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Thinking about this a little more I'm fairly surprised there is much discussion at all about putting the plugs back in while underway, fishing, or just while simply being in the boat for that matter. If the boat has a self bailing cockpit, putting the plugs in completely negates that exact feature. I guess if the boat sits really weird or is a smaller boat that easily tilts and you're constantly dealing with water washing around the cockpit you could make a slight case for using plugs. Personally I would just wear boots considering the places we usually fish for stripers from a boat. Waves happen fast.
When you're docked, you definitely want the plugs out. If the scuppers are plugged (be it with plugs or leaves) water can accumulate in the boat and unless your deck plates are water tight (that's rare) it will find it's way into the bilge. Then you are at the mercy of your bilge pump and batteries.
I guess there's a reason they are telling you to put the plugs in while fishing or cruising but in all the self bailing cockpit boats I've been on I can't see why you would.
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