Inshore fishing the gulf

[Questor]

Larry:

I'll be down on the Florida Panhandle next June for some work and I'm wondering if my 14 foot aluminum boat would be seaworthy if I fished near shore. Do you happen to know if it tends to be windy and wavy at that time of the year?

Thanks!

[dahlberg]

Hi Q,
It can be pretty dicey in a small boat. You might consider sticking to the backwaters in the 10,000 island area, but don't get too brave and travel too far from the landing in case a storm pops up.
It can be windy any day, time or season. July is famous for storms coming out of nowhere. It's often much nastier near the beach than it is off shore due to surf.
best of luck and BE CAREFUL!,
L

[Seachaser]

I fish quite a lot on the panhandle. In protected waters, I see a lot of 14 foot boats, such as in creeks and protected waters. BUT, if you cross open waters, it can get rough. I began fishing in a 16 foot aluminum for several years, and a buddy of mine goes out 12 miles in a johnboat for grouper fishing, but not me.