FYI….we had motor issues coming back from the islands 30 min before dark and called the coast guard and they basically said that unless we were on fire or drowning, not their problem and to call a boat tow company.
I live minutes from Erie. It's a beautiful lake. Except for the algae bloom issues in some regions. I've owned several boats, fishing, and sport. As stated befor ->. Pay attention to wind direction. Learn, and watch, cloud formations. Mandatory radio, with NOAA, and Coast Guard frequencies. If you get caught in a squall, good luck.
my ranger rt198p will be for sale in about 2 years. anything 4 goot or less im comfortable going 5-8 miles if i can trough them. 20 mph and know how to drive and if you get caught in 5s you can go down to 9 to 10 mph putting the nose straight up in the air and just push through
I took my wife out to put-in-bay in my Alumicraft pro 175, also my first time on the lake. I've been boating for a while and know the boats capabilities on the main land lakes but was like Wow this is crazy, bouncing around and get a little wet. I took the easy way and got behide the Jet Express and followed him in. Yes, bass boats are a little scary when the waves pick up. Now got a ProGuild 175 combo definitely a bit safer boat to be in.
I fish the east end , Buffalo or Dunkirk for 20 plus years. I have been blown off that lake more times that I can count. My boat is an Alumacraft 195 Trophy. You can't trust NOAA wind and wave reports because they are wrong half the time. That said it's still the best smallmouth fishing in the northeast.
You're a youngin! I bought this same model about 6 weeks ago for my home lake. I knew what it's capabilities were and still push it, but I've had number of boats for different situations over the last 50 years. Experience on the water makes a difference and so does making wise choices like you did. Stick with your gut feeling on the safety aspect and your comfort level. you'll be fishing well into your 90's!
A: East winds always suck on that end of Erie. B: You are right to not fish the main lake. Your boat will do it on the right day, but your lack of confidence and experience on big water should make you cautious. C: The trolling motor prop being snapped off is Karma for you cruising through a no wake zone too fast (I don’t care if other boats are going too fast too. You are responsible for your actions)
I’ve fished Erie for 40 years. Always watch wind speeds and gusts before planning a trip. And you don’t have to go miles and miles on the water to get smallies. Take the road and shorter water trips. Marblehead Ohio is a good area
I've had a few days on the water like this already this year and you're absolutely right - when it rains it tends to pour. Just gotta do like you do and look at the positive and take it as a learning experience. I'm in my first year of boat ownership as well, very similar boat but mines a 1989 bass tracker pro17 with a mint condition 1998 mercury 50hp I put on. Idk about you but when I have days like this I end up having nightmares for a couple days about it being alot worse than It was lol waking myself up as soon as the boat starts to sink or something
It was definitely a wild experience at the time! Looking back I probably made it out worse then it was I would feel a lot more comfortable if I found myself in the same situation do to experience and time out on the water.
years ago my buddy and I took his 16ft bass boat all the way to Kelly's shoal, Erie always gets sketchy for small boats around noon. I fished Erie out of a 17ft deep V for 20 years, had a couple close calls, for the most part it was great.
You do know the channel out of east harbor is no wake clear to the point.you are lucky the coast guard wasn't sitting out there. That really would have ruined your day. Glad you made it in safe.
Yea I do know that wasn’t going any faster then anyone else that goes through their it’s next to impossible to not create some wake they should call it idle only if they don’t want a wake
I wish I had balls of steel lol if I did I would of had a bunch of smallmouth in my boat on Saturday.I definitely hope my luck starts turning around with the boat issues tho.I still love the boat just need to get these kinks worked out!
That sucks brother but happy you got back to your family. We've all had days like that. Fingers crossed that your Merc is something easy. You'll get them next time!
Bro I feel for you, we've all had bad adventures but...I'm 58yrs old born and raised on the shores of Erie...when the winds coming from the East its best to stay clear of the open water unless you have a really big boat also the weather can change in a minute and the bite usually sucks.
Reminds me of the time a surprise severe thunderstorm popped up while I was 8 miles from the boat ramp. 40+ mph winds and lightening all around. We were extremely lucky the wind was blowing toward the boat ramp. If not I’m sure we would’ve sunk. The classic is great when conditions are too. Not when s*** hits the fan.
That’s always the fear especially on the Great Lakes you have to check the conditions almost hourly to make sure it down turn over on ya! 40MPH winds in the classic xl would be sketchy as hell I couldn’t imagine bud
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad you're safe and you got home in one piece. I had an experience somewhat similar to yours, not near as gut wrenching as yours, but scary non the less. It was the first time I've ever really been scared on the water, and enough to get me to thinking about trading in my Proteam 175TF for a deep V. However, after some serious back and forth with myself(and my better half), I decided to keep what I have, and to just be more diligent about erring on the side of caution.
Yea I’m glad we got back ok I’m in the same boat I’d like to upgrade but not for a couple more years unless a killer deal comes across my screen lol I’m always looking though! Thanks for watching!
