12 ft jon boat

Just fixed up a old Jon boat, put a deck rear deck bought a 4.5 horse brigs and strat and was wondering how y'all think it would handle a lake that is around 1200 acres like Nocona or Moss lake up by Gainesville.

Got a 14 footer...handles semi-calm waters without problems. Any winds over 15 mph and its time to find a sheltered cove...just be safe and carry a life jacket.

Don't know those lakes. I'd just plan any lake to look at the map before hand and fish it where you will have easy access to coves from wind. Your tolerance for rough water will be different from mine. You'll know in the first few minutes if it is too much for you to feel comfortable in

Wind is forecasted. You can plan for that. What you cannot plan for is a big boat coming by and putting a wake over you. Better be very careful.

If you watch what is going around you, you will be just fine.

All true. I have A 14 footer that I put on texoma , roberts , lewisville etc. Wind direction should be one of the first things you watch to let you know where to launch. One scary thing I had happen is a huge cruiser on texoma flew within 100 yards of me at full speed.... Scary but not a drip of water in the boat. Now I stay in coves and kinda buy the shore line

Good advice by all , most important waves from other boats can surprise you .

And NEVER anchor that sucker from the stern. Don't ask me how I learned that one.

I grew up on Nocona in a 12' V-Bottom boat. Rowed it from about the time I was 10 or so till maybe 14 when I got a little 6 horse for it. Even into college, having a bass boat, I'd still find myself fishing out of it. I'd say about 95% of the time you'd be fine on Nocona, it'll just be slow going if you're out in the middle and there's more than a good chop. Especially if you're trying to go perpendicular to it.

Just need to know your limits. The more you put in it, the lower it's going to sit, and the higher you get the easier it's going to be to dip a edge into the water. Mine didn't have a deck, I just stood in the bottom of it. It's been to Amon Carter, and Arrowhead as well.

IMO they're very capable boats, you just need to watch your surroundings, and be aware of the wind and weather. That away you can put your focus towards areas where you'll be able to fish comfortably, and not fight to stay anchored, or worry about waves coming over the side. If you went to Nocona, or any of the smaller lakes around, on a weekday, you're liable to have the whole lake to your self. That's when I'd take it out.

Good advice from Mudshark. Got cabin fever and went fishing on a pretty windy (10-12 gusting to 15+) day recently. Push poles set in at the back of the boat. Turned around to change baits and noticed the waves were beginning to splash over the transom into the boat. Bilge pump took care of the problem pretty quickly. Guarantee it won't happen again. Lesson learned.