Nose Whistle

Sorry for the dumb questions:
If I take my boat out 50 miles off the coast of southwest FL for an overnight, must we have a night watch all night if we are out of the shipping channels? Or is it enough to shine white lights on the bow and stern and let everyone sleep?

Is trolling worth it for part of the way there? How many mph? Near shore or almost to the hole?

Are the weather forecasts fairly accurate or by what percentage could there be unexpected weather popping up?

What is the best hole for volume of catches?

Is it safe to swim if not fishing or are sharks a legitimate concern?

Thank you!

7hetexsan

Reading your questions leads me to believe that going out 50 miles isn’t a great idea for you. Start off slower and gain some experience, you’ll then have the knowledge to know the answers to those questions.

Nose Whistle

I have a 41 footer up north. I am just trying to plan for a future boat length and type to purchase in the next few years. Boats are too expensive to make the wrong purchase so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible in advance. I admitted they are dumb questions but no human is born knowing those answers. The main advantage of these forums is they exist to save people from making the same expensive mistakes others have made by learning the hard way.

Nose Whistle

I have a 41 footer up north. I am just trying to plan for a future boat length and type to purchase in the next few years. Boats are too expensive to make the wrong purchase so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible in advance. I admitted they are dumb questions but no human is born knowing those answers. The main advantage of these forums is they exist to save people from making the same expensive mistakes others have made by learning the hard way.

boboe

I think 7hetexsan gave solid advice.

I always have somebody awake. Even if you're not in a safety fairway, that doesn't mean nobody else can't run you over.

I drag lures.the whole way unless we're in weeds. You never know what you'll get in front of.

"What's the best spot to fish?" Seriously?

Sin Bin fishing RI

oh boy...


14 pages

Fishgaak.com

I have never overnighted on my center console. However whenever I have done an overnighter in my buddies boats there is always two people awake while the others sleep.

PeterDE

I'll leave the fishing questions to the fishing gurus.

The Navigation rules require you to have a lookout AT ALL TIMES. You need to take a Safe Boating Class from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron.

Weather forecasts are usually for a general area and fairly accurate for the whole area, but the weather where you are may be different. Sound like a squishy answer? Do the weather forecasts for the area where you live reflect what you see out the window? You need to have a VHF radio with a weather band and listen for updates and Coast Guard warnings, and keep an eye on what's going on. That's another reason you need to take a boating safety course

Is it safe to swim off a boat 50 miles offshore? Not if you're alone. If you have others on board capable of operating the boat and calling for help in an emergency, and keeping a watch out, maybe. Yes sharks are a concern. On Coast Guard and Navy ships when they have a swim call at sea there are people with rifles assigned to watch for sharks and a small boat in the water to retrieve people. Is it safe? Usually, But I never did it, I was always a shark guard. Ever hear about the USS Indianapolis? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Indianapolis_(CA-35)

Never swim off a boat if you are alone or there is no one on board who can operate the boat. Boats drift faster than you can swim.

Nose Whistle

In fairness to me, I meant a fishing hole off the coast of SW FL to catch a volume of smaller fish as opposed to getting skunked chasing a few large game fish for a group who would then think fishing was boring.

boboe

Look up public numbers. That'll give you a start. I doubt anyone is going to give you spots. They take time to find.

SWF Pontoon Angler

You'll forget everything by then and then have to ask again