S Kat Loc: Lake Lanier - Georgia

I am looking to transition from fishing in by Hobie to getting a bass boat. I am on a large lake (Lake Lanier - Georgia) and I am wondering if anyone had any particular advise/recommendations before I take the plunge. Open for any ideas whether it be aluminum vs fiberglass, brand, engine size, etc. Basically, anything I should take into consideration.

Thanks for your help!

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

I would say the best way to decide is to google boats what they offer and what you want it to do and also would you want to do ICW ocean fishing. There are a lot of options out there The carolina Skiff is a very nice boat Make sure it is a NEW boat therefore you have a warranty and take it back if anything happen I have a Mercury 200 on mine and never had a problem with it I have had it about 3 years I run fresh and salt water as well as the Intercoastal waterway

Jeremy Loc: America

If going to be in the Ocean or Salt Water quite often Fiberglass is better. I agree with Troy. Do your homework before purchase. Bass Boats are cool except usually not very deep hulls...which are good for freshwater and calm water... the deeper the hull the safer you will feel. If your mainly going to target Bass then Bass boat is probably right for you.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Also a new on has a very large price tag you can find a nice use one but only use a dealer when you purchase one because they go through it to make sure it is good to go google bass boats in your area

TexNVegas

I purchased a Tracker 175 TRW Tournament Edition (aluminum) in Sep of 2019 after minimal research. My reasoning was that I loved to bass fish and wanted a boat big enough and within my budget that could get me onto the lake (Lake Mead, NV) and into areas where the fish were. I love the boat; however, I am now looking to upgrade to fish bass tournaments and need a faster, more capable boat. So, before you start researching, write down what you want to do with the boat and what you want the boat to provide you with...what are your requirements? Once you have your checklist, do your research. Go out with other boat owners and get a good feeling for their boats BEFORE you buy. This will help you see what is out there in the way of size/length, handling, electronics, reliability, etc. Lastly, and my biggest regret, buy a good used one. New boats lose 30-40 percent when you close the loan. Hope this helps. Tight lines.

S Kat Loc: Lake Lanier - Georgia

Really appreciate the comments... very helpful.

JRK227 Loc: Cedarburg, WI

Look into Lund boats. Built to last a lifetime. They handle rough water and offer a dry ride.

HookMaster Loc: Douglasville, GA

If you are going to be on Lanier you want a bigger boat! Lanier has some of the roughest water in the state. Big open areas with the rich putting 35, 45, 100-foot craft on the water. They make some BIG waves! Be safe!

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

I have a Ranger RT178 which has served me well on the Salt River chain of lakes in Arizona. Recently my circumstances have changed and I will be spending more time on my favorite lake, Lake Powell. Although I have used the Ranger on Powell I am very careful to watch the forecast. Lake Powell can get very rough in a very short time. The Ranger is not safe on Lake Powell when the wind is blowing 25 MPH. Having visited with two pros who spend a lot of hours on Lake Powell in all kinds of weather I have narrowed it down to three choices. All are aluminum and all are pricey. They are the Lund Pro V Bass, the Crestliner Raptor, and the Crestliner Bass Hawk. All are V bottom boats which are much better in rough water. I am heading for Page to look at a Raptor tomorrow. I intend to try all three before I buy, intending this to be the last boat I buy in this lifetime. The Raptor has a full walk through windshield so it is a much drier ride with less wind. The others offer a bass boat style deck which allows you to lay out a selection of rods which you can't do with the Raptor.
I hope this helps.

Ken02766 Loc: Las Vegas NV

I loved my 2012 Tracker 175TWX for bass and stripper fishing.

JustRight Loc: Hernando, FL

I my humblest opinion, the first consideration should be your budget. You can get an entry level aluminum Tracker, new for around 10 Large. But that same boat used or possibly abused can cost maybe 5,000; but be more trouble than you want. Brings up the second consideration: are you mechanically inclined? Like tinkering? Then, look for and get what you like in a used boat. Fortunately, in your area, there are lots of used boats to choose from. Sounds to me from the nature of your inquiry, you might want to seek the first-hand assistance of a knowledgeable friend. Tracker has a re-make of their 17 ft Classic model. You should chack it out. Its a good deal. Bass Pro in Macon is good to deal with.

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

I had a bass tracker, it was easy to troll in water 2ft deep. 40 hp Mercury. Great boat

GACowBoy Loc: Macon, GA.

I bought a Heritage from BassPro in Macon be two years ago next month. Love it.

MAS fish Loc: Peoria,IL

I would check out the new Vexus boats by Forrest Woods. He passed a couple of months ago but 3 years ago reentered the bass boat building business in Flippin Ar. when Johnny Morris started reducing wages and benefits from the workers of Forrest's former Ranger worker's for generations. He built a new state of the art factory down the street from the Ranger factory. The Vexus boats in aluminum and newly released last fall, fiberglass boats are gorgeous and from talking to their dealer at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock, they are unmatched in performance. Check them out at :
vexus boats .com.
Good luck in your decision.