That’s to bad your long awaited Lake Erie trip went so bad, that’s some big water for that little boat for sure, thank god you turned around and came back in when you did, that lakes nothing to mess with, glad you made it back safe. 👍😁
Damn that sucks. Like you said at least you weren’t out that far. I got caught in a massive storm out of nowhere at mosquito and was absolutely terrified. Glad you made it back.
Im really considering getting the '18 40th Anniversary Bass Tracker, coming from a '96 Starcraft 16ft deep V. I fish Green Bay most the time, but the Deep V wasnt great in waves over 2ft either and I got wet. I now only fish when its calm and Im never real far out, so Im not concerned about the big water capabilities.
On these big lakes even if you have a 21ft bass boat you can still sink it easily. Start spearing waves and you're at the mercy of your little $20 bilge pump that won't be able to get rid of the water fast enough. I take my Tracker 190 out on Champlain a lot and watch the wind and weather like a hawk (after getting caught in washing machine like waves once). Erie is a different animal. I hope to fish that someday but probably just stick to Presque Isle Bay. Glad you made it back to tell the tale.
The most scared I ever was fishing was in this exact area about 20 years ago and I was fishing out of a 19 foot Gambler. Getting out to the islands wasn't an issue but coming back in was crazy. That said, the trip out there wasn't a cake ride. On the way back, eight foot rollers that you actually had to climb up one side and fall down the other side. In the troughs if you were able to stand up, the water would be above your head. And I was shocked to see jon boats out there. There was protected areas around the islands and the fishing was pretty good in about 20 feet of water. I thought to myself, how are these guys in small tin boats going to get back safely? But, I'll never forget the trip to and from the islands. I was told that the wind caused this by it's funneling between the islands. This was the last time I fished Erie. After that, I decided to stick with Lake St. Clair which can blow up as well. But it is the large boats that cause the havoc there. But, nothing like Lake Erie out by the islands.
@@BredForBass The best day I ever had at St. Clair was at Easter with water temps of 42 degrees. Everyone was out deeper. We were in 2 1/2 to 3 feet of water fishing around the perch spawn. At the time we didn't know this because the water was rough enough not to be abler to see into the water. But, we knew they would be somewhere in that depth range. In one hour I caught 20 small mouth over 5 pounds from that exact area of about 50 yards. Dragging, not hopping a tube. Hint hint... good luck
If the wind is out of the north or north east don't bother. We have a 30 foot cruiser and a 21 foot bass boat . It sucks. You can still find fish in the harbor.
How stable would you say the boat is? I've watched alot of reviews but no one seems to comment on it. Me and my buddy are both 300 lbs each and I want something that we aint gonna canoe roll if one of us goes one way and another goes the other. I dont wanna feel like I'm on an ole john boat.
Well I’m 350 and my fish partner 250 it’s fine stability wise if we both get on same side it will lean for sure but I’ve never felt unsecure on it.You got to watch big boat wakes the most if your standing up front fishing and you lose your balance at all then you might go in not very wide up front.
Great video. I live near Lake Erie and had several small Jon boats/ bass boats on the lake. Getting up on plane is sometimes not happening and is dangerous. You might think about taking your car and boat on the Ferry to South Bass or Kelley’s Island, cutting out crossing the big water while still fishing around the islands. Lots of folks do it!
Actually I was thinking about that and wondering if that was possible.Thanks for the info I’ll have to look into doing that!Thanks for watching appreciate it!
@@BredForBass Check out Kelley’s Island Ferry or Miller’s Ferry to Put-In-Bay. Both Islands have State Docks you can drive to and launch from when you get there.
Luckily I have knowledge of the lake and what it can turn into so I was prepared for about anything.It would absolutely kill someone though that didn’t know the lake well and how it acts I would definitely say my past experiences with the lake helped me get home safe on this day.
that used to be a great area to fish but the Tournament pressure in the last decade has beat it all to hell. Used to easily catch 100 a day there but now you have to work for your fish
Great story and lesson for the rest of us. Sorry it had to be you my man but good thing is you made it through to tell everyone about it and you can fish another day. Appreciate the story.
Hey man, I had a PRO175 and I use to take out in 2 to 3’ waves on Erie all the time. Not ideal, but taking your time is important. I traded it in for for ZX200, much more stable
Yea I think I would be more comfortable with it now that I have owned the boat for over a year.That was my first time in a boat that small out there I just wasn’t comfortable yet but I think it wouldn’t be as bad now. Thanks for the feedback buddy!
A lot of you are just inexperienced, you would absolutely shit yourself fishing in the coast. Do you know how many Jon boat I see including myself go offshore or to Hoeboken NC where it’s whitcapping. In the video the chop was not even white capping lol.
I live on Erie and fish it every day damn near and I will be the first to tell you I'd rather see little white caps vs giant rollers! Living on Erie my whole life helps because I grew up on that body of water so I can take one look at it and tell you what you're in for. What you see in the bay or the mouth of those channels coming out of the harbors is not what you get once you hit open water. Lake Erie is a different monster especially if you're not used to it. The chop and rollers can be very unpredictable. Luckily most of the good perch fishing and walleye fishing is only a couple miles from shore for the most part.
