Boat Flipped in MTK - Is a 22ft cc too small?

[mikisabicus]

I have a 22ft Pathfinder CC that I fish on the North Shore/North Fork in Spring and Summer. I'm heading out to MTK for a mid-week excursion in two weeks and I'm a bit freaked out that Paul Dixon swamped and flipped a 23ft Sea Craft...

My boat has low gunnels http://www.pathfinderboats.com/boat-specs.php?ID=81&t=2318728479 and I'm a concerned about the safety of my fishing buddies...should I be?

I intend to stay far away from the breaking water - but according to PD - he was outside the surf zone too...

Any feedback/advice appreciated

MV

[brushfly]

No.

Now if it's blowing N/NW or NE 10-15+ my answer would be yes. I fished a 17' for a few years out there and if it's a southerly the north side will be fine. If it's out of the north but under 10mph you can make it around the light, the southside will be very fishable. Stay way outside running around the lighthouse and watch all the rips if wind is against tide. Also keep in mind when Dixon flipped his boat, Igor was having a big effect on the conditions and maybe no boat should have been fishing there even outside the breakers.

There's also many times you don't even need to be within a quarter mile of breakers to find fish out there. My buddy yesterday had multiple slams between he concession and the light far off the beach.

When the SW fly fishing craze hit the NE in the mid 90's every guide ran boats like the one you pictured. Paul Dixon himself fished out of an 18' Hewes at that time. Then they all went to CC and the fashion de'jour now is the larger craft. Maybe everybody came to their senses that other then the flats, those boats are not suited for Montauk on a daily basis. However, picking your days and tides that 22' will be fine IMO.

[mikisabicus]

Thx Brushfly. If I'm not comfortable with the conditions, I'll just trailer the boat to Shinnecock or to the North Fork...no need to put lives in danger.

[mikesopals]

I've been fly fishing montauk for 15 +yrs in 18-26ft CC. Just use common sense and dont take any chances. On the day the boat swamped, there were 10 or 20 boats playing with fire, chasing bass boils right next to shore on the southside of montauk, with 6-8 ft swells rolling in. It was a formula for disaster from the start. There are lots of tips....like always keep your boat pointed out with the engines on.......but if there are big swells on the ocean or wind against tide conditions, just stay on the north side and fish shagwon rips---they have been loaded up with fish on both tides all week. Also, you can make a short run to the more sheltered fort pond bay, and there have been small schools of blues and albies around there too......especially on outgoing tide.
Have fun and stay safe!
Mike G

[tommat]

I fished for years out of a Hewes LT20. We used to run from R.I. over to Cuttyhunk..After that I fished out of a Parker 18. Just be smart and you will be ok.

[Albiemanmike]

I fished for years out of a Hewes LT20. We used to run from R.I. over to Cuttyhunk..After that I fished out of a Parker 18. Just be smart and you will be ok.


I have to agree with Tom. I have been fishing Montauk for quite a few years now out of my 20' Triton and never had a real problem. I did once get in too close to the shore break on year when we had big storm swells rolling in like recently and I almost bit the big one. Totally my fault for not keep my eye on what I was doing and luckily the wave didn't break on me and I just rolled up and over it. Now I keep my distance from the shore and I have never had an issue since. If Paul Dixon got swamped then he also had a momentary lapse in concentration as he is probably one of the most experienced and knowledgeable guides out there. I would guess he did the same thing as I did and strayed too close during the big heave and got caught with his proverbial pants down.

I am glad he is alright and his passengers are also alright as I heard they all swam to shore. Not sure the boat made out as good though. You really have to keep your eyes open out there and be smart. If you do then you can fish there in a 22' no problem at all.

[Perch]

“On the day the boat swamped, there were 10 or 20 boats playing with fire, chasing bass boils right next to shore on the southside of montauk, with 6-8 ft swells rolling in. It was a formula for disaster from the start.” Mike: This captain happens to be a valued friend, so I know what went down. For the record, he was not one of the boats “playing with fire” or “chasing boils next to [or even close to] shore.” He was WAY out off the sewer pipe, and a rogue wave caught him while his sports were both leaning to one side. Then a slow roll. S**t happens. The message for all of us who fish Montauk or any rough water is this: If it can happen to this captain (and none has been out there longer or is more careful or more successful or has a better reputation), then it can happen to any of us. I was waiting to see how long before this news got up on RT. I hope we can avoid the nasty pettiness of a few cowardly posters on a site that shall be nameless who have logged on for the first time just to kick this great guy when he’s down--‘cause they’re jealous of his success. I am happy to say, however, that they got nuked by most posters. If you want to find this captain in his new boat, just look for bent rods.

[Albiemanmike]

“On the day the boat swamped, there were 10 or 20 boats playing with fire, chasing bass boils right next to shore on the southside of montauk, with 6-8 ft swells rolling in. It was a formula for disaster from the start.” Mike: This captain happens to be a valued friend, so I know what went down. For the record, he was not one of the boats “playing with fire” or “chasing boils next to [or even close to] shore.” He was WAY out off the sewer pipe, and a rogue wave caught him while his sports were both leaning to one side. Then a slow roll. S**t happens. The message for all of us who fish Montauk or any rough water is this: If it can happen to this captain (and none has been out there longer or is more careful or more successful or has a better reputation), then it can happen to any of us. I was waiting to see how long before this news got up on RT. I hope we can avoid the nasty pettiness of a few cowardly posters on a site that shall be nameless who have logged on for the first time just to kick this great guy when he’s down--‘cause they’re jealous of his success. I am happy to say, however, that they got nuked by most posters. If you want to find this captain in his new boat, just look for bent rods.

Perch,
Please do not misunderstand my post. I meant no ill will towards Capt. Dixon. Although I do not know him personally I have fished near/next to him on many occasions and he has always been a gentleman while I was around. I have no dog in a useless fight over something that could have potentially been deadly. I did not know all the facts and was just trying to guess at what possibly happened. Thank you for posting the rest of the story. As you staed it can happen to any one and I can tell you I am always looking around to make sure that I am fully aware of my surroundings and what is coming. I have as stated previously been close to disaster myself and learned a great lesson that day. That by doesn't mean that I couldn't someday get caught as Paul did I just try to be very vigilant while I am piloting the boat to keep myself and any passengers as safe as humanly possible.

I am happy to hear he and his passengers all made it through the incident unscathed and will all fish another day.

[Perch]

Didn’t misunderstand, Mike. And I know you meant no ill will. Just wanted to correct everyone’s general impression that Paul was crowding the shore. We’ve all had close calls--like the time a wave filled my boat with water, and I was hanging over the edge with the broken off steering wheel in my hand. I watched another guide’s boat turtle a couple years ago and Blinken and I pulled the sport out of the break. Everyone who fishes Montauk has learned from this. And again, if it can happen to Paul, it can happen to anyone

[mikesopals]

Perch-thanks for getting out the rest of the story. Great news that everyone is ok. You are definately right about running into problems if you are out there long enough...........definately been a tough spot a few times myself!!
Mike G