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I had an unexpected opportunity to test rough water handling capabilities on my Slayer Propel this afternoon. The spot where I launched was sheltered with little breeze. Once I got out to the Severn, I faced a long ride with strong winds and relentless 1.5 to 2.5 ft waves caused by the wind opposing the outgoing current to reach my trolling grounds. The waves were coming from the starboard side. Often the wave crests were only 10 to 20 ft apart. It was good practice to balance myself on an elevated seat during some of those waves.
I took many waves over the bow. Since I left the front two cockpit scupper holes open (these are large diameter scuppers), the water quickly drained out.
Once I got to my target area, I trolled 4 lines in water depths of 4 to 5.5 ft with 2 ft waves on top (that was a challenge). I managed a 20”, 17”, 16”, and two 12” stripers under those lousy conditions before heading back to the launch. The Propel was very useful while fishing. When I hooked a fish, I could keep pedaling so my other three lines remained behind the boat and could make sure I did not drift into rocks.
The hot lure today was a Specialized bucktail with a 4.5" paddletail in electric chicken color. The three larger fish came on this lure today, as did my 26" fish last week. I don't know if the attractive feature is the color and size of the paddletail or the flaring hair on the bucktail.
I took many waves over the bow. Since I left the front two cockpit scupper holes open (these are large diameter scuppers), the water quickly drained out.
Once I got to my target area, I trolled 4 lines in water depths of 4 to 5.5 ft with 2 ft waves on top (that was a challenge). I managed a 20”, 17”, 16”, and two 12” stripers under those lousy conditions before heading back to the launch. The Propel was very useful while fishing. When I hooked a fish, I could keep pedaling so my other three lines remained behind the boat and could make sure I did not drift into rocks.
The hot lure today was a Specialized bucktail with a 4.5" paddletail in electric chicken color. The three larger fish came on this lure today, as did my 26" fish last week. I don't know if the attractive feature is the color and size of the paddletail or the flaring hair on the bucktail.