I've had my 12 foot springbok offshore (we call it onshore) lots of times to work the shoals. I'm never more than a mile out and always check the marine broadcasts before I go though. Learned it from my dad. Here's the old feller with the tinny out on a nice day working the shoals:
I have a small weather radio I take with me also for unforcasted changes.
Anything over sea state 2 is a no go for me. Sea state 3 is completely out of the question (start to see white caps, around 3 foot seas).
I also can't believe guys would tie a sea anchor (or any anchor) anywhere but at the bow.
Bow into the waves, always.
Must be the difference between a lake and ocean mindset.
I can see how you may want to keep the boat in an orientation when working a lake shore, but open water tells you how you're going to point you don't tell it.
Meh, maybe it's just because I was raised on/around the Atlantic....try going 20 miles off in a 16 foot open boat (admittedly, wooden, 2-3 feet of free board and a proper bow) to jig some cod on the grounds. You learn respect for open water reaaaaaaaal fast....
I'd say these dudes have a new respect.....