You most likely made the right move. With boat traffic on the weekends, the waves and havoc in between the islands is insane. Super rough all the time.
You don't have the Mercury Vessel View Mobile installed? That was your first mistake. That little box tracks everything about your engine, and even sends a problem report to your dealer. And it links to your phone so you know in real time what's going on. Best $250 you'll ever spend.
@@funkfarmer7125 I use a phone only for emergencies - and Vessel View. It will also link to some tablets (with bluetooth and GPS) Watch a few youtube vids about them.
Among the Great Lakes, Erie is highly unpredictable. It's small and shallow, by Great Lakes standards. Water conditions can change quickly. Wisdom dictates ample freeboard and electronics, if possible. Nothing quite like a heavy fog and the sound of a lake freighter passing fifty feet to the side of a small boat.
Myself being in the “dumbass group” 😂 that has taken his Classic out to the islands on Erie multiple times, you made the right decision to turn around buddy. The things that determine if I go out on Lake Erie in my boat. Less than 1 footers, no weekends cause of boat traffic/wake, East wind is a no go and i check the forecast every hour on the hour for changing conditions.
I have a 2020 bass classic XL and had motor issues last weekend, I was out in some windy conditions and had a pretty rough ride back too, I decided to go out again the next day with my wife, but when we went to leave the dock the motor would die, every time I would start the motor then I would give it some gas it would die, man it really had me worried because I’ve only had the boat out six times, well after messing around for an hour and checking everything, I found that the fuel line that plugs into the tank had worked itself loose just enough to where I was getting enough gas, I suppose that was caused from the vibration of the rough ride back.
Yea I’m gonna definitely Check a bunch of connections tomorrow and make sure nothing broke loose.That fuel line connection your taking about I actually zip tied it together works very well! Thanks for feedback
My 21 XL was doing the same. The fuel tank vent wasnt venting properly. I un screwed the cap a bit to relive the neg preassure. Drives fine since. Definitely curious so i can be on the watch for this issue keep us updated bro.
LAKE ERIE IS A BEAST. I have a 22' ranger with a 250 and the weather on Erie has pushed me off the main lake b4. There have been a few days that my ass cheeks have clinched onto the seat. If you ever feel that something isnt right or your scared, follow your mind. It's not worth your life while chasing bass.
It can definitely be nasty.I feel more comfortable with it now then I did that day but I still know my boats limitations anything over 2’ with the occasional roller from barges that’s my cut off in my boat.
@@BredForBass last year I stayed a lil too long out on that cedar point reef and the ride back to mizurick was not fun.. 5-6' and you are 100% right about the camera not really showing how bad the waves really are
@@whitebass16 that’s scary! I’ve been in some big ones in my dad deep v walleye boat but it’s still sketchy.Yes you are right though the waves look little on camera.A lot of people say “it’s not even white capping” when they watch that video but they don’t understand the waves that roll from underneath you don’t see coming are what get you.I’ve been on Erie a lot but it makes my butthole pucker Everytime I go on it just a whole different experience then smaller inland lakes
At some point I’ll probably get something bigger my plan is to pay off classic in couple years and put 10Hp motor in it so I can fish the HP limit lakes around me then buy a new glass boat of v haul aluminum bass boat.
So.. I am going to tell you my story and you probably will not believe me but I have no reason to lie about it. I have always wanted a bigger bass boat like everyone else but could only afford a used 14' aluminum flat bottom boat with a 25hp mercury. I grew up in Bradford Pennsylvania about an hour from Erie and have been all over lake Erie fishing. I have been where you were in a 14' Aluminum Jon Boat with a 25 hp mercury. ALONE. by myself however, That type of stuff does not scare me I was in 3-4' minimum waves coming back and I just had to slow down and stop a lot and wait out some of the bigger waves trying to keep in the boat by keeping my balance and I was way the heck out there to. way out there. That type of stuff does not bother me though. Live life man. Live life.
I believe you 100% but I was a new boat owner at the time although I have been on that lake many of times it was the first time in a mod v boat so I wasn’t gonna risk it.Looking back I was fine and now that I know my boat a lot better I could handle that situation a lot better if it comes up again.
