Help

[RandySmith21]

I have a pontoon and would like to go out into bastrop, Christmas, and drum bay but am not sure if I can. Also, can I trust the hook n line map to see where to go to not run up on oyster reef

[KLP]

The three bay systems you just mentioned may be some of the toughest to navigate in the Galveston Bay complex. If you are not familiar with the area it will be hard to navigate with a hook n line map. Not saying can't be done. Just keep a cool head and don't put yourself in a bad situation. stay safe.

[RandySmith21]

Thanks
is there a lot of reefs in the three bays mentioned above I should be aware of?
do you guys think a pontoon would be fine in the 3 bays?
which side of the first reef am I supposed to goon?
thanks guys

[txfly]

I would avoid Christmas bay in a pontoon. At best, you will tear out what little grass remains. At worst, you will end up stuck on a reef or sandbar. Leave it for the kayakers. Drum bay is even shallower, but many more oyster reefs.

West Bay is a better option for a boat. It's small enough to navigate in sheltered water, unlike West bay which can get rough enough to cause greater concerns than just hitting a reef.

Plan on spending some time puttering around slowly. Keep your GPS track so you can start building up a map of safe trails. There is also a "navigational hazard" forum on the main page.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

My boat floats in high humidity and I am very cautious in the Tri Bays. I agree with the folks above. You won't have much fun trying to find navigable water in that area, particularly in the winter. You can run Bastrop Bayou down from Bastrop Marina but once you get to Bastrop Bay, stop. There is more shell in there than the national deficit and it grows at the same rate.

[RandySmith21]

Thanks guys

[TroutSupport]

Best bet is to look at Google Earth...the program is free to download. Once there use the historical aerial button to look for a photo that was taken with clear water and low tides.. you'll be able to see the obstructions (reefs and sandbars). Christmas is actually doable if you know where not to go. You could go through Bastrop and maybe fish a little if you know where to get into the areas behind the reefs and back out. other wise Bastrop is a nightmare.

It's also very easy to make a mistake if you don't know exactly where to go or are relying solely on a navigation unit or on a map. Get with someone that knows that area and go with them and have them show you where to run and not run. it is good to have some GPS points and some tracks of where you can and can't run as well.

Where are you putting in at?

[Hogie70]

Chocolate is easier to navigate just sayin


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[RandySmith21]

I put in bastrop marina

Also, chocolate is easier to get to west bay than bastrop is to get to Christmas?

[txfly]

Best bet is to look at Google Earth...the program is free to download. Once there use the historical aerial button to look for a photo that was taken with clear water and low tides.. you'll be able to see the obstructions (reefs and sandbars).

Hey Westend, that is a brilliant idea about looking at history in Google Earth. Thanks for the tip!