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GUIDELINES AND POLICY ABOUT WEATHER
When interpreting weather for a Charter, safety is always first. The Captain would not take you out if the weather puts you at risk. But this can be subjective. The Captain knows the boat and has utmost confidence in it and in his ability. The Captain has gone out in conditions far worse than he would consider taking a client out in; just to test the boat and the skills required to handle these hard conditions. (12 foot seas off Cape Cod following a hurricane were the most difficult ever encountered). Trust that you would never be out if conditions are dangerous.
The second consideration is comfort. The Captain knows the boat and understands how it handles different wave heights and different wave types. For example a close wave height spacing of two feet is far worse than a rolling wave height of 5 feet. To understand this, consider the distance between waves and how a boat can enter the next wave. The example of close spaced two foot waves results in a pounding that is uncomfortable. Spaced out waves means a gentle up and down on the swells and at the correct speed results in a smooth ride.
Wind speed is not the only factor attributing to wave height. Tides are major influences, especially on the Bay. If you were scheduled to fish an outgoing tide (the tide travels north to south) outside of Poplar Island with a North wind of around 6 knots, we would find the waves around 1 to 2 feet and spaced apart comfortably. The same wind but an incoming tide (which travels south to north) and the waves are all 2 feet and get closer together. This results in a rough ride. The Captain plans the trip to work with the conditions and attempts to move in the best direction for the conditions.
If the actual wind is exceeding 13/15 the captain may offer to cancel the trip. But remember the fishing can be absolutely fabulous and worth the discomfort so don't be to anxious to cancel.
Discuss your weather concerns with The Captain. You can trust his experience and knowledge. He may be aware of the forecast for later the same day and has a plan to make it all work both safely and comfortably. Rough conditions at 6 am can give way to a wonderful day by 8 am. The Captain checks multiple weather sites, radar and weather buoys to determine the forecast and attempts to make the best decision for all.
Often unsuitable weather conditions can be determined the day before. Calling the Captain is welcomed. Cell 301/785-6113 Home Office 410/745-9488. To check real-time weather for trips near St. Michaels use: Local Weather on the Bay near St. Michaels But sometimes a last minute decision must be determined the day of the trip and even right up to the time scheduled to start. Forecasts and weather models the evening before can give way to some tough weather changes or the other way around!
THE POLICY: Captain Russ Wilkinson of CHESAPEAKEBAYFLYFISHING will not force a client to accept poor boating conditions whether actual or perceived. Deposits and prepaid bookings will be refunded if a future booking cannot be arranged!
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