At times when it's rough, you have to time your shots precisely as the bird appears and you crest a wave. I've come to rely on larger gauges, and heavier loads for the much-needed knockdown power in these conditions.

For example, my gun of choice is a 12-gauge, with interchangeable chokes, firing 3-inch magnum shells. I usually go with the modified choke and increase my shot size from a commonly used No. 6 or 4 pellet, up to a larger and heavier No. 2 shot. Besides the extra dropping power of the larger pellets, the extra weight seems to make them carry a bit better in heavy winds. Although the layout boat will put you in the position to take plenty of shots under 30 yards, it's good to have the extra reaching power to knock down birds at 40 yards or better.

This two-mile stretch of shoreline has a large trough loaded with sea grass near shore, with an outer bar along which the divers are prone to travel. It provides an ideal area for a gunner to set up in a layout boat.

Similar situations can also be found along the shores of the East Bay as well.

First and foremost, proper lifejackets should always be aboard the vessels, and should always be worn during transit time. That applies to the person running around in the tender boat as well. It is not a bad idea to keep the jacket on when hunting in the layout boat as well.

In most instances, you will be in relatively shallow water during the actual hunt, so a good pair of neoprene chest waders with a tight belt around the waist can keep you warmer, and if you get out or fall out of the boat, can keep you dry, while maintaining body heat.

"Devices like chart plotters, cell phones, VHF radios, waterproof matches, cans of Sterno hand warmers, flares and a powerful spotlight are good to take along during big-water hunts," Capt. Jones noted. "Plus, when handing guns back and forth out of boats, always make sure the chamber is open and the guns are unloaded."

Also, in case of any emergency, some contact information that you should have on board is the telephone number for the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Panama City, which is (904) 234-2475. Also, for problems that don't qualify as emergencies, but when you are stranded, Sea Tow or Tow Boat U.S. can be reached on Channel 16 using a VHF radio.

Another ramp is at the east end of the bay on Collegiate Drive in Richard Simpson Park. At the extreme western end of West Bay, a public launch ramp is located in B.V. Buchanan Park, where the Intracoastal Waterway exits the bay. The boat ramp is at the south end of the state Route 79 bridge over the ICW.