Noob Question About Wakes While on Trolling Motor

[cpaterso]

I got my first boat last year and have learned a ton.  It's a Lowe FM 165 V Hull, so I know it sits higher than a lot of bass boats out there.  The only thing I'm not clear on is whether I can handle wake waves along the sides or at the transom.

 

When I'm out on the main lake fishing and I get wakes coming by from pleasure boaters, I try to swing my nose towards the wave.  How much do I need to be worrying about these?  I feel like I spend a lot of time worrying about those waves rather than fishing, and if I can just take them at my transom without a worry then I'll quit messing with it.

 

I did have a big wake hit me at the back corner late last year before I started doing this.  I'm not a great judge but I think maybe it was 2ft-2.5ft.  The first one was fine but the second one seemed like it would cut the wave but it didn't.  By the 3rd or 4th roller I'd been moved about 20 ft and almost slammed a dock.  After that I've been paranoid.

 

[GaryH]

A lot depends on size of boat and size of wake. Facing your bow into the wake is always a good move.

[J Francho]

I'd always be looking over my shoulder for big wakes, regardless of the size or type of hull.  Any boat can be unsettled by a wake large enough.  Pointing your bow to them is a good plan.

[livin2fish]

I have a 17 ft aluminum Skeeter.  Facing into the waves while on the trolling motor, I've had the waves come over the front of the boat a couple of times.  I don't weigh much, 155 lb.  I try to stay aware of "wake" boats passing and head the boat into the waves and move to the console just before the waves arrive.  Only have to do this a few times an outing.  The rest of the time, based on the size of the wake, I just prepare for the rocking ride.  I do have ipilot with a remote which helps keep direction and distance from docks etc.   

[Rocketvapor]

Wakes?  Yup we watch for wakes

Little plastic boat has a big water scoop between the two pontoons. 

Take them head on and water splashes in. 

Take them broadside and you rock like crazy.  

I take wakes with one of the bows at about a 45 angle. 

[BigAngus752]

9 hours ago, cpaterso said:

I feel like I spend a lot of time worrying about those waves rather than fishing

I remember this feeling. As you spend more time on the water this is going to become second nature. I used to avoid windy days or main lake basins when the big pleasure boats were out. Just a few years later I am seeking out the windy days and casting backwards while using my foot control to swing the bow into a pleasure boat wake.  You will surprise yourself with your skills by the end of next season.

[cpaterso]

Hey thanks for the feedback.  Sounds like I'm not too paranoid and I'll just keep getting used to it.  Much appreciated!

[J Francho]

Things that make big wakes usually make noise, unless it's a barge on the St. Larry river.

[Team9nine]

Got the same basic setup, only an Alumacraft. Smaller and lighter aluminum boats simply get pushed around a lot more, so you do need to pay a little more attention compared being in a larger glass boat. That said, If it's a particularly big wave coming, I will swing the nose toward it, but most of the time, I would rather just take it broadside and rock-n-roll a little. You can even use the back corners to brunt a wave that surprises you, but will still get some spashing due to the motor...but that's what the splashwell is for  Just ride most of them out unless you are in a situation where you might get washed into the bank/rocks/docks as mentioned...then try and power into the wave to hold position.