I am heading Port Mansfield from San Antonio tomorrow night and taking the boat out all day Friday with the wife. I see the forecast is calling for 18 mph SSE winds later in the evening. My gameplan is to make a B-line to the Jetties and fish the surf-side of PINS for kings, reds, jacks, etc.. I want to know your opinion on fishing in a john boat with those kind of winds. It is a 20 foot long 72 inch wide custom made aluminum boat with a 115 yamaha 4stroke. Super wide, super stable, and 31 inch sides. Honest opinions.


Thanks!

I figure with a SSE wind, fishing the surf side of PINS jetty would block most current but I am not sure on what to expect as far as trying to get back through the ship channel and the bay

I think with the swell that wind will create, I'd be staying inside the bay.

When they "call" for 18mph SSE expect a constant 20-25mph with a gust or two over 30mph at some point guaranteed.

That's a nice rig, setup great, with ONE very important thing to consider.

That rig is not self bailing. Torpedo one six foot rogue wave and you're in instant trouble.

There is no way I would take an aluminum out in those conditions. That is exactly why I sold my aluminum and bought a foam filled self bailing boat.

Save your wifes kidneys!! Not worth it! There will be better days!
check your forecast too 18 knots is almost 21mph.
18mph wind bring 6 to 8 foot seas, not good for too many folks

I decided not to go out of course! Was talking to local guys at the cleaning tables and they were being beat to death in a 27 foot deep-v boat. I dropped the boat and drove down PINS to the jetty. Tried floundering with no luck, it happens.

I almost swamped in the intersection of the ICW and east cut several years ago in a rig like yours (Xpress). Swells were 4' plus. Pick your battles, if the wind picks up, stay in the east cut until it calms down.