF THAT DAMAGE CAME FROM SLIDING OVER TO LET OTHER BOATERS GO BY OR PASS.

SOLUTION: GO TO AUCILLA , JACK THE MOTOR TO WITHIN 2" OF THE BOTTOM OF THE BOAT, CRUISE OUT AT ABOUT 45 MPH. ONLY THREE THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR: BOAT RAMP, NEGATIVE TIDES, AND COMMING OFF PLANE.