Hey Matt, what a frustrating trip that must’ve been for you. Like you said, at least you made it back alive! I really hope the prop isn’t too big of an issue and that the motor can get fixed up quickly for ya. I truly believe that the absolute hardest part about fishing/boating is knowing when NOT to go out. Erie can be so deceiving. I’ve found that more times than not when NOAA weather says it’s flat, I can easily get into 3 footers. As scary as the lake can be, I think it’s more about the actual operator than the vessel itself. You can have a classic XL, take it out 10 miles and come back every time no problem and on the other hand, have a 30ft Sea Ray and bury it in the bottom of the lake. If you’re not careful, doesn’t matter how big the boat is, Erie will swallow it up if she wants to. Obviously there are many less days you can take this boat out compared to a 30 footer but as long as you’re super careful and smart about it, it’s definitely doable. I bought the classic XL last year and planned to fish the inland lakes/harbors more frequently and hit Erie only on rare occasion but at the end of the day, I just can’t resist the main lake. I’m actually surprised how well this boat handles big water! That being said, I’m yet to go even 2 miles off shore or from the nearest harbor. Guys on the Lake Erie forums brag about taking their 14ft boats with 9.9hp motors 10 miles offshore and to me it’s just not worth the risk. As tough as it was to give up on those small jaws around the islands, you made a great decision leaving them there for a different time. Also, I wanted to thank you for posting such a detailed video on the casting deck. I replicated the one you designed and couldn’t be more happy with it. I have literally never commented on anyone’s videos before but I feel that you do a great job and your videos have really helped me out so I had to reach out and say thanks! Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind words John it’s appreciated glad my videos have helped in someway! Yes it can be very difficult to resist going out on the main lake that’s why I tried it twice lol I love smallmouth that much.I’m glad I turned around though turned out to be a blessing in disguise! If I would of had those motor problems out off shore it would of been a lot more stressful for sure.I’ve seen kayaks on those islands before they so I know I can get it out their it’s just catching the weather at the right time.I said in the video I wouldn’t try it again in the classic XL but Honestly I probably will let some point right now my focus is getting the boat back in good operating condition though the rest will handle itself.Thanks for feedback and support have a good one!
@@BredForBass Mercury's tend to get clogged fuel filters and lines, did you check them? I know a few people who had similar issues and all it needed was a new filter.
Fishing a small bass boat is known the body of water more than size of the boat I own a 17ft bass tracker txw I have fished salt water and fresh water you need to know body of water and the boat but understand your stress my buddy’s will not ride out on rough water on my aluminum boat
MY RULE OF THUMB IS THIS IF AT ANY POINT SOMETHING CAUSES ME CONCERN IN MY THOUGHTS THATS IN AND OF ITS SELF THE TRIGGER FOR ME TO HEAD IN OR CANCEL GOING OUT,
You need to get to the point. I got so bored with your back and forth. You have the wrong boat for that stretch of water my friend. I have traveled those waters most of my life and have got pushed around in a 28 foot boat let a loan a small bass boat and in cold water, you need to rethink what you do. You are lucky you are alive.
Nobody said you have to go fast, learn do drive better and you'll become more comfortable in rougher water.......everyone watches the pros drive in bad conditions and think they can do also.....just take your time driving and learn how your boat handles
I'm a new follower, i loved your video and decision to turn back. Glad I can continue watching your videos because of the decision you made. Fish are not worth your life.
FYI….we had motor issues coming back from the islands 30 min before dark and called the coast guard and they basically said that unless we were on fire or drowning, not their problem and to call a boat tow company.
I live minutes from Erie. It's a beautiful lake. Except for the algae bloom issues in some regions. I've owned several boats, fishing, and sport. As stated befor ->. Pay attention to wind direction. Learn, and watch, cloud formations. Mandatory radio, with NOAA, and Coast Guard frequencies. If you get caught in a squall, good luck.
my ranger rt198p will be for sale in about 2 years. anything 4 goot or less im comfortable going 5-8 miles if i can trough them. 20 mph and know how to drive and if you get caught in 5s you can go down to 9 to 10 mph putting the nose straight up in the air and just push through
I took my wife out to put-in-bay in my Alumicraft pro 175, also my first time on the lake. I've been boating for a while and know the boats capabilities on the main land lakes but was like Wow this is crazy, bouncing around and get a little wet. I took the easy way and got behide the Jet Express and followed him in. Yes, bass boats are a little scary when the waves pick up. Now got a ProGuild 175 combo definitely a bit safer boat to be in.
Yea the deeper V hull boat definitely the better option out there.Thanks for watching I appreciate it bud
I fish the east end , Buffalo or Dunkirk for 20 plus years. I have been blown off that lake more times that I can count. My boat is an Alumacraft 195 Trophy. You can't trust NOAA wind and wave reports because they are wrong half the time. That said it's still the best smallmouth fishing in the northeast.
You're a youngin! I bought this same model about 6 weeks ago for my home lake. I knew what it's capabilities were and still push it, but I've had number of boats for different situations over the last 50 years. Experience on the water makes a difference and so does making wise choices like you did. Stick with your gut feeling on the safety aspect and your comfort level. you'll be fishing well into your 90's!
A: East winds always suck on that end of Erie.
B: You are right to not fish the main lake. Your boat will do it on the right day, but your lack of confidence and experience on big water should make you cautious.
C: The trolling motor prop being snapped off is Karma for you cruising through a no wake zone too fast (I don’t care if other boats are going too fast too. You are responsible for your actions)
I hear ya! I took walk on charters out of East Harbor several times. Got in storms but got us back safely. Can't imagine a bass tracker!
