Your 12 footer will be fine in most areas around here. Regardless of the size of your boat, checking the weather/wind forecast is the most important thing and don't risk an "iffy" forecast for the sake of a fish. Unless you are very experienced, would not recommend the shoals. There are other places to catch decent fish and no fish that I've ever caught or seen is worth risking your life over. A lot of people new to the sport see videos or hear stories about monster reds and think it's easy. Trust me...it's not!