Enough boat for lake fishing?

you could go out in boat like that, just remember the lake can get high waves very  fast i seem that lake be calm as glass and 10 min later have 6 ft waves just keep that in mind  If i were you i would not go to the trenches with it i would stay close to shore

I have a similar type Lowe (deep V) with a ninety Johnson - been out many times, but sometimes you just have to take it slow or stay in. One day last summer there were easily 5's & 6's and mine was the only trailer in the lot at Walnut, but I took it slow, went out anchored & caught my limit - came back slow.
 
GPS  & compass are invaluable tools if you're going to fish out, particularly when fog sets in!

Mikevn , I didnt say I wasnt crazy but I am crazy safe. I know when to say not today. And I do love to fish so I will go there if I have to ,within my safety zone. I aint scarred nor stupid just crazy sometimes. But within that comfort zone. See you out there , I will be the guy in the boat that you see, and then dont see ,and then see again, and then dont see again. LOL  

There isn't a fish on the planet that would make me go more than a mile or so off shore in that boat.
 
I'm no expert on Erie walleye, but from what I understand there are always a few walleye in fairly close/shalllow all summer (20 to 30 ft?) you just have to weed through the junk fish.   I'd fish for those, when you want to perch fish, go get on the Edward John.You'll be able to sit back and enjoy the day without having to fear for your life.  Fishing is supposed to be fun.

Happy Easter to All !! First thing I would recommend is taking a U.S.C.G approved safe boating course. Make sure you have all the required safety equipment and a good VHF radio and GPS. I have seen some small boats 14' to 16' heading out in just 2-3 foot waves and I think these guys are nuts!! My 21' can take it but still bob up and down alot. It doesnt matter what size your boat is to a point becuase if your fishing 3-5's it's just not that comfortable. If you are out there for a period of time, are you going to turn green ?  If the lake gets worse, think of how the effects of sea-sickness will hinder your ability to pilot your boat ?? To me, not worth it. If you Keep real close tabs on the weather and stay within the confines of your ability, you should be fine. Good luck and Good Fishin !

I wouldn't venture far from shore in a 16 footer. Pick your days carefully, and a 16 footer would be great for smallmouth fishing. Remember that if you do get caught in the nasty stuff out there, head for the nearest marina, not necessarily the one you launched from.
 
I run a 22 ft Grady White walkaround to venture further out and let me tell, there are days when that boat is way too small. 

Problem is guys tow their boats up to the lake only to find it's kicking and they figure we came this far we are going fishing. Those are the guys that get into trouble. Don't be afraid of the lake but RESPECT IT!!! Lake Erie dosen't care what you do,how much money you make or who you are it will eat you alive. Go when the weather says go and if in doubt say onshore cause what you see from shore is not whats happening 8 to 10 miles out. Also don't rely on some on the raido reports stating wave height I've heard guys say 3 ftrs when it's only 1.5,she starts capping most of the time at 3ft. 

Ditto on the safe boating course! It's called "Seamanship"! Joined the Navy to learn how to "ride the Waves"! Prior to that had some good lessons from Uncle Bill in a 12 foot Alumacraft on Lake Ontario! Just remember the ocean (great lakes - inland oceans too) have more power than anything man can build - remember Edmund Fitzgerald???
 
There were days on the ocean in Uncle Sam's big ships when it was not a good idea to be there, but we had no choice! The Navy ceased trying to "ride out hurricanes" after they lost 5 destroyers shortly after WWII!!
 
Watch weather reports - use good judgement & common sense! When I'm geared up for fishing and the "big pond" is too rough, there are several inland lakes within an easy drive to fish!

I do the same, start out the day going against the waves so that if it gets too bad you don't have to fight against them trying to get back to the marina. You'll still have to fight with them just not against them. And I have a 23' walk around with a self bailing hull. I always have my son with me plus 1 or 2 others, it's just not worth risking lives.
 
You will find yourself getting disgusted, and tempted to take chances, if your main focus is Lake Erie fishing. There will be more days that you shouldn't go out in a boat that size than there are perfect days. That's why my brother in law now owns my old 16' aluminum and I've got the bigger glass boat now.

Good point spoon, having enough power is important as well.

A little small for my liking.

ORIGINAL: scaremypsu

Is it a flat bottom or a V, if it is a flat bottom I wouldn't!

Its a V hull...... Thanks for all the replies guys..... maybe i should tell him we need a bigger boat....after all he still a single guy.....should have some money LOL

I would not go more than a mile or so from where you launch in a boat that small. If you do a little research on deaths or drownings on lake erie, you will likely find many of them are in smaller boats. Just last summer there were 3 men that died out of Conneaut Ohio in a 19 foot boat. I heard on 2 or 3 occasions of other 20 foot boats capsized on the lake just when I was out there fishing. I think a deep 22 mfooter is somewhat okay but really like at least a 24 footer with a deep v and hardtop. If you look hard you could find a decent boat from $3000 and up to fish the lake. I'm not trying to scare ya, just hate to see or hear of capsized boats on lake erie. I would highly recommend type 1 offshore life vest on any boat you take on the lake and all other required safety equipment.
Hop a ride on a charter or with someone that has a bigger boat. You will appreciate what most members are saying aboutb the use of a small boat out there. Seamenship is also a major factor on how well your boat will do. While under power you probably will not have a problem, although a following sea can quickly swamp your vessel. It's if your engine fails or you lose power where the major problem can occur. I've seen the bay (last summer) go from a light chop to 5-6 footers breaking over the hardtop of my 25' Sportcraft within 10 minutes. The winds were over 60 miles per hour. I was glad not to be in the lake that day. This happened very quick and there wasn't time to bet to the dock which was only a half mile away!
 
Captain Wayne
Hawg Wild Charters