I’ve fished Erie for 40 years. Always watch wind speeds and gusts before planning a trip. And you don’t have to go miles and miles on the water to get smallies. Take the road and shorter water trips. Marblehead Ohio is a good area
That’s a huge part of fishing Erie…you might not get fish lol
Glad you made it back dude , hope the next trip is glass
I've had a few days on the water like this already this year and you're absolutely right - when it rains it tends to pour. Just gotta do like you do and look at the positive and take it as a learning experience. I'm in my first year of boat ownership as well, very similar boat but mines a 1989 bass tracker pro17 with a mint condition 1998 mercury 50hp I put on. Idk about you but when I have days like this I end up having nightmares for a couple days about it being alot worse than It was lol waking myself up as soon as the boat starts to sink or something
It was definitely a wild experience at the time! Looking back I probably made it out worse then it was I would feel a lot more comfortable if I found myself in the same situation do to experience and time out on the water.
years ago my buddy and I took his 16ft bass boat all the way to Kelly's shoal, Erie always gets sketchy for small boats around noon. I fished Erie out of a 17ft deep V for 20 years, had a couple close calls, for the most part it was great.
My dad and I go a lot In his 17’ deep V it does really well for only being 17’
Forget the fishing stuff, you are a great narrator, story teller.
Thanks buddy appreciate that!
You do know the channel out of east harbor is no wake clear to the point.you are lucky the coast guard wasn't sitting out there. That really would have ruined your day. Glad you made it in safe.
Yea I do know that wasn’t going any faster then anyone else that goes through their it’s next to impossible to not create some wake they should call it idle only if they don’t want a wake
Dude... Balls of steel out there. Glad y'all made it back safely. Hate to hear of the issues man.
I wish I had balls of steel lol if I did I would of had a bunch of smallmouth in my boat on Saturday.I definitely hope my luck starts turning around with the boat issues tho.I still love the boat just need to get these kinks worked out!
That sucks brother but happy you got back to your family. We've all had days like that. Fingers crossed that your Merc is something easy. You'll get them next time!
Thanks bud! I hope I get it back soon and yes I know it won’t be the last time I have a day like that.
Bro I feel for you, we've all had bad adventures but...I'm 58yrs old born and raised on the shores of Erie...when the winds coming from the East its best to stay clear of the open water unless you have a really big boat also the weather can change in a minute and the bite usually sucks.
Yea i learned my lesson that day about east winds especially in a smaller boat.Thanks for watching it I appreciate it!
Reminds me of the time a surprise severe thunderstorm popped up while I was 8 miles from the boat ramp. 40+ mph winds and lightening all around. We were extremely lucky the wind was blowing toward the boat ramp. If not I’m sure we would’ve sunk. The classic is great when conditions are too. Not when s*** hits the fan.
That’s always the fear especially on the Great Lakes you have to check the conditions almost hourly to make sure it down turn over on ya! 40MPH winds in the classic xl would be sketchy as hell I couldn’t imagine bud
Like that little highway sign freeze frame ♥️😂
Figured you would like that lol
I've had a 25 foot Searay in the chesapeake bay with 3 foot waves and wasn't comfortable. I can't image trying it in my bass tracker. You a brave man
I wasn’t that brave 😂 The problem was it was calm till you got about a mile off shore then it got rough quick so it was deceptive.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad you're safe and you got home in one piece.
I had an experience somewhat similar to yours, not near as gut wrenching as yours, but scary non the less. It was the first time I've ever really been scared on the water, and enough to get me to thinking about trading in my Proteam 175TF for a deep V. However, after some serious back and forth with myself(and my better half), I decided to keep what I have, and to just be more diligent about erring on the side of caution.
Yea I’m glad we got back ok I’m in the same boat I’d like to upgrade but not for a couple more years unless a killer deal comes across my screen lol I’m always looking though! Thanks for watching!
That’s to bad your long awaited Lake Erie trip went so bad, that’s some big water for that little boat for sure, thank god you turned around and came back in when you did, that lakes nothing to mess with, glad you made it back safe. 👍😁
Yea it was a disappointment for sure! I’m just hoping I can get the motor fixed quickly and get back on the water soon!
Damn that sucks. Like you said at least you weren’t out that far. I got caught in a massive storm out of nowhere at mosquito and was absolutely terrified. Glad you made it back.
That’s definitely the bright side!!! Yes it can be very scary! I’ll be better prepared though if it happens again good learning experience!
I grew up in Lake Erie it can turn on you in an instant. It’s a very dangerous lake. I’ve seen people killed. But I love that lake
Im really considering getting the '18 40th Anniversary Bass Tracker, coming from a '96 Starcraft 16ft deep V. I fish Green Bay most the time, but the Deep V wasnt great in waves over 2ft either and I got wet. I now only fish when its calm and Im never real far out, so Im not concerned about the big water capabilities.
On these big lakes even if you have a 21ft bass boat you can still sink it easily. Start spearing waves and you're at the mercy of your little $20 bilge pump that won't be able to get rid of the water fast enough. I take my Tracker 190 out on Champlain a lot and watch the wind and weather like a hawk (after getting caught in washing machine like waves once). Erie is a different animal. I hope to fish that someday but probably just stick to Presque Isle Bay. Glad you made it back to tell the tale.
Quality smallmouth in Presque isle all year round too. Just a lot of Sheeps head as well.
