JPS Doc Loc: Stockton, Missouri

The decision as to which boat to buy is not easy. A little background. Originally from California, fishing my entire life. Got into fly fishing in 1982 and fly fishing has become my almost 100% go to when fishing. I consequently have fished mainly in streams and rivers (wading). I also have a fishing kayak (seaghost) I have used on a small lake (pond to your midwestern people) and have fished in Idaho on drift boats. I still have many spin rods (easier in windy conditions), mostly light stuff for trout, but at least a couple that are serious for ocean fishing.
Now I have moved to Missouri, next to Stockton lake. So, I am looking at a power boat for fishing. I doubt I will be doing any skiing or pulling rafts. My problem is many of the locals say I should have a walleye type boat (walk through) and others say I should stay with a bass boat. I like both types of boats. And the boat will stay almost exclusively on Stockton Lake. I will be fishing multi-species, not just bass. And I will not fly fish in very windy conditions, so I will get back to spin rod (baitcaster?) use.
And the lake is rather large, so I will be getting some horsepower. Probably 150 or above as has been suggested by the locals.
This post is to start a discussion on which boat would be best for these needs. Like I stated, I like both types of boats. The fishing platforms of a bass boat make it nice for fly fishing, and the deep v of a walleye boat make it nice for rougher conditions. And there are a lot of people with experience on this forum.
So here goes. Thanks

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Wow JPS Doc, looks like a great body of water to explore! I am partial to deep V designs myself, but much depends on how many people you may be fishing with? I would suggest a test drive with each design to see which you think you would be comfortable with. I don’t know the surrounding area, but it may be protected by surrounding elevations so you may be very comfortable (and safe) in a bass boat. I wish you well with whatever you choose.

JPS Doc Loc: Stockton, Missouri

Thank you. Great advice

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

Personally I like the open design when your trolling for walleye. They have a light bite and need a hard set when you have them. I fish for Walleye with lures and bottom bouncers and typically have the pole in my hand. They are fun to catch, and are my favorite fish for dinner. My 2cents😎

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

PS, I don’t use down riggers, so that may change your presentation.

Rayz Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.

I have a Stratos 386. Don't know if still made, but it should suit your needs. There are good used ones available. It Has 150 hp, front fishing deck, dual live wells etc. I use on Lake Champlain which is big. Never had a problem.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Oh boy, you are close to super trout fishing and Lake fishing. The trout fishing you can do with waders so I would concentrate on the lake fishing walleyes with a nice Lund. (MHO)

DC Loc: Washington state

I don't think there is a boat that is good for all kinds of fishing but you can do all kinds of fishing from a lot of boats. I'd decide which kind of fishing and method you plan on using most and buy a boat for that and it will do for other kind of fishing but just not as well. if trolling for walleye most an open v would be my choice if using it as a casting platform for bass then a bass boat. if taking out the kids and grandkids then open V if just anther fishing buddy for bass then a bass boat. I have a deep v and troll most of the time and love it but there are times I wish I had the casting platform of a bass boat but I can make due with the deep v

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

I’ve got a 18’ StarCraft deep V. I’m set up for trolling, with down riggers. But it also has a bow casting deck. With a walk-thru windshield. Best of both…
🐟on

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

Hi Dave. I had the 16' Starcraft with a 50hp mercury, it was in my hanger when it burned. Your boat would be perfect for Walleye fishing on a big lake, or in my case the Columbia river.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

Yeah, I really like my boat. The only thing I wish was different is that it had a taller windshield, and that would give me a taller canopy. I wouldn’t have to be ducking as much. Otherwise, it’s a great lake and your bigger river boat… 🐟on

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey JPS. If you're just planning on usin it on Stockton Lake most of the time I would go with a bass boat.
That lake looks like it shouldn't get that rough as to NEED a deep V boat.
I have an 18 1/2 foot Bass Tracker and have run it a lot on lakes with 2 1/2 foot whitecaps.
The main thing is the size of the water.
If the bodies of water are small enough that the wave sequence is relative short between sets that your boat bridges across the tops of the waves then a bass boat will work. If the waves are further apart that 18 to 20 feet then you'll have to be goin slower and a deep V boat with a windshield would be a better boat.
I'm facing the same problem when I move to Brentwood area. The water's too big and the waves are further apart and a bass boat wouldn't work.
Hope this makes sense to you. At least that's what I think and what works for me.

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Hey Doc,
Before we moved back to my home lake of Table Rock, I spent some time on Stockton. The water, terrain and fishing is very much like Table Rock, but Stockton is well known for 2 things - great crappie fishing and wind. There are lots of sailboats docked on Stockton, there are none on the west half of TR. The layout of Stockton is truly unique, like an inverted V. Lots of creeks and rock banks, and when it floods, lots of trees in the water. Here's my take, based on your story - sounds like you share my passion for casting, as you love to fly fish. Walleye fishing is more of a jigging/trolling style, but many can be caught casting when season is good. I had about a year's worth of fishing on Stockton, so I caught some different seasons. Spring and fall are great as the pleasure boaters are less prevalent. You can find good fishing in summer back in coves away from traffic. The dam area offers some awesome riprap fishing with their long retainer walls. I liked the Ruark Bluff area. Orleans Trail has a big population of sailboats. Bottom line, I second the suggestion of a bass boat, probably a V-bottom to cut the waves. Versatile, easy to manage. Best of luck and welcome to the north Ozarks!

Katman Loc: Kentucky

I have a G3 sportsman’s V. Can fish anything in my area Love the boat. Older I get the more I appreciate them side’s on the boat. I feel safer in it But every one has their preference’s. 🇺🇸🐠on

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Back in the 1960's, my Dad bought a catamaran - a Power Cat tri-hull that would need only one outboard.
Catamarans are the most stable boat I've ever seen, you could sit three people on the same gunwale and the boat would list only a few degrees. Also, you could make a U-turn at full throttle and go back in your own wake.
This kind of hull evolved into the so-called 'cathedral' design, and finally into what many people use today for cruising, water skiing, and such.

That boat had some nice advantages but if you were at anchor or drifting while you fished, it got noisy when there was any chop: Glorp ...glug ...glorp. It sounded like a washing machine! Also, it was a rough ride at speed in choppy water.

So I'm thinking that a large lake may offer some chop at times, which would make me lean towards a vee bottom. ...For what it's worth!