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.

[@dakotapreusser4138]

Facts

[@vernonneal7050]

Amen to that!

[@j-gleu1729]

Absolutely!

[@billlorenz6623]

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.

[@erichildreth7562]

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!!

[@erichildreth7562]

@@mrkrucks724 I saw this on an episode of the Bass Pros that was in the Outdoor channel. It is a good idea.

[@caseyschaller647]

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.

[@dannyhardy878]

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

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

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

[@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!

[@barndawg77]

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!

[@kevinstone9825]

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 KZbin 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

[@SimplisticFishing]

Good stuff Randy! Always appreciate your insights.

[@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.

[@cheetoz6902]

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

[@fisherguy719]

Remember, if it's really bad you don't have to get to your landing. You have to get off the lake. Any port in a storm.

[@mikesawyer6742]

Thanks Randy always good to hear from experience!!! You always use common sense with tips and your perspective. Thanks again

[@kenbrown5449]

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

[@fishinjoe9848]

Very smart advice! I think there’s a good education on riding rough water. Not only for your own safety like you mentioned Randy but even for the sake of your boat and the equipment on board. Not to mention the prop coming out of the water at high speeds on rough conditions, that’s no good either. Great video!

[@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

[@douglasspickler4925]

At one time there was, Land and Sea was the name of it. I believe the pedal did not have a spring and you had to pull back with your foot. I'm not sure about that because I have always used a hot foot on most of my boats. I don't know if it's still made. I wish TH marine would come up with a combo. I also believe Evinrude before they closed had a combination pedal/hand control. Not sure 100% never owned one.

[@edwardcowan7012]

Land and Sea did. It was a poor design.

[@tylermims]

I agree. There are so many situations on the water where it is a hindrance using a hot foot. Something simple like a quick disconnect would be great.

[@steveroush425]

I’m pretty sure Mercury Verrado has dual controls it’s wireless

[@shawnriebe4547]

I just bought a Lund Pro V and Mercury Pro XS and I can turn off my hot foot and run hand controls. Best of both worlds.

[@edwardcowan7012]

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.

[@playingwithmytrains5440]

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 KZbin were around years ago but hopefully the young guns take note. Love your channel Randy. Keep them coming!

[@DogCatpets792]

Yup, the Potomac is no joke. You don't get uniform waves here, and the tide is another factor these lake guys don't appreciate. There are days down here that a 25' CC with twins shouldn't try to navigate-ppl pay with their lives here every year is proof enough.

[@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.

[@JohnWalkerCharlotte]

This is a GREAT video, Randy. Keep 'em coming!

[@stevesteve4350]

Randy you're spot on.

[@andrewjohnson214]

Great advice. Thanks Randy

[@danlaur7973]

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

[@patrickbaynes3842]

Old school advice, always good stuff. Good luck Randy.

[@bmwstan1]

Thanks Randy.

[@cw4973]

Spot on Randy👌 Growing up on the lower Columbia river and crossing the bar to go out rock fishing and crabbing made me learn real quick how to figure it out when you have a giant tidal river mixed with wind it can make a recipe for disaster very quick! The Columbia Riiver bar didnt get the nickname "graveyard of the pacific" for no reason...Stay safe out there Randy!

[@tomcece3325]

Great advice. Even tho I have a hot foot I agree with you. A month or so ago I was on the water when there was an unfortunate death because it was so nasty. A 20 min ride took me close to an hour to get back and was on my knee the whole time. (with a hot foot) It's sort of a natural position to go to for me because I have to see what's coming. (I'm also 5'3") Since that day I've thought alot about taking the hot foot off. Also if you're driving around alot and making long runs my calf muscle is killing me especially if it's a few days in a row. Great video.

[@danielmckeen2465]

Loving the hat!!!😁getting Cold in the"Tackle Room"🤓

[@1MoreFish]

You're the best Randy!

[@frankscalise1297]

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.

[@jonathangiven9073]

Our family had a place on Lake Winnipesaukee NH for 40 years. I drove our boat since I was in my mid-teens. The waves on the big part of the lake would get to 3+’ and be stacked very close. Not too bad running “with” the waves…but heading into them was a miserable experience. The boat had plenty of free-board so I was never too concerned about “failing”. But now I have a bass boat and with the closer proximity to the water line…I’d be hesitant to head out into the waves you’ve described…8+’! Totally agree about cutting the speed. Definitely need to find that right/good boat attitude to take on the waves AND give you the visibility over the bow. Using your knee on the seat works for the driver…not so much for the passenger.

