How to drive a boat in rough water

[@johngaruccio7897]

By far one of the best explanations of rough water. I’m from Pa. And fished Erie several times. I currently have the same boat you said you had proteam tracker txw175 with a 60 hp. I’ve had that boat in situations where where I was scared but did exactly what you said to get back to the launch safely and was surprised how well this boat handled the rough water. At the same time I know what can happen and my best advice is stay off the water if you know it’s going to be dangerous!

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@johngaruccio7897 thanks for watching. That big water is nothing to play around with!

[@thomasreffle8313]

I watched many rough water videos but this was one of the finest. Thank you for being so clear with your explanation! Especially with what happens when you "fill up the boat" and how it can turn and flip over. Makes us all think. You may have saved a life or two. Well done young man

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@Pete-from-Tn]

Got caught on Sardis lake in a 16ft Polar craft. 70+ MPH winds blowing west to the east. We were in 5ft of water, and the prop was throwing mud at the bottom of the swells.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

That place can get nasty. I was in an Express that split wide open in the middle of Sardis once... scary.

[@davidmartin7256]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience!

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@davidmartin7256 you're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@wadehobaugh3542]

I fished with Jimmy on day 2 at chic 2 years ago , we had heavy rain , lightening and big waves and the way he acted on the water made me feel very comfortable and felt good about the rest of the ride in. Thanks Jimmy for putting safety 1st.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

That was a fun day, and we had to deal with a crazy strong rain and wind front. Thanks for that compliment my friend!

[@wadehobaugh3542]

It was fun, I got to watch you catch 20 lbs along with a 7 lber and all I could catch was walleye lol

[@charlesbailey8527]

Great explanation and for sharing your experiences

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@jerryh3302]

Good video. I never thought about dropping the poles.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@martyaustin6545]

Great advice Jimmy, good job young man

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thanks a lot!

[@stevehardy7757]

Would deploying a drift sock hooked to the bow be a good idea in a situation where the boat is swamped and power has been lost?

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

I guess that would be your best option in that worst case scenario. You will still likely take waves over the bow but hopefully the bilge still works and can catch up. It would definitely help prevent the boat from rolling over.

[@GarageofHope]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thank you for the support!

[@JonGunnerOutdoors]

I used to have a 19ft Champion. Best rough water boat I had. Got caught in one storm during a tournament and we had to go across the lake we were fishing. It was almost like you could see the wind and heavy rain coming like a wall. Hit the first wave that went from calm to 4ft white caps. It was like hitting a ramp. Only 50mph at 3/4 throttle and we were airborne. Speared the next wave and the engine was out of the water. Felt like forever but the boat resurfaced motor still running. Hit the livewell dump and both bilge pumps even though one was a auto pump I Hit both as the boat was full of water. Trimming up and half throttle kept the nose up and you could feel the water weight coming off. Just kept a even throttle and stayed on top of the waves and made it back to the ramp. Once safe started refilling the livewell and finished 2nd. Partner was 5th. We were soaked but never so happy to have the boat back on the trailer. A few took cover and skipped weigh in. We would have but we were already half way across the lake and pretty much committed.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

If you spend enough time outdoors, you will have to face mother nature. Being safe, smart, and educated on how to handle it are the difference makers.

[@johnharropfishing]

I just bought a 193 champ elite. its a pretty sweet boat!

[@JonGunnerOutdoors]

@johnharropfishing I am jealous 😁. Miss my old Champion! Enjoy it and Congratulations!

[@dustinevansfishing]

Very good advice, ideas and instructions. Kill switch and life jacket people!! I have a small waterproof bag for survival if I wind up ditching. Emergency blankets, fire starters, water, protein bars, flares and my cell phone is waterproof.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Thanks buddy. Definitely need a waterproof bag of survival necessities, especially up North.

[@mikelarkin5367]

Awesome stuff! Thanks

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@@mikelarkin5367 thanks for watching!

[@Iced-D143]

I like the suggestion to take the long way around next to sheltered shoreline. He leadeth me beside the still waters!

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

That's a great likening!

[@alejandrocortezpalacios3287]

Excelente explanation!!!

[@brians.4488]

Jimmy isnt it kinda hard to tear up a Phoenix? Back in the 90s we didnt have a zillion graphs and transducers to break. We use to thru bolt and fender washers and stop nuts with a dense rubber pad under the trolling motor mount along with the lock down device so it couldn't move up or down and that becomes a non issue. My father saw a guys boat after sprering one hauling ass and his wiring ripped the fiberglass down the cap !!

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@brians.4488 I haven't tore mine up yet, and she's seen some stout waves! That reinforced mounting on the trolling motor bracket is still something good to do. I dang near ripped one off on Erie once, and in my opinion it cost me winning Rookie of the Year on the FLW Tour. That's wild that the wiring tore thru the glass! That's one heck of an impact.

[@dramag27]

Great video. We're looking at upgrading from our tin rig. As a Phoenix guy, do you think we will get wet on Rayburn in a 819?

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@dramag27 thank you. I have very limited experience in an 819, but I've seen Rayburn swelled up. I'd say you need at least a 20 footer unless you don't tournament fish and you can shop for fair weather or use certain ramps to avoid the big water there.

[@IFish118]

That's some really good advice, mate. I've owned boats most of my life but not a Bass boat; those bass boats are the F1s of the water, IMO. I'm about to pick up my first Bass boat, a "RANGER" imported from the good ole USofA. It won't see many lakes, but it will see a lot of Australia's largest river and plenty of trophy Murray Cod I'm hoping. We have a lot of Cod, but they are elusive, a fish every 1000 casts if your lucky. No live scope, I just grind all day. it feels better when you catch one, using your brains instead of tech. A trophy fish starts at 1m, around 50lb. here's hoping I don't get pulled overboard 👍🏻 Thanks again for the advice🍻

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@Second_Gutter_Crew that's so cool! Thanks for watching, and thanks for the breakdown on your style and species of fishing. Best of luck with that Ranger, you'll love it!

[@geostrong3606]

Thk u sir was very helpful I fish stclair alot

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@geostrong3606 you're welcome, thanks for watching. St. Clair is an incredible place, but it will rock a little on South winds!

[@dustinsmith9544]

Great video. Pickwick can get nasty with the current and wind.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Yes it can! Thanks for watching.

[@brians.4488]

What did you think about some of the places you fished once u started getting out of this region( mempjis area)? I kmow kentucky lake can get bad with a steong north wind against a heavy current . Im assuming it makes em stack up close together.

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@brians.4488 yes that current against wind recipe makes for taller and tighter stacked waves, no fun there. I learned real quick on the Great Lakes that if you think your equipment is secure and bulletproof, you better make it a step more solid!

[@martyaustin6545]

Jimmy, are you still with Profound?

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

Yes sir I am.

[@brians.4488]

Goimg out of the way can also help keeping u dry. Always put your partner in the spray if possible.😂

[@brians.4488]

Dude u smoked every single rough water video I've watched!! This should go on bass boat central under the videos that are recommended for new bass boat owners. There is one little thing u could add and that's about fuel consumption when making long runs in steep stacked waves you'll use 3 times more fuel as that normal run .

[@JimmyWashamFishing]

@brians.4488 thanks a ton for the compliment! You made a great point, fuel goes much faster in rough water.

[@dustinevansfishing]

🐓🐓😂

[@dustinevansfishing]

No consideration for your co-anglers wellness 😅