What is the most reliable marine forecast?

LegalLimit · 04-11-2005, 08:13 PM

We all know the local news forecast is unreliable. I typically check several sources to get an overall perception. Does anyone have a better solution when it comes to a three to five day forecast? NOAA seems to be wishy washy at best lately.

CaptainEd · 04-12-2005, 12:14 AM

The best weather forecast is made by (you) the captain based on the current sattelite photo(s), radars, winds, jet stream flow, & highs and lows and should be checked regularly. If you don't know how to forecast weather you should take the time to learn. The reason the forecast is often wrong is because there are so many factors coming into play. Even with all the brilliant minds and technology it still isn't possible to know for certain what will happen. Several factors varying just a little can make a forecast be way off. Learn the monthly weather patterns and use the tools available to figure things out for yourself. Use the posted forecasts as added information. The last thing you do before you leave for your trip is to check the doppler radar. We're actually very lucky to have forecasting abilities like we do now. Imagine venturing out to sea in the old days...

In Forida if you see NE, NW or N winds over 10mph the gulfstream is going to be pumpin'. Always check what is forecasted for the days/nights after your planned trip. For instance you want to go swording in your 25ft Mako Saturday night. The forecast says the winds are going to go from 10-15 SE to 10mph out of the NE after midnight. Then Sunday NE 15-25 and Monday NE 15-20. This would be the exact kind of forecast that could get you in a world of shit out there in a boat that size. Many times over the years I've found that the winds switch earlier than predicted. And/or they blow 15-20 instead of 10 as predicted. Let's say you got in trouble out there. With the next few days being even worse you have a poor shot at surviving and or being rescued. If you go offshore long enough you will eventually find yourself in a bad way. How you are prepared and experience is what is going to save you & your passengers. I see a lot of people without the proper safety equipment, training or experience venturing offshore with the growing popularity of swordfishing. This has me concerned.

You may already know some or all of this but it will be good reading for those who don't.

LegalLimit · 04-12-2005, 04:09 AM

Thanks Capt.,

The weather info sounds logical. Instead of figuring out the weather I want to figurer out how make the weather cooperate with my days off. :lol:
As far as the safety info goes you can never hear that enough times. I've been fishing this coast my entire life and we all know complacency breeds danger. We all need to be reminded now and again, because when it hits the fan its to late to prepare then.

Thanks for the reply!

04-11-2005, 08:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
LegalLimit Lines In Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Stuart Posts: 92	What is the most reliable marine forecast? We all know the local news forecast is unreliable. I typically check several sources to get an overall perception. Does anyone have a better solution when it comes to a three to five day forecast? NOAA seems to be wishy washy at best lately.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Marine Grade Bean Bags	RiskTaker	Rigging Corner	19	11-13-2008 07:09 AM
Marine Conservation Night Nov. 9	ProfessorO	Swordfish Conservation	0	11-08-2006 01:30 PM
USS yorktown marine biology	CORMORANT_89	General Fishing Chat	0	08-17-2006 12:13 AM
B & F Marine Fishing Team	rezkill	General Fishing Chat	4	06-27-2006 11:40 AM
Marine ecology needs protecting - Bangkok Post	Reporter	General Fishing Chat	0	10-29-2005 08:14 PM

04-12-2005, 12:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
CaptainEd Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Dania beach Occupation: USCG Master Captain Posts: 265	The best weather forecast is made by (you) the captain based on the current sattelite photo(s), radars, winds, jet stream flow, & highs and lows and should be checked regularly. If you don't know how to forecast weather you should take the time to learn. The reason the forecast is often wrong is because there are so many factors coming into play. Even with all the brilliant minds and technology it still isn't possible to know for certain what will happen. Several factors varying just a little can make a forecast be way off. Learn the monthly weather patterns and use the tools available to figure things out for yourself. Use the posted forecasts as added information. The last thing you do before you leave for your trip is to check the doppler radar. We're actually very lucky to have forecasting abilities like we do now. Imagine venturing out to sea in the old days... In Forida if you see NE, NW or N winds over 10mph the gulfstream is going to be pumpin'. Always check what is forecasted for the days/nights after your planned trip. For instance you want to go swording in your 25ft Mako Saturday night. The forecast says the winds are going to go from 10-15 SE to 10mph out of the NE after midnight. Then Sunday NE 15-25 and Monday NE 15-20. This would be the exact kind of forecast that could get you in a world of shit out there in a boat that size. Many times over the years I've found that the winds switch earlier than predicted. And/or they blow 15-20 instead of 10 as predicted. Let's say you got in trouble out there. With the next few days being even worse you have a poor shot at surviving and or being rescued. If you go offshore long enough you will eventually find yourself in a bad way. How you are prepared and experience is what is going to save you & your passengers. I see a lot of people without the proper safety equipment, training or experience venturing offshore with the growing popularity of swordfishing. This has me concerned. You may already know some or all of this but it will be good reading for those who don't.

04-12-2005, 04:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
LegalLimit Lines In Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Stuart Posts: 92	Thanks Capt., The weather info sounds logical. Instead of figuring out the weather I want to figurer out how make the weather cooperate with my days off. :lol: As far as the safety info goes you can never hear that enough times. I've been fishing this coast my entire life and we all know complacency breeds danger. We all need to be reminded now and again, because when it hits the fan its to late to prepare then. Thanks for the reply!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)