Sidney Channel current direction, how does it work?

[GrandBanksTom]

I was trying to make sense of this chart that I found: http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/locations/5851.html

I'm assuming that the green/blue key reflects changes in the current's direction. Is this correct? I know the Sidney Channel current can be really strong at times so it makes sense to try plan your trips around the current (i.e. travel with the current).

Is there a way for me to figure out what times the current changes in the channel (slack), what direction it is heading (i.e. north/south), and what times they current is at max speed (max ebb/flood)?

Thanks all.

 

[Rum Buddies]

that's a tide chart, which will only tell you the height of the water, not the speed or direction of the current. IMO tide charts are pretty useless for fishing, you want to know the currents. There isn't a current station directly in Sidney, but if you use the link below you can find one on either side and guesstimate for Sidney.

http://www.bigwavedave.ca/latest.php?dir=Tides2&file=Tidal

Blue dots are current stations, use those and look for slack.

 

[GrandBanksTom]

Poppa, thanks for this info. Those stations are pretty waaaaaaay out from the Sidney Channel so I dont know how accurate my guesstimate would be. Are there any other tables that have more accurate info out there (or a chart one can buy in a local store?). Thanks!

 

[NautiGirl]

look at the saanichton bay and Sidney markers on the bigwavedave tides and currents forecasting map. They are very close.
Sidney is also on pacific northwest tides at http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/sid
The kellett bluff marker on the San Juan Island side is also helpful at http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/kell

Outgoing heads towards victoria. The only totally accurate measurement is when your boat is actually moving with the current.

Either way fishing is good both ways in the channel for salmon. Coal is better on the ebb.

 

[GDW]

Yes there is a current atlas and Murray tables that you can buy that provide a detailed overview of what's happening in the straight each day. It was worth the investment for me. I think its called juan de fuca current atlas. Go into tro TAC they will set you up. Get a quick lesson on how to read it while your there. You need the atlas AND the tables for the year. You can find tables free but they don't cost much in store.

I use it for planning fishing trips I don't use it to plan general navigation but there are certainly a few spots around the South Island to avoid when the tide is really ripping. I think you'll learn those on the water more than in a book though.

 

[SpringVelocity]

Second that the tables are more specific for the area and way more reliable an accurate than web based stuff.

 

[cheifman]

I use the currant atlas to plan all my trips since I only go 8 knots. Its great for cruising and fishing.

 

[GrandBanksTom]

I use the currant atlas to plan all my trips since I only go 8 knots. Its great for cruising and fishing.

Great, thanks guys. TroTac it is. Chief, do you have a trawler? If so, do you have a kicker installed or how do you work the downriggers at slower speeds. Thanks.

 

[cheifman]

I have a 3270 I just troll on one engine or both depending how windy it is. On one I can go really slow but the steering is not great so in the wind I will leave both running and just steer with the engines.