A marine forecast is the starting point, not the entire weather plan. Before leaving, compare the National Weather Service marine forecast with current radar, buoy observations and the wind direction at the ramp. Mobile Bay can become uncomfortable quickly when wind opposes tide, and a calm shoreline does not always reflect conditions farther from land.
Continue watching the sky and water after departure. Building dark clouds, a sudden cool outflow, increasing whitecaps, distant thunder or a rapid wind shift are reasons to shorten the trip. Set conservative limits before leaving so the decision to turn around is not being made after passengers are already uncomfortable.
Keep more than one way to receive information. A charged phone is useful near shore, but a VHF marine radio provides weather alerts and boat-to-boat or boat-to-shore communication where cellular service is unreliable. Tell someone ashore where you are going, who is aboard and when you expect to return.
When lightning, a waterspout or a severe storm threatens, the goal is not to outrun it. Move toward the nearest safe harbor while there is still time, have everyone wear a properly fitted life jacket and reduce speed as visibility deteriorates. No fishing plan, reservation or social event is worth forcing a marginal weather window.