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kbgfish.
Ok, Im gonna throw this out there…Last August when I took up this Sport of Bass fishing, I came home way more times with Nothing for the day than catching something. But, Ive read, studied, read, Youtubed, and been on the water at least once a week, even during the cold months…. And finally Im getting pretty consitant at at least my limit… Soetimes much more. But heres where Im struggling…. The boat I started with had a weak Johnson 150 on it, so it wasnt a issue, but now I have a fresh Merc 200, and Im scared to death of this thing. I get it up to 60 and thats only on slick water. Wakes scare the crap out of me at anything over 45mph. The lake was rough today with boaters going everywhere and tournaments going on, and I see these guys going down the lake with nothing but the back of the boat touching the water and the waves and wakes dont seem to phase them a bit. They are flying. I get out there and think Im gonna do it, going to my next hole, and freak out, and slow down and bang over the waves to get anywhere. Im thinking ing more experience and timebehind the wheel might solve the problem. But, being a old drag racer and car buff… Its not only humbling, but at time embarrassing. Any tips on how to get there… Or do I need to just trade my hotrod Basscat on a Jon boat or a Pontoon?? Lol
More time on the water. Youll get use to it!
Sound like a healthy dose of self preservation has set in . Like Phil said time and experience are the only safe way to learn . No your boat learn what it will and will not do have fun and be safe . When I first got a cat I had a joke with a friend that went something like ( LOOK OUT MY BOAT RUNS 81 BUT I CAN ONLY DRIVE 65 SUCKKKERRRSS !!!! )I have run saltwater boats on the edge since 89 and found it a little embarrassing not to no how to drive one of these things , but if you dont know . For me the learning and boating experience has been fun and has bread new life into my passion of everything boating and fishing related . From bluegill – giant yellowfin 800 miles offshore I just cant seem to get enough . From 12 foot tiller steer to 30 foot offshore vessel or even being a passenger on 120 footer I love to learn how they handle weather what they can do for you in various conditions . Some people say its just a boat but I like to learn what they do best and see boats as a Indispensable tool . Take your time be safe and enjoy the new challenges
Dont get to discouraged, it can take some time to get comfortable running these things at those speeds. Many will never see the level of performance their boat is capable of and there is nothing wrong or shameful about it. Not everybody can wheel a Funny Car like John Force, though there are many that try. It takes more courage to accept your limits at a given time then to push it beyond your limits and end up hurting someone. Just take your time and get to learn the nuances of your rig and work to get better at piloting it. We have all gone through a learning curve. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site to help you get through any question you may have with these boats.BrianBrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
Run a search for how to drive it on this board and you will get plenty of answers on how to learn.
Appreciate it Guys!! Where I come from… Me and my buddies give each other a rough time, and Im usually at the top of the list at dishing it out. But since I started fishing, they are at a huge advantage. I havent entered any tournaments with them yet, but they been on me about entering (and “donating my money”, as they put it), I told them that I couldnt out fish them, but “Id blow their doors off in getting to the fishing holes.” Ive learned… I spoke too soon!!! Lol!! But its all in fun!!! And Im obsessed with it all now, and I keep telling them “keep running your mouth, Im gonna surprise you one day!!!” Thanks again guys!!!
There is a wealth of info on this board on learning to set up and handle a Cat, but, there is no substitute for seat time. As mentioned, be patient and stay within your limits as you learn so that all is safe for you. One thing I would strongly suggest, if possible, is to find somebody nearby who owns a Cat and would be willing to take you out in your rig and give you some pointers. This could shorten your learning curve considerably.
No one ever caught a fish doing 80mph. Enjoy your time on the water,relax and appreciate all that nature provides.
Hey PB glad to see your enjoying your new and very addictive sport. Wait till you start nailing eh with a flipping jig…. I have one thing that you might find helpful in your quest for knowledge. Go into some tournaments as a non boater. Youll have the opportunity to see and experience a lot of helpful techniques. It has helped me a lot and I still enjoy seeing new waters as well as new techniques when I leave my boat at home for a day every now and again.Practice Angling CPRCatchPictureRelease2010 PIV 200SHO
I would suggest some hands on training as well as more seat time. It would be very valuable for you to get an experienced driver to run your boat and explain you through the learning curve. You will find with more experience that that there in certain choppy conditions it will be more comfortable for you and your passengers to find the sweet spot / speed to keep you on top of the waves
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