Crossing SLP from Cold Pass to West Bay

[Theheathster]

What is a good way to cross from Cold Pass (at SLP Park) over SLP to Galveston bay without hitting bottom? I’d like to get into Galveston Bay in my 16 ft modified Jon but I don’t want to hit a sandbar and get swamped by a roller. Any tips or tricks?

[Longhornbubba]

Won't be any rollers just go slow the tides shift the sand bars in that area.

[Theheathster]

Won't be any rollers just go slow the tides shift the sand bars in that area.

So just go straight across from SLP park to the opposite corner of the bay?

[Spots and Dots]

Yea take it slow
The bars do shift but a great way to see the way is google earth on your phone.
It’s close enough to help you stay away from the main bars

[Ibtsoom]

You gotta run down the shoreline of mud island and take a right in front of bird island. Then you have to thread the needle between reefs while you’re running east. I’d pretty much idle it till you get it marked on the GPS.


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[coachlaw]

There really isn't a "Good" way that you can depend on. Look on Google Earth and plan a route. Then take it slow and easy. You'll want to cross over Cold Pass almost to Mud Island and take a right in that very deep channel. It branches off along the island to the left to go to Mud Cut or you can continue to Bird Island, but stay to the right to keep out of trouble. From there I'm sure it's different from the last time I went. I generally just stay in the SLP area and haven't ventured into West Bay proper in years. So I can't be too much help. Take it slow and have a push pole in the boat.

[Williep]

It's been a while but this is the route I alway's used.

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[Ibtsoom]

It's been a while but this is the route I alway's used.

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That’s it. Just do it slow the first time.


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[Steve_A]

It's been a while but this is the route I alway's used.

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That used to be my route also, but now instead of turning left after Bird Island, go straight thru.

[Williep]

That used to be my route also, but now instead of turning left after Bird Island, go straight thru.

Cool !!!

[Robalo]

Plan on walking some and pushing your boat off a bar. If tides are low or an east wind, I wouldn't try it. Best is when water is clear and semi-high tide-you can see (kinda) the deeper water. Best to try to follow someone else and stay back about 200 yards or more.

[CBurkhalter]

There are some markers that will somewhat guide you once you pass Bird Island headed east. Best bet is to go mid afternoon when you can follow the green (deeper) water. I learned the hard way...[emoji1787] Hopped out of the boat a few times. Be careful though. Current is crazy and the bottom will fall away quick in some areas if you do have to push. [emoji476]


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[Robalo]

Follow a bigger boat. But stay about 200 yards behind at least.