langski93

I think I am getting more accurate information on Great Bay Marina than I was before I asked on this site. It is further from the ocean than I was first led to believe, but that may not totally preclude me from going there. Basically, I am looking for an easy in, easy out ramp (because I'm new at this) and I thought GBM sounded good because I had access to both the bay and the ocean. If its an hour to the ocean, which may be too far on any given day, is Great Bay so large as it would provide a good day on the water, fishing, sunning, picnicking with family? My only point of reference is a couple of days on Winnepausakee. If you think Rye Harbor may be better suited for me and the family, please let me know. I appreciate any and all responses.
langski93

cobiamoby

In my experience the bay is better for family. My kids are 4 and 6, leaving Rye harbor with 6' swells rolling into it does nothing for my wife's nerves nor the kids in a 19 cc. I don't care for Great Bay Marine so much as I tend to head offshore early in the morning and them meet the family for lunch on the weekends. Driving up and down the river sthinks most of the time and it costs 15.00 in gas ! The bay fishing has stunk as well the past two years due to heavy rains not to mention the lack of bait coming up the river has been non-existant. If you like to to do rec lobster fishing that stinks as well in the bay due to the rains. We'll see what this year brings...

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Wishin' I was Fishin'

Door#3

I've cruised in Great Bay (GB) and out of Rye for many years. Here are some of my comments.

Great Bay is good for a family cruise. I've never had great luck fishing there, but I haven't focused on learning that area either. I don't think GBM is an hour from the ocean. I've never measured it but it seems like less that that to me. If you are launching to go fishing in the ocean then Rye is a better bet. You can also launch in down town Portsmouth (Pierce's Island I think) and that is only minutes from the harbor entrance. The Pierce's Island ramp is on the back side of the island and well protected. You can access the bay, the ocean, or the back way to little harbor from there. Lots of options... GBM is in an area where, when the tide is running, it really rips through. I remember trying to dock there with a very strong outgoing tide. Not fun, makes Newburyport look easy. Rye is well protected until you get past the breakwater. The ramp at Rye is very steep. I've seen 2WD vehicles that had trouble getting up the ramp after retrieving their boat.

I suggest you try a bunch of locations and see which one works for you. Good luck...

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Newburyport, MA
Eastern 35 FB
Door#3

pelkins

Langski,
I have kept my boat(trailered) at GBM for the past 4 years). 20ft CC fishing boat. I have never used Rye Harbor so I cant comment. I do think that the ramp at GBM is one of the best on the river. Very low tides may require a roller trailer. The ramp is very well protected unlike some of the docks. I frequently launch and haul by myself, and it is far easier on this ramp because it is protected fron the current more than others. It is @ 6 miles from GBM to the mouth of the river, and you need to slow to headway speed under three of the bridges. Takes me @ 20 min to get to the mouth w/ no traffic cruising 28 mph. Keeping my boat \trailer on site is nice but not cheap $575 vs. $2300 for slip. let me know if you have any questions.

Chum1Up

I live by the south jetty and been around the harbor all my live... its a pretty easy place to get in and out of...there are some decent bass spots right out front of the harbor as well. most likely if there are 6 fters i doubt you want to take the family.. and if its blowin it could get a little hairy crossing thru the ship yard (if you choose to offload up river). i'd much rather be able to get right on to the open water than have to trek an hour down the river.

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KIll DOGFISH

langski93

Great info. I've been monitoring and occcasionally emailing this site since Sept. You guys motivated me to purchase a wheel. I hope I can contribute at some point.

langski93