Entering Lower West Bay from ICW at Chocolate

[Fish]

First time poster. Looking for tips on where to enter Lower West Bay from the ICW around the Chocolate Bay Area. I see what looks to be open areas on the charts with good water but there are “Obstruction” symbols all around. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Tight lines!

[coachlaw]

I've only done that run once, and it was back in 2007. So I'm sure things have changed. Google Earth is your friend above all others. Barring any other offers of help, wherever you're not sure, take it SLOW.

[Fish]

I've only done that run once, and it was back in 2007. So I'm sure things have changed. Google Earth is your friend above all others. Barring any other offers of help, wherever you're not sure, take it SLOW.

Thanks I’ll definitely take it slow whichever way I end up going.

I’m actually trying to get to Jamaica Beach from Surfside. Is there a better way besides going all the way to Greens? I’m reading on this forum that the Sea Isle pass is pretty shallow. I’m not sure if it still is or not.

[coachlaw]

I would say the ICW is definitely safer than the Gulf way.

Look closely at Google Earth to find your place to turn right. I can't speak for Sea Isle or Jamaica Beach. Though I know other can.

[Bayou Uber]

I've crossed the ICW from Chocolate to West Bay many times (mostly in the dark), never had any problems. I remember some obstructions on the chocolate bay side, but not really any on the West Bay side. Just incase, keep your eyes open and take it slow and you should be good to go.

[Fish]

I've crossed the ICW from Chocolate to West Bay many times (mostly in the dark), never had any problems. I remember some obstructions on the chocolate bay side, but not really any on the West Bay side. Just incase, keep your eyes open and take it slow and you should be good to go.

Hey thanks Bayou Uber. I appreciate your response. I can see the depth ranges on the chart are good to cross into West Bay but I have never done it. I just needed some confirmation that what I was thinking was doable. I have a jack plate so I’ll lift it and go slow until I get in the bay.

Thanks again!

[FlyPelican]

If I understand what you're asking, there's nothing at all to worry about. If you're headed east in the ICW and you want to cut in to West Bay, just head south right at the mouth of Chocolate Bayou and then turn back east when you get in to open water. Stay in the middle of the bay and you're good all the way to JBTX. Watch out for Shell Island on the south shoreline and Carancahua Reef when you get close to JB.

- FP

[Fish]

If I understand what you're asking, there's nothing at all to worry about. If you're headed east in the ICW and you want to cut in to West Bay, just head south right at the mouth of Chocolate Bayou and then turn back east when you get in to open water. Stay in the middle of the bay and you're good all the way to JBTX. Watch out for Shell Island on the south shoreline and Carancahua Reef when you get close to JB.

- FP

Hey Thanks FlyPelican! That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. Thanks for the heads up on Shell Island. I saw that on the chart.

I appreciate the response!

[coachlaw]

The one thing I would add, is keep your jack plate down. That way, if you get stuck, you can pick it up and push off. Jack plates are an amazing piece of technology, but I've seen them get people stuck over 100 yards away from a channel, when if they hadn't had one, they'd just have been stuck on the edge. I've never been stuck out here. When I get stuck, I just pull up my motor, push pole off and continue.

[Fish]

The one thing I would add, is keep your jack plate down. That way, if you get stuck, you can pick it up and push off. Jack plates are an amazing piece of technology, but I've seen them get people stuck over 100 yards away from a channel, when if they hadn't had one, they'd just have been stuck on the edge. I've never been stuck out here. When I get stuck, I just pull up my motor, push pole off and continue.

Thanks Coachlaw. I never really thought about it that way but it does make sense!

Have a good one!

[coachlaw]

I almost joined in. I even bought a Bob's jack plate years ago. Never installed it because I had to rescue lots of people that got in trouble that way. Finally sold it here in the garage. I'm glad I don't have one. If I get stuck in my skiff, I know I shouldn't go there.

[Robalo]

Fly Pelican is right, BUT Shell Island can get you pretty easily, so if you have a decent GPS, it should show Shell island. You could use your GPS and 'scroll' to Jamaica Beach. BTW, the JB Boat ramp is closed to non-residents and if ya park there without a "Parking Permit", the JBPD will ticket you!!! They gave tickets out last weekend-saw several on windshields and they aint cheap. Dummy mayor and city council passed an ordinance using 'registration' and 'parking permits' instead of a lock and chain. All they want is REVENUE from their own residents!! Vote them all out!!!

[Fish]

Fly Pelican is right, BUT Shell Island can get you pretty easily, so if you have a decent GPS, it should show Shell island. You could use your GPS and 'scroll' to Jamaica Beach. BTW, the JB Boat ramp is closed to non-residents and if ya park there without a "Parking Permit", the JBPD will ticket you!!! They gave tickets out last weekend-saw several on windshields and they aint cheap. Dummy mayor and city council passed an ordinance using 'registration' and 'parking permits' instead of a lock and chain. All they want is REVENUE from their own residents!! Vote them all out!!!

Thanks Robalo, I’ll be coming out of Surfside and visiting a friend with a house in JB so I should be good. And yes I see Shell Island on the charts, so I will stay West of that before heading East into JB keeping clear of Caranchua reef.

Thank you for your input.

[OR19]

Getting to be fewer and fewer spots for a guy with a boat on a trailer to launch in west bay. Same thing with a spot to park and walk in. Not going to be to long till you have to own a home in a west bay sub division to launch there, or put in at 0500 at the dike to be able to hit SLP at sunrise....still a few spots but they are slowly going away.

[Fish]

Getting to be fewer and fewer spots for a guy with a boat on a trailer to launch in west bay. Same thing with a spot to park and walk in. Not going to be to long till you have to own a home in a west bay sub division to launch there, or put in at 0500 at the dike to be able to hit SLP at sunrise....still a few spots but they are slowly going away.

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