Bass boat on the Bay?

I don't think I would take it out on the bay. I saw one out there once and when a breeze came up he had a real problem getting back to shore , not the ramp.

You are just going to have to pick the right day. I’ve seen 14ft aluminum boats out at 1 and 2 before..


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Limited use on the bay with it

Better have two bilge pumps

Limited use for sure on the bay. I fished my ranger out there before but you have to pick the right day. When the wind and waves pick up which can happen pretty quick it can be a butt puckering experience trying to get back to your launch sight. Even my 18 foot StarCraft aluminum has had a tough go when crazy weather comes in. Your looking at an inland lk. Boat to be safe. Good luck.

The problem with the bay is the damn waves are so close together. If your small boat isn't deep enough and you get caught in a blow you'll be eating waves over the bow.

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Pick a port where it's blowing offshore on a 10-15 day or less and don't go out to far and you be fine. Alot of weedbeds and reefs close ish to shore that hold fish all summer.

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Lots of Bass Boats on the Bay. Just be smart

LGB said:

Lots of Bass Boats on the Bay. Just be smart

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This, there are days where there are more bass boats at some launches than multi-specie boats. Pick the right day and if the wind does start to pick up get in. Trim up a bit get the bow high and they can take an amazing amount of water without issue.

The boat can way more in the way of waves then you can.

Bass tournaments run in 6fters all the time.

Most bass rigs have two bilges and float when completely submerged.

As many have said, you just have to pick your days and BE SMART about taking risks. The Bay tried to kill me once in an 18' Pro V and I kissed the ground when we finally made it in, so I'm a little anal about safety out there. Erie can be just as bad also.

I’d say if ya primarily walleye fish get at least a 16 ft. deep V. I have a 1994 17.5 Seanymph Great Lakes Special that is fine on the bay and even salmon fishes on Lake Michigan.
Good luck

I would rather be in a 14 ft tin can in weather than a bass boat just saying

I agree.

Ive seen bass boats rigged for salmon 10 miles out in lake michigan. That being said the waves are a lot closer together in the bay so be careful.

Lumberman said:

The boat can way more in the way of waves then you can.

Bass tournaments run in 6fters all the time.

Most bass rigs have two bilges and float when completely submerged.

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I'm sorry, but I've never heard of any tournaments ran in 6 fters on the bay. You'd need a NE wind and small craft warning for those waves, and they cancel all tourneys then.

Some man’s 3 footers are another man’s 6. No way your running in true six footers. Most captains wouldn’t go in their 30 footer in that

Weightman54 said:

I'm looking to buy a used boat and ran across a good deal on a Stratos 201 elite bass boat. I primarily walleye fish and know it would be fine on most lakes I fish, however I'd like to fish the bay as well. Is there anyone who uses one on the bay and how does it do? Is it fine for chop? Only will handle a little chop?

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Back in the 80’s I went out on Munoscong bay in a buddy’s bass boat when slight wind came up. Waves were between 1 and 1 1/2 footers! All three of us were drenched when we got to shore and swore we would never do that again! He had moved up from Pontiac area where he fished bass tournaments mostly! After that day he decided to sell the boat and bought a deep v which was much more comfortable to be in. Just our preference but will never be caught in a situation like that again!