Manasquan River

[Destroyer]

I don't boat the canal, but I drift bloodworms in it from the side for Stripers. I can tell you from experience that when the rip starts in the canal you'll have a monster wave that advances through the canal that you'll have to contend with. VERY scary and dangerous, so please be careful.

[dan4836]

Thanks for the info...

I did not know anything about large tide change waves. I know they exist and I always know when the tide changes in the Delaware River by a few waves but never dangerous.

I assume the canal can be dangerous to small boats such as rowboats or small bowriders. I expect the V to handle the canal without any issues.

let me know if I am correct on this.

Thanks

[captpete13]

Don't sweat the canal. It's really only bad on the weekends. Even then if you go through there with a little bow up attitude you will have no problem. I only took one wave over the bow of my V and it's because I was letting my daughter drive and she went into a wave at almost idle speed which let the bow dip down. Not really a big deal with the windshield closed. Just be careful going in and out of that marina. I suggest practicing during the week when there is less traffic. Slowly progress to going in and out with more and more current till you are confident.

[SkunkBoat]

When it is bad keep the bow up you'll be ok. That means be prepared to goose it. Let everyone onboard know that you may have to goose it at any time.

Again, its not always bad but if the current is running...
Stay in the middle.
Always remember that you can't turn if you are moving downstream slower than the current. Sailboats have almost no control. Give them room.

I used to have a tin boat that I launched at the dirt ramp near the Marine Police station.You are going to be entering the canal from the side.
From years of experience launching and fishing in the canal ...
Be damn sure your motor is not going to konk out as you enter the canal.
People won't be paying attention to YOU entering the canal.
always approach the entrance to your marina from downstream, even if that means passing it and hanging a u turn in the canal.
Turning and turning about are very different in a current. That is the main reason for boats smacking the bulkheads and bridge. Practice safely and get used to it.
Please, wear life jackets in the canal. Things happen fast.

In my tin boat I saved 2 drifting boats and was saved once just before drifting into the canal from the bay side and once I drifted from Bridge Ave to Rt88 while cleaning out the fuel filter as my buddy held us off the bulkhead with an oar.

I used to fish the canal religiously in the tin boat at night on the high& slow tide. Great striper fishing. The area at the mouth of the bay is Dales Point. there can be awesome fluking there at times and winter flounder is great.
Back in the day before limits we caught 15 pounds of winter flounder fillets one 80 degree day in March. I don't fish the canal or bay with the V20. Its all yours.

[SkunkBoat]

I was delivering in Point Pleasant yesterday and stopped into Garden State Marina at the Rt35 bridge just to see what they might have. Got a slip next to the bridge for $1800!

I'm so glad I procrastinated sending in my slip renewal!

[captpete13]

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

I was delivering in Point Pleasant yesterday and stopped into Garden State Marina at the Rt35 bridge just to see what they might have. Got a slip next to the bridge for $1800!

I'm so glad I procrastinated sending in my slip renewal!

Nice! Those slips are a little tricky with the tide running. But well worth the money.

[dan4836]

That's a great price! I called around and I could not find anything that close to the inlet for anywhere near that cost if you could find availability.

Being on the canal should fit me because I will be using the bay ofter with my two boys (11 & 13) If I was only fishing, I would want to be on the river.

I am not familiar with the area at all and never used Manasquan Inlet.

I have knowledge of Shark River and Cape May.

I think the Bay will provide a lot of entertainment for the wife and kids when not hard core fishing!