Hey Makro, I've tried to answer this as best I can, there is plenty more that could be added to this by others. For 2 and 3, there are lots of options but I've outlined my process for planning a trip, hope it helpsmakro wrote: 1. What are the typical easy spots to start out at?
2. Where to get a reputable forecast information (BOM, Willy weather)
3. What data points do experienced yakers look at before they make a decision to go out
4. How do you decide what times to fish between. I have seen threads where yakkers have got stuck in the mud!
5. When you get to the water what signs do you look for to make a last go/no go decision
6. When you are on the water what are the tell tale signs to call it a day or risk getting into a spot of trouble.
Cheers
Makro
1. What are the typical easy spots to start out at?
Based on the info below, easy launches are the ones with low tide flow (North PPB) on a day with light winds. Light offshore winds are even better.
2. Where to get a reputable forecast information (BOM, Willy weather)
I use both of the above in combination but there are other sources.
3. What data points do experienced yakers look at before they make a decision to go out?
Wind strength
I use BOM Meteye cross checked with Willyweather to get the wind speed in knots for the duration of my intended trip and for the hours either side. I find Willyweather is usually accurate with the time of wind direction changes but not always for strength. Here is a good kayaking guide to what the water looks like at various wind strengths:
http://www.kayarchy.com/html/03thesea/003wind.htm
Consider the conditions along with the type of fishing planned. If you are drifting flicking sp's for example, you might be going too fast even with a drogue out! If you are soaking baits at anchor however it might not matter as much provided you can anchor and retrieve safely in wind and you don't mind a few waves coming in over the back.
Wind direction
Compare the wind direction to a map of your intended launch on Google maps, if the wind is coming onshore (from the water towards land) the bay will have chop ( short sharp wind waves not to be confused with swell) if the wind is offshore (from land out into the bay) then the water will be flatter. There is another consideration though offshore winds blow you away from your launch and you have to paddle/peddle against it to get home whereas for onshore winds you paddle out against it initially but have a following sea coming back. Due to the shape of the bays you can usually move your intended launch around the other side to get an offshore wind. Eg onshore at Altona head over to Ricketts.
Tides
In areas where the tide flows hard, the direction a tide is going compared to the wind can affect the water. Tide and wind in the same direction is good, tide and wind in opposite directions stands the water up and tide and wind in 90 degrees to each other means you boat will swing at anchor and its harder to keep you lines where you want them.
Local knowledge of the launch area
Fishing a new spot is probably best done with someone who knows the area, they might not give you their spot X but are very likely to warn you of local hazards ; strong tides, exposed reef, bommies etc If you can't fish with someone you can learn a lot by visiting the launch spot beforehand at low tide to look for obstacles that are hidden at high tide.
Knowledge of your own equipment
Consider the seaworthiness of your boat - length/shape, did you use sealant for any mods you did, are things blocking your paddle stroke if you need to get off the water in a hurry?
Safety gear - PFD, bilge pump, spare paddle, torch
Visibility - lights/flag is there fog forecast?
4. How do you decide what times to fish between. I have seen threads where yakkers have got stuck in the mud!
Tide changes and the hour either side are very productive bite times. In areas like WP where at times you need to travel some distance to your spot and the tide can run hard, it is better to use the tides in your planning eg launch and use the outgoing tide to carry you down to your spot, fish across the change and use the incoming tide to carry you back to launch. For some species like snapper first and last light works well. If you are fishing the top of WesternPort over a low tide it will drain to a mud plain leaving deeper water only in the channels. This means you have to stay out on the water until the tide comes back in or you can't get back to land.
5. When you get to the water what signs do you look for to make a last go/no go decision
I can't tell you what conditions are right for you, only you can, but stand and watch the water for a few minutes before you launch, trust your gut feeling when it tells you things are getting hairy better to be onshore wishing you were fishing than offshore wishing you were on land. For me personally, I prefer to paddle into a headwind than have a choppy following sea but I know my boat can handle both if need be. I fish stronger winds at anchor than I would drifting because it is usually more productive. If there are consistent whitecaps how comfortable would you be? Fishing should be enjoyable after all. Also when I want to push myself I always fish with other people.
6. When you are on the water what are the tell tale signs to call it a day or risk getting into a spot of trouble.
Go back to the photos in the beaufort scale link above, if you notice a change in the water, the wind is picking up, was that expected in the forecast or not? If not, then the forecasters probably got it wrong or a change is coming in earlier than forecast. What way is your boat facing/drifting? Has the wind direction changed? Check for an updated weather forecast on your phone/VHF and make the call to move in closer or head in. Keep an eye on the sky for storm fronts/fog rolling in and lastly when in Rome... If everyone around you is packing up in a hurry and heading in there is probably a good reason why!
