What is the smallest boat you'd take to Stellwagon?

[clcharette]

I fish out of a 20 foot center console and wouldn't want to be on anything smaller. I've seen guys out there in 16's but not me.

Last trip during May codfishing on the bank the wind kicked up and it was a 2 hr ride home, not fun.

Pick a day that has light and variable staying that way for the entire day or two. Do not go out when they are forecasting afternoon winds to increase.

[nightfighter]

My 20 footer, a Grady White CC. That is as small as I would go, and I really only consider it on days that are forecast to be 1-2ft. There are 20 footers, and there are 20 footers... Mine is heavy, well built, and tight. It rides better than some 24 footers. As was said above, if you're going out there, the boat better be in 100% working condition.

Keep an eye on cumulus clouds building over the Cape Ann horizon when on the NWC, as that is a sure sign of the SW getting ready to fill in and slop things up. That's my sign to beat feet and head to the barn.