how shallow can i go?

[spacerust]

I've been reading a lot on this forum and it really is helping me but one thing i haven't really read is how shallow can i go in an '86 bass tracker v17 w/ mercury 50hp? where i plan to fish is in the lower laguna madre in south texas. most of the fishing spots are in 6 inches to 2.5 ft. the previous owner mainly fished in the arroyo colorado which is much deeper. i understand i probably wouldn't be able to get into 6 inches but how bout a foot or more.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: how shallow can i go?

I'd say a foot is as shallow as you could go. With the engine tilted up. Well, I don't know, those little aluminum boats don't displace much. Why not take your boat into shallow water and see when it drags bottom. Use a stick or fishing pole to measure that depth and use that as a guideline when out on the lake.

I would load it down with the maximum amount of junk you plan on bringing with you, so you get the depth when you're heavy, not light.

You didn't design your forum name after that satellite they just shot down, did ya?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how shallow can i go?

look at the dirty water line on the boat. that where it sits at rest.

 

[tnduc]

Re: how shallow can i go?

That's the same area I fish. The only way to know for sure is to try it out. Pick a day where the wind is calm and you can see the bottom. Idle into the shallows, play with your motor tilt and see what happens. Worst comes to worst, if you went in slow and got stuck you can get out and push. I've got v-hull boat with long shaft motor, not the best shallows boat. But, if I idle in with the motor tilted I can get in about 1 foot of water.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how shallow can i go?

Good advice so far. Experience will tell you when it's time to raise the motor and start using a pole. That's the best way to sneak up on the big boys in the shallows of the Gulf. My rule of thumb is don't run the motor until depth is twice the length of the outboard leg below the keel.