The most scared I ever was fishing was in this exact area about 20 years ago and I was fishing out of a 19 foot Gambler. Getting out to the islands wasn't an issue but coming back in was crazy. That said, the trip out there wasn't a cake ride. On the way back, eight foot rollers that you actually had to climb up one side and fall down the other side. In the troughs if you were able to stand up, the water would be above your head. And I was shocked to see jon boats out there. There was protected areas around the islands and the fishing was pretty good in about 20 feet of water. I thought to myself, how are these guys in small tin boats going to get back safely? But, I'll never forget the trip to and from the islands. I was told that the wind caused this by it's funneling between the islands. This was the last time I fished Erie. After that, I decided to stick with Lake St. Clair which can blow up as well. But it is the large boats that cause the havoc there. But, nothing like Lake Erie out by the islands.
Thanks for sharing your story with me bud! I’m going to st Clair at end of April hopefully weather depending of course!
@@BredForBass The best day I ever had at St. Clair was at Easter with water temps of 42 degrees. Everyone was out deeper. We were in 2 1/2 to 3 feet of water fishing around the perch spawn. At the time we didn't know this because the water was rough enough not to be abler to see into the water. But, we knew they would be somewhere in that depth range. In one hour I caught 20 small mouth over 5 pounds from that exact area of about 50 yards. Dragging, not hopping a tube. Hint hint... good luck
Wow man. That’s sounds like a trip from hell. Atleast y’all alright. And ole tracker XL will be back on that water in no time Brotha. 🤙🏽
Thanks bro I hope so too! And yes it was definitely trip from hell!
If the wind is out of the north or north east don't bother. We have a 30 foot cruiser and a 21 foot bass boat . It sucks. You can still find fish in the harbor.
How stable would you say the boat is? I've watched alot of reviews but no one seems to comment on it. Me and my buddy are both 300 lbs each and I want something that we aint gonna canoe roll if one of us goes one way and another goes the other. I dont wanna feel like I'm on an ole john boat.
Well I’m 350 and my fish partner 250 it’s fine stability wise if we both get on same side it will lean for sure but I’ve never felt unsecure on it.You got to watch big boat wakes the most if your standing up front fishing and you lose your balance at all then you might go in not very wide up front.
Great video. I live near Lake Erie and had several small Jon boats/ bass boats on the lake. Getting up on plane is sometimes not happening and is dangerous. You might think about taking your car and boat on the Ferry to South Bass or Kelley’s Island, cutting out crossing the big water while still fishing around the islands. Lots of folks do it!
Actually I was thinking about that and wondering if that was possible.Thanks for the info I’ll have to look into doing that!Thanks for watching appreciate it!
@@BredForBass Check out Kelley’s Island Ferry or Miller’s Ferry to Put-In-Bay. Both Islands have State Docks you can drive to and launch from when you get there.
so what was it???? what went wrong with the mercury?
The throttle timing got off just a little bit they adjusted and good to go idk exactly how it happened TBH
@@BredForBass glad it was an easy fix and didnt strand you in the middle of the lake
That sucks man. I was nervous for you when you were talking about hitting the big water on the little boat.
Luckily I have knowledge of the lake and what it can turn into so I was prepared for about anything.It would absolutely kill someone though that didn’t know the lake well and how it acts I would definitely say my past experiences with the lake helped me get home safe on this day.
What a day….. but you used your head and made it back…..haven’t been up there in a few years….. I’m in NE Ohio….got a feeling you might be in the area
I’m towards Columbus!
Maybe if ever in that situation again get on the radio and see if their is a boat nearby that can follow you in just for some security
that used to be a great area to fish but the Tournament pressure in the last decade has beat it all to hell. Used to easily catch 100 a day there but now you
have to work for your fish
Facts! It’s definitely not what it once was
Great story and lesson for the rest of us. Sorry it had to be you my man but good thing is you made it through to tell everyone about it and you can fish another day. Appreciate the story.
Appreciate that it was definitely a lesson learned! Thanks for support!
Hey man, I had a PRO175 and I use to take out in 2 to 3’ waves on Erie all the time. Not ideal, but taking your time is important. I traded it in for for ZX200, much more stable
Yea I think I would be more comfortable with it now that I have owned the boat for over a year.That was my first time in a boat that small out there I just wasn’t comfortable yet but I think it wouldn’t be as bad now. Thanks for the feedback buddy!
Either be comfortable with the boat or the idea of swimming to the shore.
A lot of you are just inexperienced, you would absolutely shit yourself fishing in the coast. Do you know how many Jon boat I see including myself go offshore or to Hoeboken NC where it’s whitcapping. In the video the chop was not even white capping lol.
Ok bud
I live on Erie and fish it every day damn near and I will be the first to tell you I'd rather see little white caps vs giant rollers! Living on Erie my whole life helps because I grew up on that body of water so I can take one look at it and tell you what you're in for. What you see in the bay or the mouth of those channels coming out of the harbors is not what you get once you hit open water. Lake Erie is a different monster especially if you're not used to it. The chop and rollers can be very unpredictable. Luckily most of the good perch fishing and walleye fishing is only a couple miles from shore for the most part.
