Handlining Question

[Islander]

hey guys, I have a wide beam 12 foot boat with comfortable offsetting seats (good on the back) and I thought it would be great for handlining. I have a Johnson 9.9 on it now as it is rated for a 15 HP. Anyone use a similar boat for pulling wire. It would be much easier than my 18 foot Crestliner. Thanks.

Bud

[fatboy]

Islander, How do you steer and control the kicker ?

[Islander]

Fatboy, for which boat, the 18 footer or 12?

[fatboy]

Islander,sorry I miss read your post. Heck try the 12.It should be good when there is not alot of traffic.(PFD close at hand though) I do like being able to stand sometimes myself.

[Tin Can]

Just becareful, I have have a 15 foot LOWE, 33" sides (very high concidering it is only 15 ft long, sits higher than most 16 footers), last year very calm night some loser in a boat approximately 40 foot long went by and was only about 40 yards away and left a huge wake. I actually took a wave over the side off the boat about 75 gallons worth. Good thiunk I have a Bilge Pump

I would not try in front of the Ren Cen with this size boat.

Belle Is Bridge, Cow Pasture, High Rise, Rooster Tail I would think that you should be OK.

The problem is that by the time that you realize that you have a problem, your lines are still down and you can't easily change your boats heading to minimize the impact of the oncoming waves. And you usually have to take them which ever way they come, a big wake that is breaking as it is coming towards you I would think will come over the side.

Big Boats go by in the other areas but for some reason, if I am going to have a problem it just always seems to be in front of the Ren Cen when it does happen.

Tin Can (Eric)

[Islander]

Thanks guys, I was concerned over the very points made. The way boat traffic is today, and the lack of courtesey on the water, perhaps I would be better off using that 12 on the inland lakes. Thanks much.

[OLE065]

Islander, I have handlined the river now for a little under 30 years. The 12 footer is a no no out there. Your just lookin' for a problem by getting swamped. Best bet is a deep 14 foot with straight transom if poss. Between the power squadron boys, and the usual cowboys out there riding around you need to pay extra attention to the wake size comming at you while you fish. I've had some close calls in the river around alter rd. even during the day. Be careful ! :bash:

[Islander]

Ole65, thanks for the input. Based on all the responses I have received, it is best to not temp fate. Experience is the best teacher, and based on all the recommendations i will pass on using the 12 footer on the river. Thanks again guys.