Running Rough Water…The 3 Worst Mistakes Most Anglers Make

Randy has a discussion on running a bass boat in rough water and big waves and covers the three biggest mistakes most anglers make #bassfishing #bass #fishthemoment #fishing #bassboat #waves 

[SamAndSamuel]

Top tip for running rough water: stay home and crack a cold one.

[billlorenz]

I agree with everything you're talking about. My first bass boat had a hot foot and I took it off. I got caught in a hell of a storm and I damn near sank that boat because of that hot foot. I speared a wave bad enough that I broke my windshield off and I had everything floating around the inside. It didn't take me long to learn exactly what you're talking about as far as reading the waves in front of you and going slow.

[erichildreth]

You are right, slow it down during rough water and it is a lot safer and sitting on the knee does work, you can see better and as you said it does help take the waves. I saw where Rick Clunn once said that he actually will sit on a boat bumper while running in rough water. He said that it absorbs the bouncing and it (of course) site you up higher so you can see. Great topic as always!!

[caseyschaller]

100% spot on Randy. Being able to understand what sort of waves/water you’re dealing with is critical and I’m not a hot foot user but can tell you visibility and throttle control are two of the most important aspects of surf operations for small boats in the Coast Guard. Positive active throttle control in rough water means holding the throttle every second not just being in contact with it which is what your foot would be resting on the pedal. As long as you’re safely able to stay connected to the seat/boat (we were belted in) and ensure constant contact to the throttle not bouncing on and off it and increasing visibility at the same time probably not a bad way to go. Or better yet, stay off the water when possible in rough conditions. Great topic.

[danlaur]

I don't know about not using a hot foot, but you are right about slowing down on big water

[charlesbailey]

Thank you for taking the time and for sharing your life experiences, so others can learn

[bwspacity]

I can’t believe they have not made a dual cable that allows to run both a hot foot and hand control. Hot foot benefits me more. But love having hand control when just cruising or scanning is priceless. Very good info. Slow and steady

[dannyhardy]

Great Stuff Randy. I’ve been fishing tournaments for over 40 years and 99% of the time when people get in trouble in rough water is exactly what you said- speed. Living in Florida and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico ( not in my bass boat) you learn to “tack” through the waves. So your comment about reading waves is spot on- watch the direction of the waves- know the direction you want to go- and plan your path accordingly.
One other “trick” I’ve found that helps- you mentioned trimming the boat down- I do but found that jacking your motor up helps out a lot. It lifts the rear, flattens the boat, and helps cushion the ride. It also helps you “carry the nose” better which is critical when you run across that one rogue wave and need to get the nose up.
As always- Great Stuff and Congratulations on 50k!! That’s awesome

[barndawg]

My uncle fished tournaments for years and years. His back is destroyed and after several surgeries, is now in a wheelchair. I never connected those dots until this video. I've been considering getting my first boat in the next year or so...these type of videos are invaluable! Thanks!

[arkvidpro]

I also have 50 years experience on the water and remember how inferior the boat seats were compared to what we have now. Anyone who would argue with your wisdom from extensive experience may have to learn the hard way. Thanks for the great advice.

[edwardcowan]

The slower your boat will stay on plane the better. Running a following sea is the most dangerous thing you can do, quartering is the way to go. Being at Pelee Island on Erie when the wind starts blowing is a life changing experience. Trying to get into the mouth of the St Lawrence off Ontario with the wind blowing 60 mph out of the West was memorable as well. Good video Randy.

[playingwithmytrains]

I've spent many years running the Potomac River and learned the hard way about safe travel. That place is no joke in windy conditions. Now whenever possible I just stay off the water when I know the conditions will be bad. And my back thanks me for it. Wish Randy and YouTube were around years ago but hopefully the young guns take note. Love your channel Randy. Keep them coming!

[oldfishermanandhisdog]

Randy what you are describing sitting on your knee is exactly what was taught a class I took years ago at the Mastercraft Ski School. They taught you to sit in your knee and absorb the shock of the wave just as if you were ridding a horse. Good stuff Man, keep um coming!

[cheetoz]

Makes perfect sense to me . Scenario 3 .the knee in the seat is a shock absorber. Excellent Mr Randy. Great video

[waynesammyswingle]

This is really good stuff. This is the video of yours that I hope goes viral. Too many people do not respect the boat and it's limitations. I believe that is mainly because they just don't know. You put out a lot of great content but this one is crazy important. Thanks

[kevinstone]

I learned everything you said 25 years ago even driving on your knee, the younger viewers should listen. it's not fun finding out the hard way when you have a experienced teacher telling you the facts.It would be awesome to see all the old schoolers start Youtube channels. Randy is a rare one whish we had more like him on here. I run the Chesapeake Bay and the waves don't get that big but with some wind, boat traffic and the tides it can become a challenge with the short distance between them and coming at you all different directions, you really need to know how to read them.be safe all

[kenbrown]

Good video Randy. I agree with all your points. Although, I think a #4 should have been added: Know your, and your boats limitations.

[frankscalise]

Couldn’t agree more on not having a Hot Foot. Learned to drive on Lake Champlain where 2 footers were a nice day. More control without a hot foot. Better sight overall without the hot foot. One day I made it back to the ramp in 8 footers and never got wet. Tuck that motor trim down walk up each wave at 9 mph. Dry as a bone. Good advice Randy.

[bigfishhoward]

I just got back from Sturgeon Bay. I found myself in rough water. I had watched this video recently and it really helped me make it back safely. Thanks Randy.

[SimplisticFishing]

Good stuff Randy! Always appreciate your insights.