Glad u made it back safe bro. That's the important part
Yes it definitely it is!
You most likely made the right move. With boat traffic on the weekends, the waves and havoc in between the islands is insane. Super rough all the time.
You don't have the Mercury Vessel View Mobile installed? That was your first mistake. That little box tracks everything about your engine, and even sends a problem report to your dealer. And it links to your phone so you know in real time what's going on. Best $250 you'll ever spend.
Do those link to Humminbirds? I don't do the phone bs.
Not yet I won’t one but waiting for it to go on sale.They on sale once a year for $150 so I’ll wait till then
@@funkfarmer7125 I use a phone only for emergencies - and Vessel View. It will also link to some tablets (with bluetooth and GPS) Watch a few youtube vids about them.
Among the Great Lakes, Erie is highly unpredictable. It's small and shallow, by Great Lakes standards. Water conditions can change quickly. Wisdom dictates ample freeboard and electronics, if possible. Nothing quite like a heavy fog and the sound of a lake freighter passing fifty feet to the side of a small boat.
Very unpredictable but great smallmouth fishing lol
Myself being in the “dumbass group” 😂 that has taken his Classic out to the islands on Erie multiple times, you made the right decision to turn around buddy. The things that determine if I go out on Lake Erie in my boat. Less than 1 footers, no weekends cause of boat traffic/wake, East wind is a no go and i check the forecast every hour on the hour for changing conditions.
Yea I think the east winds is what got me honestly I’ve been on that lake with same wave report before and it was nothing close to that!
I have a 2020 bass classic XL and had motor issues last weekend, I was out in some windy conditions and had a pretty rough ride back too, I decided to go out again the next day with my wife, but when we went to leave the dock the motor would die, every time I would start the motor then I would give it some gas it would die, man it really had me worried because I’ve only had the boat out six times, well after messing around for an hour and checking everything, I found that the fuel line that plugs into the tank had worked itself loose just enough to where I was getting enough gas, I suppose that was caused from the vibration of the rough ride back.
Yea I’m gonna definitely Check a bunch of connections tomorrow and make sure nothing broke loose.That fuel line connection your taking about I actually zip tied it together works very well! Thanks for feedback
Damn dude you can’t catch a break. Any idea what’s going on with your motor ? I run a 50hp also and am kinda curious what’s going on with them.
No I don’t have any clue I got 12pm appointment on Friday hopefully I can get some clue then I’ll let you know once I hear something!
damn dawg that sucks hope you get the boat back soon
Me too bro it’s killing me already and they have not even had it 1 day!
My 21 XL was doing the same. The fuel tank vent wasnt venting properly. I un screwed the cap a bit to relive the neg preassure. Drives fine since. Definitely curious so i can be on the watch for this issue keep us updated bro.
My vent was all the way open honestly I don’t ever close it cause I know I’ll forget to open it up!
LAKE ERIE IS A BEAST. I have a 22' ranger with a 250 and the weather on Erie has pushed me off the main lake b4. There have been a few days that my ass cheeks have clinched onto the seat. If you ever feel that something isnt right or your scared, follow your mind. It's not worth your life while chasing bass.
It can definitely be nasty.I feel more comfortable with it now then I did that day but I still know my boats limitations anything over 2’ with the occasional roller from barges that’s my cut off in my boat.
@@BredForBass last year I stayed a lil too long out on that cedar point reef and the ride back to mizurick was not fun.. 5-6' and you are 100% right about the camera not really showing how bad the waves really are
@@whitebass16 that’s scary! I’ve been in some big ones in my dad deep v walleye boat but it’s still sketchy.Yes you are right though the waves look little on camera.A lot of people say “it’s not even white capping” when they watch that video but they don’t understand the waves that roll from underneath you don’t see coming are what get you.I’ve been on Erie a lot but it makes my butthole pucker Everytime I go on it just a whole different experience then smaller inland lakes
@@BredForBass absolutely
This is exactly why I’ll be selling my XL and getting a big Nitro. I like fishing bigger water then my local rivers and small lakes
At some point I’ll probably get something bigger my plan is to pay off classic in couple years and put 10Hp motor in it so I can fish the HP limit lakes around me then buy a new glass boat of v haul aluminum bass boat.
So.. I am going to tell you my story and you probably will not believe me but I have no reason to lie about it. I have always wanted a bigger bass boat like everyone else but could only afford a used 14' aluminum flat bottom boat with a 25hp mercury. I grew up in Bradford Pennsylvania about an hour from Erie and have been all over lake Erie fishing. I have been where you were in a 14' Aluminum Jon Boat with a 25 hp mercury. ALONE. by myself however, That type of stuff does not scare me I was in 3-4' minimum waves coming back and I just had to slow down and stop a lot and wait out some of the bigger waves trying to keep in the boat by keeping my balance and I was way the heck out there to. way out there. That type of stuff does not bother me though. Live life man. Live life.
I believe you 100% but I was a new boat owner at the time although I have been on that lake many of times it was the first time in a mod v boat so I wasn’t gonna risk it.Looking back I was fine and now that I know my boat a lot better I could handle that situation a lot better if it comes up again.
