With your 55lb thrust with regard to difficulty against the tide, are you referring to the channel I was fishing in and wrote about, or tides in general?
One option you might try on a nice day is putting in at Baldwin Bridge and taking out down behind Great Island on the east side of the river. You would need a drop off car, but wouldnt have to fight back up against the current. Jordan Cove and The Barn (Stonington) are also nice, sheltered put ins for small boat, yaks, etc.
I was told I would need a resident pass to use the Baldwin Bridge launch. Is that correct?
I'm just looking for a safe place where the chances of catching quality fish are as good as the "hairy" locations. If that is possible.