[@rickjohnson5154]

Absolutely love this channel !!!! I look forward to see what topic he comes up with next ! I’d love to know what Randy has to say about life jackets cause one would definitely have one on in this situation ! I’ve tried to go back through his videos of nearly a year but I can’t find one did I miss it ?

[@BoilerNavy]

Another recommendation that I would make based on experience is running a lower pitch prop. I ran a 19 pitch prop in rough water that limited my top end to 55, but I could easily stay on plane at 10-15 with much better boat control and throttle response.

[@ronniemitchell9221]

I agree with slowing down....! Obviously you have all the experience and are willing to share.

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

All spot on! Ran with the had throttle and the knee on the seat on all my bigger boats in big water but my bass boats have all come with hotfoots and if you sit back with your back tightly against the back rest it’ll absorb the shock to your back you speak of, they also make air ride seats now or bring a memory foam butt cushion if your a hot foot user. I have no preference on the hot foot or hand throttle I’ve simply learned for to effectively use them both.

[@joshcampo6594]

Great video Randy. A how to read and run rough water for beginners and experts would be a great series

[@tonybecker72]

Very good advice. Would love to see some on the water clips included to demonstrate your technique to be able to compare how you attach waves.

[@timjacobs1997]

My has a hot foot and riding in rough water sometimes it is hard to maintain a constant speed I agree with you buddy exactly right

[@robertfrancola8887]

I'm with you Randy. No hot foot for me. My home lakes are Havasu, Mohave and Mead. I run a Ranger 521. My legs are braced on foot rests below the console using my legs to cushion and absorb impact. Have a Fury four blade to bite the water at slower speed. And lastly I leave plenty of time to get to weigh in. Love your content.

[@howcroft22]

I’ve said it a bunch of times. You should do a video with a GoPro mounted to the windshield and do an on the water video where you show how you are going through rough water and even explain it as your going or through editing after. You are always trying to get views. This would get you a ton of views.

[@ryanvarner6520]

I'm thinking that the one knee trick would really work for a co-angler. I'll give this a try next time! Another great tip, Randy!

[@theangrybass3389]

I’ve been guilty of riding the ‘wild pony’ a few too many times LOL Definitely needed the advice!

[@ericflynn3008]

Randy, I run Lake Erie out of the islands and Lorain 95% of the time. Every time I see a video on running a boat in rough water. I have a Lund 2020, 2075 ProV and I agree 100% on the speed and running like a sail boat .

[@malcolmzoll7613]

Thanks Randy great information, I have a hot foot on my boat and that’s the reason I want to take it off methanes for sharing with us 👍

[@waynewalters5813]

Randy, I’ll give your method a shot. I have the best of both worlds DTS Mercury PRO XS 4s digital hot foot and DTS hand throttle. Chose either with a push of a button. Most people won’t spend the cash for this setup.

[@seriousmechanicing]

Great tips, I think a lot of guys forget the kill switch, very important.

[@rogerglasco5941]

Roger again. I agree with you. Years ago a man bought Rangers biggest bass boat a 393v. With that He tried to tame Lake Kissimmee with 5 footers. It killed him and destroyed the boat. It was a sad time for all of us. Too fast.

[@tennesseetharp8473]

Great content would like to hear your take on these new wake boats and the massive waves they put out

[@adrianalvarado7407]

50k subs. Congrats Randy. No reason why it won't reach 500k in a year or two. Keep up that educational content. Much appreciated experience 👍😎

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Dang that would be sweet!

[@erokraider1690]

Lol I did not expect you to say Lake Murray. Was just on it today in my kayak. Went out in the boat a few weeks ago with 20 mile an hour winds and was getting blown all over.

