OCMD to Lumpy via Chincoteague Inlet?

[BuffaloHunter]

Just wanted to ask the OCMD guys what they though of or had any experience with heading down the bay and out Chincoteague inlet to get to places like Lumpy Bottom, Crotch, Parking lot etc??? Twice last year we went the whole way in the Ocean in a head-to sea which SUCKED both times. The time of year when the BFT's are at those spots tends to be dominated by a SSW wind also making heading SSE a real ***** in a 25 footer. Just wondering the possibility/ease of just zooming down to Chincoteague and saving some pounding.

I've been as far down as about 5 or so miles South of South Point, but never from OC all the way to Chincoteague via the bay. Thoughts??

[Bert Rodgers]

Do the math. Lumpy is 37 nm off of Chinc
50nm from OC.

It would be easier to just tow down to Chinc and launch at Curtis Merrit, or just deal with the run.

Bert

[flndrpndr23]

Just wanted to ask the OCMD guys what they though of or had any experience with heading down the bay and out Chincoteague inlet to get to places like Lumpy Bottom, Crotch, Parking lot etc??? Twice last year we went the whole way in the Ocean in a head-to sea which SUCKED both times. The time of year when the BFT's are at those spots tends to be dominated by a SSW wind also making heading SSE a real ***** in a 25 footer. Just wondering the possibility/ease of just zooming down to Chincoteague and saving some pounding.

I've been as far down as about 5 or so miles South of South Point, but never from OC all the way to Chincoteague via the bay. Thoughts??

Brian,
It is not a bad ride. Went to Chincoteague for lunch a couple of years ago. Be aware the markers change sides at the Virgina line. I believe it was well under 2 hours to get there.
Doug

[krabill]

Real skinny water a little south of the assateague bridge.

Also remember that they are building the new bridge to chincoteague and who knows if this is going to block up the inland waterway this summer for a while. Last word is was not going to, but that has changed a few times so far.

If you have a tall boat/tower then you have to wait for the current bridge to open every hour and a half from 6am to midnight, its on command from midnight to 6am.

The new bridge is supposed to be on command whenever, but I bet that changes too.

[BigSteads]

Last time I made the run you eventually get to a point where you run out of markers, and it is assumed 4' depth across the entire "bay" then you pick back up on the marks somewhere around greenbackville, then you have to wait for the bridge at Chincoteague island which usually isn't bad. I know 'topless' runs out of greenbackville, dunno if he is on here or not. It is easier to take the beating out in open water and just make the run. you will spend 10-20minutes in chincoteagues inlet anyway from the draw bridge out might as well spend the 5 in OC, and hit open water faster. You get stuck behind a novice in chincoteagues inlet it will start your day off real shitty if you choose to pass on the wrong part of the channel.

[BuffaloHunter]

Thanks Doug, I have heard the ride down doesn't take long at all.

Bert, I figure if I can go 50knots to Chincoteague, then head out, I'll get there just as fast if not sooner than guys leaving OC. We have considered Trailoring down to Chincoteague or even Wachapreague. Save a hell of a lot more gas that way too. Or I could just not be a pussy...

[BigSteads]

Thanks Doug, I have heard the ride down doesn't take long at all.

Bert, I figure if I can go 50knots to Chincoteague, then head out, I'll get there just as fast if not sooner than guys leaving OC. We have considered Trailoring down to Chincoteague or even Wachapreague. Save a hell of a lot more gas that way too. Or I could just not be a pussy...

Best bet. Just take it easy in that inlet at 50knts. You ever run it before?

[Bert Rodgers]

Just keep in mind, the difference in the run from inlet to Lumpy is 13nm. The course from OC is aprox 180 degrees
and 135 from Chinc.

Even at 50 mph it will take you longer running down to Chinc inside then running out. It's a 25 mile run from OC to the draw bridge. You have about 3 miles of no wake zone from the draw bridge to the inlet and then a 37 nm run off shore to Lumpy.

Bert

[BuffaloHunter]

Thanks for all the feedback,

Steads- I've fished in Chincoteague before and I know what a cluster the inlet/drawbridge can be, good point.

The weather on two of the 4 occasions we went that way was questionable at best, head-to sloppy 4-5 footers in an small open boat. Just wanted thoughts on a possible back up plan to make the morning a little more comfortable. I will say though, you're rewarded for a shitty ride out with following seas on the ride home.

[Bert Rodgers]

I will say though, you're rewarded for a shitty ride out with following seas on the ride home.

That's the way I look at it. I always prefer beating my way out to beating my way home.

Bert