The waters around the west end of the Cape Cod Canal and Hog Island Channel are truly one-of-a-kind. There are strong currents, lots of rocks and boulders, and oftentimes lots of boat traffic.
There are certain conditions here that can create potential hazards on the water.
In particular, the combination of a strong south running current from the Cape Cod Canal, colliding with a strong southwest wind can create 6+ foot standing waves at Hog Island Channel, which are large enough to capsize a small vessel.
In the following video we interview captain Shawn Brule of TowBoatUS Cape Cod/Plymouth, who regularly provides towing assistance for broken down boaters in the Buzzard's Bay area.
After performing hundreds of tows through Hog Island Channel, Shawn has learned a thing or two about the nuances and potential hazards of this area.
Please click play below to watch!
Do you have experience in Hog Island Channel?
Please let us know by leaving a comment below.
Without a doubt the west end of the Canal is one of the most popular areas for MFCC members to fish. It's a hot spot during the season for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, albies and tautog.
Our goal in sharing this video is to make all boaters on MFCC aware of the potential dangers of Hog Island Channel when the southwest wind is blowing against the current.
Tight lines! 
Ryan: Experience has taught me to visit the link below when planning a trip to the west end of the CC canal. First I view predicted tides & currents for the west end to determine when conditions will be most favorable. This site also provides tidal information for other sites inside and around the canal. I also check other sites to view predicted winds (SW) for the area.
https://tidesnear.me/current_stations/1762
You are quite right about the standing waves at Hog Island Channel. Years ago I delivered a Cheoy Lee 44’ from Quincy to South Dartmouth and encountered the aforementioned waves. I’m glad there was 44’ of boat underneath me. Anything less would have been treacherous.