[@maypex18]

spot on as a guy who grew up on Lake Erie I have a place on middle bass I actually wrote a song about a Labor Day weekend storm 1987..called Erie feeling , but also randy I do the same thing with my knee on the seat so I could see better plus I have better control of rpms

[@schoocg]

50 years fishing out of a bass boat and 30 years OK and TX waters. Last 20 years Michigan. People think , and it can get nasty down south, you don’t have big waves and chop any where near what’s up here. These lakes up here can shatter your back and sink a boat in a flash . Tried a hot foot for awhile in Michigan and was struggling with back pain. After meeting other locals I noted the locals either tried and quit hot foots or learned before hand don’t do it. I learned the same way as you , to take rough water is to tucking one leg under me while sitting, as you suggested. What a massive difference in taking rough water in the back . That’s a great and smart and effective recommendation. Lastly, slow the hell down too! And my biggest pet peeve is stop buying hulls designed for 80mph. Try hulls that give you more V ( like the old Champions or newer Bass Cat Hybrid , iKon and couple others. ). They are slower but in big water they are far safer , comfortable and even faster in many conditions.

[@terrytresemer2864]

Another cold day 13 degrees here. On subject now, it's not good for the fiberglass, electronics and the engine and it's mount. I also use a hand throttle,it allows me to maintain a good RPM.

[@mannysplumbing4108]

With you brother!

[@scottd8753]

I'm not a tournament fisherman but I do a lot of bass fishing. Had a Champion 202 with throttle for 20 years. Now have a Ranger Z519 with hot foot. I prefer the hot foot, but I will not go fishing if winds are 30mph or higher. The only way I want to see an 8 or 10 foot wave is on TV.

[@squarebill]

G-Man said on his channel if at all possible don't run with or against waves but rather run angled of them . As always Great helpful info Randy . if you are fishing St Johns I wish you the Best of Luck and a Safe enjoyable Profitable trip !!

[@gregrogers3579]

I agree with you on this, it’s funny when me and my Pops go fishing He is a much superior fisherman than Me. But I have the ability to drive the boat better than most people.

[@soonerfan1675]

My boat is only 18’8” so I get banged around pretty bad on some Oklahoma lakes like Eufaula, Sardis, and Texoma when the wind is high. I’m sometimes not sure if I should go fast enough to stay up on plane or drop down and plow water.

[@toddlester8063]

My boat has a hot foot (came with it when I bought it) and it's certainly a handy feature, but I do wish I had the option to use the hand throttle control for some situations.

[@SpookyRedz]

I really like your boat , super nice

[@davedrouillard3740]

one tip if your in big waves or i had one time a freighter wake on the Detroit river was like 15ft...so big it was scary .Early spring no boats out i think capt did not care.I just put my motor in neutral & sat down ,you end up going with the wave.Even if your engine is going forward a tiny bit you would spear the wave.Also done that many times on st clair in tournys....

[@bobbymason3420]

Dude there’s no way I bother going out if wind is 20* mph. I of course don’t have to fish tournaments as a living so I can opt out of rough. Now in Texas we can get sudden storms that blow in and get fast development waves. This info you presented is spot on and folks should pay attention. Your right about boat speed big difference in hitting a bad wave at 15-20 mph versus spearhead a wave at 45 plus. Reading waves and trim out comes with experience. You have so many hours and so much experience in rough water you can judge waves and best. trim outs for boats. Good tip to ride up to see waves better and absorb nasty bumps. Thanks for the good safety tips Randy

[@acecolby5545]

75k sub award, a trip with randy on Grand lake!

[@michaelrector8307]

Lake Murray is a beast…I lost one of my 26 year old (friend and club angler)…just a few years back. He went to the big water end to launch, and unbeknownst to me had never even been on the lake. Boat capsized! He got exhausted and pushed away from his cousin and got pulled out deeper and died of hypothermia. The waves were so bad, the DNR had to call off the search at about 12 midnight for fear of death to others. TWO THINGS ONE MUST LEARN TO RESPECT…WIND AND WATER!!! They are not a good mix when too extreme!

[@gaverick73]

I can totally related to Lake Murray. The scariest day I've ever had was on that lake with crazy winds. 6-7 foot swells.

[@mikeharris130]

I have a hot foot and always will. That's my comfort level.

