Looking to make my first EME contacts on 144 MHz and trying to understand the minimum station requirements. I've heard that thanks to the JT65B digital mode provided by the WSJT program, any station having a 2m SSB transceiver capable of delivering 50 W and a directional antenna can make successful contacts via EME. My current setup includes a IC-9700 (100W), single 17-element Yagi pointed horizontally, and a low noise preamplifier with 0.5-0.8 dB NF at the antenna input point.

I've read about Q65 mode being the newer preferred digital protocol for EME work. Q65 is particularly effective for tropospheric scatter, rain scatter, ionospheric scatter, TEP, and EME on VHF and higher bands, as well as other types of fast-fading signals. Should I start with JT65 or move directly to Q65? Also wondering if I can still make EME contacts when the moon is near the horizon with a single Yagi antenna pointing to the horizon normally allows to work EME till the Moon is up to 15 or 18 degrees above the horizon.

Your setup should work fine for getting started! For 2 meters, it's 60-C, or 60-second t/r sequence and sub-mode C. The K1JT Quick Start Guide to Q65 recommends the following t/r sequences and sub-modes. I'd recommend jumping straight to Q65-60C on 144.170 MHz rather than starting with the older JT65 mode - it's more sensitive and better suited for today's EME activity.

Don't forget that for successful EME contact on 144MHz, sky noise in direction of the Moon has to be less or equal 500°K. Use EME prediction software to avoid times when the Moon crosses the galactic plane. Your horizontal Yagi will work but consider the Faraday rotation losses - they can be significant on 2M.

QRA64 activity on 2-meter EME is becoming significant, especially on weekends, but Q65 is definitely the way to go for new EME operators. The averaging capability makes weak signal work much more forgiving. Look for established EME stations to help guide you through your first contacts - many will coordinate schedules via the Moon-Net reflector.