Which boat to buy?
Missouri Fishing
Oct 26, 2022 17:09:29 #
I would definitely go with more of a deep V hulled boat. I have been on Stockton when the wind picked up and it can get a bit sketchy! A deeper hulled boat will be better for more windy/wavy fishing conditions. You don't want to not be able to fish or have to cut a day short because your boat can't handle a bit of weather
Oct 26, 2022 18:39:19 #
gmeives
Loc: St. Charles
You are not far from Springfield Mo where Bass Pro headquarters is located. I suggest you go there and check out the boats they offer. They have both fiberglass and aluminum vees and bass boats. I have a tracker 175 TXW. It is a 17'6" semi-v bass boat. It has a pretty smooth ride but does not handle big water. It only has a 60 HP mercury. A Targa V18 WT is also a great boat, but it was not in my budget. Nitro also has a deep vee glass boat plus their bass boats.
Oct 26, 2022 19:37:07 #
Jim Sargent
Loc: Payson, AZ
Doc,
I am running a Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk because I spend two months a year at Lake Powell. Actually I just got off the water. Had a good day with smallies. My previous boat was a Ranger RT178 and it was great for Roosevelt, Apache, and Saguaro but I was a bit intimidated by the rough water on Powell.
When I was shopping I looked at a Lund bass platform on a deep V. That may be the best compromise. I saw it on Jarrett Edwards Outdoors and actually looked at the boat. It was a dandy and I would have bought it but the nearest dealer was 250 miles away so I chose the Fish Hawk.
I am running a Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk because I spend two months a year at Lake Powell. Actually I just got off the water. Had a good day with smallies. My previous boat was a Ranger RT178 and it was great for Roosevelt, Apache, and Saguaro but I was a bit intimidated by the rough water on Powell.
When I was shopping I looked at a Lund bass platform on a deep V. That may be the best compromise. I saw it on Jarrett Edwards Outdoors and actually looked at the boat. It was a dandy and I would have bought it but the nearest dealer was 250 miles away so I chose the Fish Hawk.
Oct 27, 2022 17:38:48 #
Doc.... I gave a Fish n Ski model and love the versatility. I don't use mine for skiing but it has front and rear decks like a bass boat. Seats 5 people for cruising the lake with others or swimming in remote coves. The front seats are big captain chairs that swivel so I can drop anchor in current and fish from the big chairs in comfort. Of course live wells and a bow mounted trolling motor are on board. This is the second one I've owned. Oh yes, on a cold day or morning there is nothing better than being behind the full windshield up front.
Oct 27, 2022 17:53:46 #
Oct 27, 2022 18:37:45 #
Jim Sargent
Loc: Payson, AZ
Another thing to consider, with the bass platform you can lay out all your rods on the deck for that day's fishing. You can't do that with a walk through. I added vertical rod holders on the passenger side but that requires you to be careful with your casting.
Oct 27, 2022 19:34:39 #
Paul D
Loc: Higginsville, MO.
Welcome JPS to the Midwest. A couple things that I look at on boats is the storage that you will need. Newer boats really seem to do well on storage all the way down to tackle boxes built in and rod storage the same. I bought a Lund a couple years ago and enjoy the amount of storage. Another item is to consider on Stockton, that wind and waves get pretty tall there to where deep-v would be great. I have been on the lake one time and it was as calm as it could be but I don’t think that’s the norm. Locals could give you good info on that. I don’t think that the waves there are not anything to the Great Lakes fishing but it can get a little rough. Personally an aluminum boat deep-v is hard to beat. I’m sure some conversations with locals would be a huge help. Good luck with your choice.
Oct 27, 2022 20:32:31 #
Rayz
Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.
I have a deep v Stratos. It has plenty of rod storage under floor between consols. I also have a folding Bimini top which is good for shade on hot days and and adds some protection from the rain. It also came with a enclosure with roof and side curtains for cold weather.
Oct 27, 2022 21:48:26 #
Fish1
Loc: Lehighton PA
I been on both and in rough watering in my opinion the deep v is a much safer, smoother ride and you can do any type fishing you want. Tight lines
Oct 27, 2022 23:16:13 #
Manuel Garcia
Loc: Bend, Oregon
I had at least 6 boats, all kinds and styles and used all for fishing, both rivers, ocean and little and big lakes. For the last 20 years have loved my Boston Whaler in all conditions, lakes rivers, shallow, deep, big waves. Fits in garage and can travel well. Very quiet and also stays level all the time. It had a 90 hp with trolling motor, changed to 60HP Efi for the high lakes and do away with the trolling motor, and chose the 17 footer as the best to deal with wind and bad water. I am on my 80 and can handle it very well. Had it detail two times and looks like new, the engine has over 3000 hours and can do 30 mph. It may be more that you want to spend, but in the long term it has been a pleasure to own. I do full service in the winter when the shop is not busy.
Oct 27, 2022 23:34:41 #
FisherJeff
Loc: Carlsbad, ca
Dang! I’m new to this forum. I wish I had joined before I bought my boat. I bought my Triumph 190 Bay, because it seemed to be a good choice for fishing in San Diego Bay. With its Yammy 115 it moves pretty well, it has lots of storage, a live well, open area for casting, and pretty stable on the wakes made when battle ships go by. We typically bring aboard 6 or so bass, halibut, sculpin, or barracuda per hour. But, dang…I didn’t realize you needed a boat specific to the type of fish you are going after.
Oct 28, 2022 08:19:11 #
Oldfisherguy
Loc: NE Kansas
I would lean towards the deep V. As we get older balance becomes an issue. I fish wih a friend with a Bass Tracker 185 bass boat. We have both fallen off the casting deck of this boat at one time or another. I bought a Ranger Reata 1850 and love it. High sides and beautiful ride in any lake conditions. Troll for walleye and fish shallow for crappie with no issues.
Oct 28, 2022 08:28:11 #
Jamdon
Loc: Shorter, Alabama
Not familiar with that lake but you should look into Phoenix boats! We’ve owned Rangers before, just purchased our first Phoenix. It’s the best boat we’ve ever owned! We do fish for bass mostly. If you are on Facebook check out the Phoenix boat owners page. There are a lot of owners in your area. Good luck, I know you will find the right boat for your needs.
Oct 28, 2022 11:35:12 #
farmer tom
Loc: stockton california
I have a Tracker Targa V 19 it has a deck in the front and back to move the seats. They come with 4 seats
and you can move them to the decks easily. Both decks have plenty of room to bass fish use the trolling
motor. For trolling there is plenty of room to fish and put down riggers rod holders and use a net when you
catch a fish. I love it and would buy it again! Lowe Lund and Crestliner also make boats like this. If you buy a
Tracker I would try not to buy at Bass Pro. They are not great at warranty. Good Luck
and you can move them to the decks easily. Both decks have plenty of room to bass fish use the trolling
motor. For trolling there is plenty of room to fish and put down riggers rod holders and use a net when you
catch a fish. I love it and would buy it again! Lowe Lund and Crestliner also make boats like this. If you buy a
Tracker I would try not to buy at Bass Pro. They are not great at warranty. Good Luck
Oct 29, 2022 12:40:15 #
Farmer Tom. I have been checking the Tracker out. I am clost to Springfield Missouri, so Bass pro is almost next door. Sorry you had problems with them. Anyway, I do like the tracker. I do not think I have seen you exact model
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