[@walleyechannel]

I have been in 7-9 footers running the seven mile stretch at Fontana NC. Worst day ever. Felt like a motocross racer. Worst waves though…rollers. Running the flat calm lake one morning only boat around… trimmed up to let her eat… out of nowhere a set of rollers. Almost went over the console. Needless to say when I got under control. Probably the most scared I even been and that boat did not have the hotfoot so it was scary.cause I wasn’t over enough to pull the cord. However, now I have a skiff and stand up to drive most times so you really max out visibility and stability

[@StuntPosse]

My buddy's boat has a hotfoot, and mine doesn't. I've driven his boat, but don't like the hotfoot at all, and wouldn't have one, especially for rough water. Propeller choice is KEY if you're expecting rough water. The more blades the better, 4 minimum, but I love my Hi-Five. It allows me to stay on plane at a MUCH slower speed, and holeshots like no other. One thing I learned from canoeing is to hit the waves at about a 15 degree angle, not the 90 degrees that all the rough water articles state. This lets you turn into the trough if you're otherwise going to spear the next wave. I also learned how to run across the wind...get in the trough and follow that trough at WFO until you need to roll up over a crest, get down in the next trough and repeat until you geet there! Getting there is the #1 thing to keep in mind! A club member speared a wave in his boat, and found out his bilge pump was locked up with a twig jammed in the impeller. Lesson learned: Install a second bilge pump AND keep your boat clear of used plastics and any twigs and such that you accumulate during the day!

[@jakebridgetimpastato5622]

I like both for certain reasons. I love running the tight marshes down here with the hot foot. It allows for maneuvering like a car in tight spots. I hate it for long boat runs. Hot foot definitely not as good in rough water. Really wish I could switch back and forth.

[@jessehandlin7589]

I agree I have been in some crazy waves in the Chesapeake bay you can't burn through that safety is first not a weigh in

[@warren6172]

How about a video on launching and retrieving in rough water? I’ve seen so many boats sink here at lake Castaic in California while trying to get back on the trailer.

[@ozarklife9468]

I think that the hot foot is a good thing to use but what I don’t like about it it does not give you the option to use the hand throttle if there is a way to have the hand throttle and hot foot that would be nice

[@aproctor1968]

There is no hot foot on my bay boat we use on the Chesapeake Bay. We lean against the leaning post with knees bent to cushion the impact when it gets nasty. That is the only way to deal with the bay when you get 4-5 footers stacked up in 4 second intervals. Fishing the Bay has forever changed the way I think about running a boat in either fresh or salt water.

[@jimk4267]

The only ones who will disagree with you are the young people who didn't get to run the 17'-18'ers from the 80's. If you weren't on your game you didn't make it back. You are spot on. Great info

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks for the speed. I tend to go fast.

[@km-zs6cv]

Agree with all. If you don’t ride your knee on seat in waves you cannot see down the run of waves in front of you.to read them in addition to the cushioning effect and bracing ability.

[@box9361]

I've known Randy since 1996. Randy it's Tad Box . When I jumped on the Centrals back in 96-97 I just got my Ranger 481vs I also put a hot foot in it. And I pulled it right out . I road the same was randy said . By throttle one leg under me. Biggest waves for me back then was Rayburn and Texoma. But those where far apart but giant. When I qualified for the 150s We where at lake Wheeler. Last practice day I went to the dam and the cove on left. I did not know the storm or wind that I was about to encounter was by far the craziest I had a heavy lake current coming at me. 3 storms one left one right and the one coming behind me. There was no set. Waves where passing me hitting the bluff walls and I'm trying to make a decision. Of safety. This set up another problem. Trying to run the river lane. I didn't see wheeler as a big lake. That right there was the mistake I almost made. To the ones who know wheeler I didn't . The waves the lightning between the bridge and the ramp . It took ? Don't know how long . Just make a plan or experience I made it in. As Randy was saying slow but knowing what's in front or behind . Just take your time . Randy I thank you for bringing this up..

[@donpoplin2563]

100percent accurate. !!

[@stevenjones618]

Strange take on lake erie.. never seen them to far part just because it is shallow... but I've been in lake michgan and been in 12 footers but they were rollers. Big difference.... erie to me has always been short time length between waves... but always good watching you...

[@sps244]

I Slow down. Keep the bow up and use my hot foot. If i have too I'll roll in a trough. I learned rough water in my ChampioN. Now i have a Cougar learning all over again.

