Safely Navigating the Delta?

[Zipperwurm]

Hi all, new to the forum here from SoCal! I'll be taking my very first trip to the Delta next month, been wanting to go for a long time. I'm a little intimidated about navigating it though. I'm not used to driving my boat in such shallow water, i don't think im ever on plane in less than 20' out here, lol. I have Navionics and it looks like most of the sloughs and canals are 10' or less, aside from the main river channels. I was wondering if anyone might have some tips or pointers for me on how fast i should be going through some of these places and things to watch out for? Thanks!

[porkoman]

My first comment is watch out for other boats. Once you leave main channel there are blind spots everywhere. Tule berms are a hazard. Not trying to scare you. Just drive alert. Most sloughs contain grass beds vs big wood and rocks in each channel area. No big deal. Tremendous fishery. Enjoy.

[DaLa]

No worries, other traffic is of more concern than depth. do not cut corners and stay in your "lane" around corners and you will be ok.

Tide can swing four feet, so what was "deep" may not be so upon your return...

Have fun, I have not seen any bass boats stuck in the mud.

Dave.

[ACRon]

If you on the trolling motor fishing along the channel and a large ship gesso by pay attention. Not only will the wake throw you up on a tule bern high and dry but when the they pass the water pulls out and empties shallow area and flats. Again high and dry until the water floods back in.

[Freefall]

Good advice, especially how tide can effect areas. There's a lot of submerged hazards that tide can hide. Just be smart, mark or make mental notes of sand bars and hazards that you see or graph.

It's an amazing fishery with enormous potential. It just takes time to learn.

Always ware a pfd and kill switch when under power.

[Zipperwurm]

Thanks all for the feedback. Sounds like I may be overthinking it a little