Avoiding The 10 Foot Wakes

[Bill Babler]

I'm just happy everyday that this is not Lake O. Yes I agree, with the crusiers traveling at 1/3 speed are just rolling them out. And I will tell you this. Most of the guys driving them, honestly probably think they are doing the right thing.

On Taneycomo, folks in the deep V's slow down and just completely roll them over you, thinking they are doing the right thing. They don't realize, that at a faster speed the less of that hull is going to be in the water to send out those big rollers. Either slow or fast, not imbetween.

Really, there is noting we or the water patrol can do with waves coming from a 1/2 mile away. Yes, you as a boat operator are responsible for your wake damage, but enforcing it is a nightmare.

This is a big pond, and there is room for everyone. If we don't like the waves, we are just going to have to either fish nights, extremely early or late, or just put up with it.

I just put up with it and try and do my best to make it as easy as possible for my clients. It is hard for me however, as I am a main lake fisherman, and we all know that is where the really "Big Breakers Are."

[rangerman]

I'd rather have someone fly by me anyday of the week than slow way down and pull a wake behind them. I haven't been to TR lately, where is the island at point 9 at. I have seen more than a few novices fly over it at high speed and destroy some props.

[mosouthpaw]

weekends are no place for fisherman past 9am..... Inconsiderate pleasure boaters pulling a tube 30yds from your boat to massive wakes by mastercrafts plowing water planting the seeds of waterskiers all over the lake. you might have to hunt for calmer water but even if you find it, the glitter from your bassboat attracts those pesky jetskis like catfish to stinkbait....

Ive seen some doozies on taney, some folks with lunds just plowing water up to the dam just seems worse when your drifting

[rps]

I think all of us who are regulars have tales of "other boats." Other boats are one of the reasons I first started fishing for walleye by trolling. I found it difficult to jig fish the long points when PWC's and ocean liners towing tubes went on all sides of me - at once.

My favorite memory: The wake boat that came so close to the rear of my boat while I was trolling that its lower unit snagged my line. As it headed down the lake it peeled 300 yards of braid from my reel. When it reached the end, the line broke with a report like a gunshot. I headed in and laughed all the way while imagining the wad of braid twisted in his prop.

BTW, my new boat, an Alumacraft Navigator, is designed for big waves. As long as I'm pointing into the wave I'll be fine. I just have to watch the wave from the rear risk.

[CMAC]

What I think is amazing is how much traffic are in these rivers and there is nothing worse than a turning boat wake!! Those waves are concentrated and bigger, everytime! I ain't complaining though, fished LOTO for years out of my 188 ranger, that boat handles very well in the rough water.

[Nolan_Whaley]

Well, i was afraid of that answer.. Guess the kayak will continue to get a workout on the weekends. Rivers are nice and cool as a bonus. I was thinking of trying the white river above the 86 bridge and going up above cape fair to where the james and flat creek come in. Any tips there? Thanks for the info.. i'll just keep ducking, dodging, and chucking.

[CMAC]

I was actually refering about long creek, but there is two sizable marinas fairly close. Not to sure about the upper 86 area or upper bridge port.

[T-RockJaws]

White river above the 86 bridge still gets some big boat traffic. There are a few nice deep coves that hold fish and kind of protect you from the big boat wakes though. This time of year, you simply cannot get away from the big boats unless you fish the "dark" hours.

[gman61]

Being both a jet skier and a fisherman, I have to agree to all the comments on this post. While I primarily fish on a fishin barge, I have caught fish of my waverunner. I have been forcing myself to get on the lake between 5-530 to fish, come home around ten, then head back out to boat around 1pm and if not too tired, then back to fish in the evening. It makes for some loooong and tiring weekends. I've tried to be as courteous as possible while on the ski. A couple of times I have even learned a thing or two while watching and talking to guys fishing the Kimcity bridge. I usually idle around them and just watch. While there are a fair share of numbskulls on this lake, it is nothing like Lake O up north. Have also begun to snorkel a bit this year which has opened my eyes up to what exactly to look for....pea gravel, rocks, stumps....and why.

[BrianS]

I have a suggestion for you all