Navigating Upper West Bay

[siena34]

I have been fishing west bay for many years via wading and kayaking. I recently bought a boat and am looking for some help with navigating the upper west bay area. I usually put in at Louis Bait camp to get into the bay. I have been forewarned by a guide to prepare for some prop and gelcoat damage. I understand that this comes with the territory. I am open to any advice and/or recommendations that you folks can give. Thanks in advance.

Brandon

[aqua pimp]

This area is one of the hardest to navigate... Lots of shallow water with lots of shallow shell pads. Best way to learn it is to take someone with you that knows the area. Your not gonna learn it in one trip. Take someone and lean and take it slow to you get comfortable.

AQUA PIMP

[siena34]

Thanks, AP for the quick response! I am willing to learn, but none of my friends know this area, and I usually fish the middle of the week. I rarely have anyone with me. I have ventured down in the middle of west bay, greens and have made my way to North Deer Island via Greens cut. I just don't feel comfortable around confederate and North and South Deer Islands and that's the area I'd like to learn. If anyone is willing to show a newb the ropes I'm game.

Brandon

[dPop]

A REALLY good idea might be to book AQUA PIMP for a trip and let him know you want to learn to navigate West Bay.

[WestEndAngler]

A REALLY good idea might be to book AQUA PIMP for a trip and let him know you want to learn to navigate West Bay.

X2 and invest in a towing / rescue service such as SeaTow or Boat Tow US only a fraction of what it would cost you if you ever do get stuck, breakdown etc.

[Hogie70]

Yea book Aqua pimp for a few learning trips on a low tide and pay attention.

[plugger]

Several years ago I booked THE SHALLOWIST , Capt . Steve Soulle , to show me how to navigate West Bay . I didn't know much about Capt. Greg then , but I knew Capt. Steve . I too would recommend booking a trip with Capt. Greg . It would help a lot to have professional guidance . I got him to show me how to get out of Fat Boys to the intracoastal canal , a south shore route around South Deer Island , old intracoastal , getting out of west bay to Cold Pass , into Greens and Chocolate , around Shell Island and more ..... All important things you want to know . You put in routes using your cookie trail and way points on your GPS . I still don't know a lot about West Bay but that trip laid a foundation for exploring more safely . I fish all over .... On knowing bays , I'm a jack of all trades , master of none . Good luck !

[fuzzy]

Lotta folk cant afford a guide.Map and good GPS will get you around.This time of year is best to learn the bay.Water is clear you can see color difference in deep and shallow water.Run slow and track your route.Next time you got it made.Only been aground once I had to get out and push to get afloat.007 was driving my boat that day.

[westbaytroutassasin]

I live here in bv. If you need someone to show you just send me a pm and I will show you the safe areas.

[plugger]

That's nice of you .