How to drive in big water

[NMG]

Agree completely about finding a place to hide out if you can. A secluded bay, the calm side of an island, beached in safe spot, etc.

I'd also add that staying calm and being patient is important. If it's going to take you 45 minutes to get back safely, then that's what it has to be. Trying to scream back to the launch in a panic can cause all sorts of things to go wrong.

Like Juls said, don't just "pick a speed". Always evaluate the current conditions and adjust accordingly. Sometimes you have to go slow and steady, sometimes you'll get a bit of a break in the weather where you can pick up some speed, and sometimes you can even run the same speed as the waves and stay in a trough. The conditions will dictate how you have to drive the boat.

If you have any doubts about the weather, don't go out. If you're out and things start to turn, start heading in ASAP. No fish is worth dying over!