Re: ever done this before
The weather here in Florida can change on a dime as it did for me and my fishing buddy while on lake Istapahoga (average dept 6' maybe 7-10 miles diamater) 30 miles Northwest of Okeechobee. Second day of a hunting,camping and fishing on the lake we headed back home and across the calm lake west to east from Hendersons fish camp. Lake was calm when we pulled in there to buy cigs and gas. When we came out of the lagoon we faced 1 1/2' to 2 1/2( seemed like three) caps waves blowing in our face. We were camping so my 14'jb was weighted with tent, guns coolers etc., plus buddy up front weighs 250. Only few inches of freeboard inside and out. The slow and cautious worked long enough to get us into more of a commitment as caps started occasionally coming in the boat from all sides. At that time riding the caps seemed like a good idea. Buddy got a bit wet but it was a smoother and safe ride in this situation. In the case with the 12 footer try triming down into the waves... your gonna get wet but it beats going air born in the changing winds. Also the crosswind is also a factor. Head directly into the wind if possible. When you get closer to shore you can then tack to where you need to go. One last word " be careful on shallow lakes because a march wind can kick it up quickiy and easily, more so than a deep lake.
