Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I fished the Saginaw Bay on Saturday and coming in for weigh in there was some tough water, my 3 blade  Tempest just could not dig in climbing the waves, I am thinking I need a 4 blade for the Bay but dont know what to get.  I have a 19.5' Stratos with a 200 Rude Ficht. 

Thanks for any assistance. 

I have a BassCat PIV, comparable in length but maybe not width.  Running a 26 Trophy with a 200 Rude HO.  Very happy with it.  Hope that helps some.


Potter

Thanks for the info. 

The 4 blade will help, but only so much.  As the waves get higher, it loses grip too.

Best answer is a hydraulic jackplate.  My Bob's gives me 6 inches of range to raise and go faster, or drop her down to keep a grip.  I know it's a big investment, but once you have one you'll never be without again.

A cheaper option you might try along with a 4 blade is a hydrofoil on the lower unit.  At slower speeds it reduces the bounce of the rear on the waves, helping you keep a grip.  In good water & higher speeds it's above the water.

I've been seeing more 5 blade props lately than I think I've ever seen. I didn't think they'd ever catch on. Worked great on a boat one of my partners had years back when the 5 blades first came out. I guess many anglers are looking for a better bite in the big waves we sometimes get around here.

I had a hydraulic jack plate on my boat when I fished the Great Lakes most of the time. It made a difference. Thin water blast offs and heavy wave bite much improved. I miss it sometimes, but my needs are different now.

I agree with Dan on the high-5.. I run a 26 trophy on my cougar.. It does ok.. I just ran a fury and it has alot more bite than a trophy.. I'm getting the fury next..