Hey Matt, what a frustrating trip that must’ve been for you. Like you said, at least you made it back alive! I really hope the prop isn’t too big of an issue and that the motor can get fixed up quickly for ya. I truly believe that the absolute hardest part about fishing/boating is knowing when NOT to go out. Erie can be so deceiving. I’ve found that more times than not when NOAA weather says it’s flat, I can easily get into 3 footers. As scary as the lake can be, I think it’s more about the actual operator than the vessel itself. You can have a classic XL, take it out 10 miles and come back every time no problem and on the other hand, have a 30ft Sea Ray and bury it in the bottom of the lake. If you’re not careful, doesn’t matter how big the boat is, Erie will swallow it up if she wants to. Obviously there are many less days you can take this boat out compared to a 30 footer but as long as you’re super careful and smart about it, it’s definitely doable. I bought the classic XL last year and planned to fish the inland lakes/harbors more frequently and hit Erie only on rare occasion but at the end of the day, I just can’t resist the main lake. I’m actually surprised how well this boat handles big water! That being said, I’m yet to go even 2 miles off shore or from the nearest harbor. Guys on the Lake Erie forums brag about taking their 14ft boats with 9.9hp motors 10 miles offshore and to me it’s just not worth the risk. As tough as it was to give up on those small jaws around the islands, you made a great decision leaving them there for a different time.
Also, I wanted to thank you for posting such a detailed video on the casting deck. I replicated the one you designed and couldn’t be more happy with it. I have literally never commented on anyone’s videos before but I feel that you do a great job and your videos have really helped me out so I had to reach out and say thanks! Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind words John it’s appreciated glad my videos have helped in someway! Yes it can be very difficult to resist going out on the main lake that’s why I tried it twice lol I love smallmouth that much.I’m glad I turned around though turned out to be a blessing in disguise! If I would of had those motor problems out off shore it would of been a lot more stressful for sure.I’ve seen kayaks on those islands before they so I know I can get it out their it’s just catching the weather at the right time.I said in the video I wouldn’t try it again in the classic XL but Honestly I probably will let some point right now my focus is getting the boat back in good operating condition though the rest will handle itself.Thanks for feedback and support have a good one!
Crazy! Guess where I’m not going..
Lake Erie lol
Should have saw me first time 1/3 out in Erie with my 16ft sportspal canoe
Lol I couldn’t even imagine TBH I bet that scary shit
What did bass pro/tracker do?
I didn’t take it to them I took it to a place by my house and it ended up just being air in the fuel line
Trim up & slow down
I seen too many Tracker "accidents"
Did you check the vent on the gas tank??
Yes I did! That was first thing I checked
@@BredForBass Mercury's tend to get clogged fuel filters and lines, did you check them? I know a few people who had similar issues and all it needed was a new filter.
Yea i have been in rough water in my xl little nerve racking just take it slow
For sure and honestly the boat handled pretty good I just let it get in my head
So what was wrong with the engine?
They adjusted the throttle timing but I think some bad gas got in it or something and just had to run it out.
Fishing a small bass boat is known the body of water more than size of the boat I own a 17ft bass tracker txw I have fished salt water and fresh water you need to know body of water and the boat but understand your stress my buddy’s will not ride out on rough water on my aluminum boat
Where can we get a sticker from you?
I just put another order in for 30 more once they come in I’ll make a video and see who wants one.Just look out for that video!
MY RULE OF THUMB IS THIS IF AT ANY POINT SOMETHING CAUSES ME CONCERN IN MY THOUGHTS THATS IN AND OF ITS SELF THE TRIGGER FOR ME TO HEAD IN OR CANCEL GOING OUT,
I agree with that!
Not the size of the dog in the fight!
You need to get to the point. I got so bored with your back and forth. You have the wrong boat for that stretch of water my friend. I have traveled those waters most of my life and have got pushed around in a 28 foot boat let a loan a small bass boat and in cold water, you need to rethink what you do. You are lucky you are alive.
Took 2 hours to get out the drive way lol
Yes it did 😂
Nobody said you have to go fast, learn do drive better and you'll become more comfortable in rougher water.......everyone watches the pros drive in bad conditions and think they can do also.....just take your time driving and learn how your boat handles
I definitely took my time
@@BredForBass yeah be careful brother, lake Erie can be no joke at times!! Got to learn to keep that bow up and ride the waves back in
Lol only 2 of u went out on a huge open lake hello bass boat that small is not for open lake
It is in the right conditions I’ve seen kayaks on those islands before I just got fooled by the weather this time.
I went back to a mod deep V only reason I'm 40 minutes from lake erie. I had a lowe took a bow wave about lost my boat back to a deep V
@@runningbear9407 yea the Lund pro v Bass will be my next boat that thing is made for rough water v hull is definitely the way to go
I'm a new follower, i loved your video and decision to turn back. Glad I can continue watching your videos because of the decision you made. Fish are not worth your life.
Thanks for watching bud! I appreciate it and I’m glad I turned back also so I can make more videos 😂
sell that shit and buy a glass walleye boat