[@academicmailbox7798]

Wisconsin had an archaeological find. From one thousand and two hundred years ago. Of a fishing canoe ('Time Team Official' archaeology channel in United Kingdom reported recently, in their annual news round-out). The ancient fishing canoe. Had what sounded a lot like. The remains of a drop shot fishing system. In the bottom of it still. I guess that was one trip. Where they didn't beat the waves. It might have been a Roland Martin type net. Or the equivalent of what they do. Using spinning rods now. For depth fishiing. In any case. It was actual fishing tackle. And it goes back. To the late Viking period basically. Before you even get into what we call. Medieval centuries here in Europe. It reminds me a bit. Of Frank Scalish's story. Of when he broke the boat in half. In Florida.

[@gabrielgutierrez434]

past couple days i been getting some heavy fog and it made me wonder if or how it can affect fishing?

[@johnrich9278]

My buddy and I fish out of a 1548 john boat and we just have to run it wide open because if we slow down water will come over the back in rough water.

[@jamesshepherd7727]

Ride with charlie hartly one time in 5 footers and you will know what a real boat driver does. Man was an animal in those waves. Man it was an awesome ride. We were doing 45 to 50 in those and he never speared a single wave and the only water getting on us was from the wind. It was howling on ontario. I was impressed.

[@josephcottrell6477]

I learned to drive a boat in the 80’s. I miss the throttle. I have been hot footin for 10 years now and hate it.

[@shelbyp4880]

On santee, a hot foot is a natural movement. As the hull hits the wave, it pushes your foot on the pedal and gasses it for a split second. Then a couple seconds later, it does it again. It is a rythem, and keeps you on the tops of the rollers. It is easy to learn. It's not about speed, it's staying on the tops and that dictates the speed. To fast or to slow your bone jarring from the front v or else spearing a roller. You also have to 💯 percent know your ability and boats limit. Some people can, some people can't. Prop down, to get maximum bite. Wouldn't do it without a hot foot.

[@thegiant573]

I try my best to never to get caught out in that kind of rough water. The problem is when Pros want to make what is normally, an hour run and don't plan on it taking 3hrs to get back. Then they run too fast.

[@sledfam3659]

Second the motion for a dual throttle choice.

[@johnm2617]

Always had a hot foot never used the throttle! I so I realy dont know any different! But I just take my time and ride n them out ! I can stay on top of them pretty good !! Lake cayuga can get nasty !!

[@thegiant573]

What is the correct angle to take a large wave at? I thought it was 45⁰? Not straight on and not sideways.

[@tbenson5966]

Yep!

[@scubaoasis7879]

Ive had a fractured disc due to boater not knowing how to handle rough water. Man it hurt!

[@kimstoddard483]

Love this advice, will institute the knee advice. Please note: there are women who own and drive bass boats. With most of you guys on KZbin I have to do a translate in my head when you say guys and I have to add “and gals”. I drive a 1991 18 ft Ranger bass boat and have had two rough experiences at Clear Lake, California when the wind/ storm comes up. Very shallow lake so it doesn’t take much to get those large waves. And once on Folsom lake, calm in the morning but red flag warning went up in the afternoon. That’s when my boat mate told me she couldn’t swim! Yikes! Pressure was on! We made it and barely got wet except some spray!

[@lorithane2006]

I hate a hot foot in ruff water your on the money wit that!

[@rustyblackinton5918]

Going to try the knee thing. But 100% correct on speed. Know too many guys who love to hear that prop spin jumping them waves. Its all fun until you chip a tooth or blow a disc. I will lower that nose and get a little wet if I must, thats what a rainsuit is for.

[@Nixon316]

Thoughts on using a hydrofoil?

[@jcfish6702]

I guess the hot foot for my kayak is out!

[@scottsolomon5290]

LISTEN EVERYONE - The suggestion about resting your right knee on your seat and not using the hot foot is spot on! I've had my own boats for 20+ years (I currently have a bass boat and pleasure boat) and have run lakes, rivers, back bays, and open water and when it gets rough, resting on your right knee instead of your rear end is the only way to safely drive your boat ... unless you are just standing with both feet!

[@jimdrums4life499]

Lake Erie is like a bathtub. Very little wave consistency- so you end up going slow and bouncing hard over the waves.