noaa reports. usually wrong

[great gricey]

I went out last night after looking at the report on the noaa site - it said waves 1 ft or less. Bull____ I was in 4 footers within 1/2 mile. Next time I am going to go directly to the lake and look. So many times the site said that the lake was calm. Is this usual?

[Fishfry08]

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/LE/146.html




I do use this site as a starting point. Besides the report, I look at the actual wave height at the Buoy's.

Agreed, often times the reports are inaccurate and you need to look at the lake or request a wave report on your radio from a fellow boater if you are unsure.

[shouldn't have]

Ahhh, the good ole weather reports. Lake Erie is always a mystery when it comes to predicting the waves. If your boat is not big enough to handle 3-5's at any point in time, then you should be paying attention to the weather constantly and checking the lake before you head. I boated the last 10 years with an 18' open bow. Most of the time everything was good. Got caught a couple of times in water that made me somewhat uncomfortable. I was finally able to set up to a 28', but I still really watch the weather.

Anyway, before I go out, I check a couple of different sources.
My favorite site is this one. This link goes to 5 miles north of Eastlake, but you can click anywhere.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php

Second Favorite
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ndfd/graphic...eWeek.php#tabs

Then I check the open water forecast
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Foreca...US61.KCLE.html

And finally I go to weather.com and check out the hourly forecast paying attention to the forecasted wind speed.

When all else fails, check the lake yourself or stay home!

Hope these links help.
Scott

[assassin]

Listened to 3 different local TV stations over the weekend and heard 3 dif. reports. Besides NOAA,I look at the lake- http://www.qsl.net/n8kt or www.lakevision.com and pick your closest loc. After all that,still not sure. But good day Sat.-perch limit N of Geneva in 63ft. an 4 eyes betw the 59-01N line/57-54lineW-dipsys 2setting @ 200ft. DEEEP!

[MBLMIKE]

Same problem small boat and a real big lake . so I have become friends with several bait stores that also run charter services I call them in advance of my trip and get there advice on going out in my boat you cant beat an eye witnesses to the current conditions . I buy my bait and tackle from these guys to keep them around .

[great gricey]

Thanks for the sites. I especially like the lakevision.com - nice to see the lake before I hook up the boat and drive there. Lake Erie can be a scary place at times. . . .

[Lmoore24]

Thanks for the great information! I always went with noaa as the "bible" of forecasts. It's nice to have other sites to check.

[Fishfry08]

Went out Saturday morning about 9:00 a.m.
Looked up the Noaa lake forecast on the net and it coincided with the local news station, 1-3 footers. By noon, I was easily in 5 footers directly out of the east, some maybe bigger.

[Jason Ferrick]

Went out Saturday morning about 9:00 a.m.
Looked up the Noaa lake forecast on the net and it coincided with the local news station, 1-3 footers. By noon, I was easily in 5 footers directly out of the east, some maybe bigger.

out of conneaut 6-8' by 2pm

[great gricey]

I sure wouldn't want to be out there this week. 13 footers!