Porgys and sea bass

[1captainron]

DO NOT go to the Sandy Hook Reef or come out of Belmar and head North in a 17ft boat this time of year!!

You can fish the ledge at the 1 can in Sandy hook bay and be safe for Christ sake! Just look for the 1/2 day Party boats.

[bulletbob]

I dunno, water temp is 69 degrees, and in Oct there is much less chance of a sudden rogue thunderstorm than in summer.. I fished [still do] in 17 footers for the better part of 40 years in the ocean, and never had a problem.. Just have to watch the weather and if its rough don't go out.. Far be it from me to argue with a pro captain, but a good 17 footer with a reliable motor is perfectly fine for fall fishing inshore if used when weather conditions warrant.. There are hundreds of boats that size out there all the time inshore, and the guys in them are perfectly safe, if they use proper caution... bob

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by 1captainron

DO NOT go to the Sandy Hook Reef or come out of Belmar and head North in a 17ft boat this time of year!!

You can fish the ledge at the 1 can in Sandy hook bay and be safe for Christ sake! Just look for the 1/2 day Party boats.

Great advice right here.... Unsettled weather this time of year is very unpredictable and it might be fine on your way out but could be hell coming back in running the inlet or crossing the Sandy Hook bay.

[Jigman13]

I'm with the good capt. F that. A 17' in october is bananas. Stave off the stress and jump on the fisherman. Be comfortable and get your fish cleaned.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

I'm with the good capt. F that. A 17' in october is bananas. Stave off the stress and jump on the fisherman. Be comfortable and get your fish cleaned.

I guess I am the only one that ever fished the rocks in fall in a 17 footer and never felt unsafe for a second, and still run a 17 footer today for all types of inshore fishing, when the weather is reasonable.. yes you don't take a 17 or even a 19 out in east wind and 4-6,, however on nice sunny fall days with west winds?? I do it in heartbeat in a good 17 footer, as do a lot of other anglers. Guess you guys have never owned an Aquasport Osprey or ,Mako,17 or similar hulls.. I have and fall fishing was always pleasure, but hey to each his own... bob

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

I guess I am the only one that ever fished the rocks in fall in a 17 footer and never felt unsafe for a second, and still run a 17 footer today for all types of inshore fishing, when the weather is reasonable.. yes you don't take a 17 or even a 19 out in east wind and 4-6,, however on nice sunny fall days with west winds?? I do it in heartbeat in a good 17 footer, as do a lot of other anglers. Guess you guys have never owned an Aquasport Osprey or ,Mako,17 or similar hulls.. I have and fall fishing was always pleasure, but hey to each his own... bob

I'm spoiled/fortunate to be on a 43' tiara most of the time. Taken my lumps on smaller rides in the bay and ocean. Not saying it's not doable but you really gotta cherry pick your days this time of year.

[NoLimit]

What kind of transom? Is it full height? If so you’ll be fine as long as you are running light

[Flygaff]

You will really need the perfect day for this to work. I used to take my 16 ft with twin 15 hp to the Ambrose channel. Be very carful and wear your life jackets all the time. Even with a life jacket, Hypothermia will get you quickly in these water temps. My advice...Buy a larger boat.

[catsmeow]

Hey no limit, yes have full transom with well.