Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Hi all,

I just moved to Cape Coral, living on a canal with a pier and boat lift, but no boat yet. I am looking forward to fishing from the canals out into the river and over to Sanibel and near shore gulf waters. Can anyone give me recommendations on best "hybrid" boats out there? My wife wants to be able to entertain visiting guests in addition to my fishing. I'm leaning toward something used (2016-2021), outboard engine(s), budget between $60k-$80k.

Also, can you give me some pointers on seasonal fishing, when species arrive, depart, best months, etc. From what I've read so far I intend to primarily fish with live shrimp or bait fish, but I enjoy throwing or trolling lures as well. I will also be visiting local tackle shops to talk with those experienced folks. Any feedback you can provide wouldbe much appreciated. Tight lines to everyone!

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I would start with something in the 18 to 25 foot range. Check out your lift and docking to be sure they can handle the size. Much smaller than 18 feet would be limiting in the near open waters and over 25 will limit your maneuvering in the canals . As far as entertaining, you want to know if you're doing water sports or cruising around. There's many other things to consider but it's a start. Most important, take a good safe boating class. I highly recommend the CG Auxiliary classes.

Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Thanks Flytier! The lift can handle 7500 lbs. I've completed the USCG Boating Course. Good point on maneuvering in the canals, I am leaning toward a 25 ft boat, but I'll research the canal widths before making a decision. No water sports, just cruising and stopping at beaches. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Genoboca Loc: Cape Haze, FL

There is a lot of shallow water in Charlotte Harbor and even near shore in Gulf. Your choice of boat will be dictated by the kind of fishing you want to do. Backcountry fishing for snook, trout and redfish requires a flats boat but it won’t be great in the Gulf or in choppy water. If you want to go out far into Gulf, you can’t have too big a boat. A good all around boat might be a Grady White 251.

I would not hesitate to go older if it is a high quality boat with relatively low hours. Buy from a reputable dealer which handles high quality boats like new Grady Whites, Pursuits, Contenders, or Boston Whalers. Might look at websites of Marine Max, Naples Boat Mart, Ingman Marine. I’d stay away from the many smaller independent boat dealers that are everywhere, just like used car dealers.

I’ve had a 2012 Grady 27 Freedom and a 2012 Grady 205, both dual console, heavy, stable boats that ride great and are comfortable for family and guests.

Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Thanks Genoboca! I agree you get what you pay for. I had a 22' Searay and it ran beautifully for 10 years with fairly minimal maintenance costs. I think Gradys will be out of my price range, I'm going looking this weekend. I'll let you know what my first impressions are after I get back from Marine Max.

Genoboca Loc: Cape Haze, FL

Check out marine max website—low hours, one owner. Looks like a good deal to me.


2007 Grady-White Tournament 225

Price:
$48,995
Calculate Your Payment
Call My Store: Dallas Yacht Center - (469) 293-9095

Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Thanks, I'll check it out!

Norman Havens Loc: Port Charlotte Florida

I'm a 1 year transplant to port Charlotte.
The fishing here is mostly in water less than 6 foot.
The Sand bars and oyster bars are everywhere and the tides Will dictate when and where you boat.
I chose a shallow draft 24' cc Bay boat.
It's an aqua sport.
With All the shallow water a power pole anchor is what you need. And a trolling motor with spot lock.
The power pole leaves a very small foot print in grass beds and oyster bars as compared to a conventional anchor.
A Jack plate will keep your prop damage to a minimum. the spot lock can hold you when it's to deep to anchor.
The T tops look great but the shade they provide is priceless on a hot day.
A CC let's you fight the fish All the way around the boat.
The Suzuki has the best warranty.
Get as much storage as you can 2 bait tanks
As big of a screen as you can afford for the electronics.
The last and most important factor is will you be fishing more or partying/ entertaining more ?
You can party on a fishing boat it's made to be bloody and washed down.
But to fish on the party boat is a big cleaning job.

Norman Havens Loc: Port Charlotte Florida

Here's what purchased.
Good luck on your boat search.
I purchased mine in Orlando from Boat Max.
Very happy with the salesman and the service.
PS went out today 2 anglers 10 lady fish 8 catfish 12 snook 12 mangrove snapper 9 red fish 1 pufferfish 3 sheepshead all in 4' of water or less.
I'm getting the thunder storm that just left your area.

Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Damn Norman...not a bad life for you. Nice stringer today! You have a beautiful boat. I'm going to need a little more entertaining room when folks come down to enjoy the Florida sunshine. The other 40 weeks, I'm going to be fishing!!

Norman Havens Loc: Port Charlotte Florida

We were at a raft up with our yacht club we had 10 people sitting in our boat comfortably it's has seats for 8.
It definitely fishes more than it parties.

Kenpotok

Get a 20 foot pontoon boat with a 150hp engine. Include a power anchor and rod holders This will keep your wife happy and is still fishable. Cost should be $60000.

Norman Havens Loc: Port Charlotte Florida

I purchased my boat last year in September it's a 2020 it has all the bells and whistles I paid $ 67,000.00.
And my wife loves it.
I won't buy a boat over 5 years most are out warranty.
I don't have any problems running 20 miles out in the Gulf.
Don't see any pontoons 20 miles out.

Dowelldad Loc: Cape Coral, Fl.

Thanks again. Went boat looking today and found a 2017 Hurricane 2690 with a Merc 350 Verado with 275 hours. My wife loves it, I can probably make it do for fishing. It has two fishing chairs aft, open bow with plenty of room to cast, extended Bimini top, GPS/Fishfinder. Not much for livewells, but I'm sure I can jerry-rig something up. Priced in the high $80s, don't know if there is any wiggle room there....Still looking, but that one definitely has my attention.