What boat will let me comfortably fish most of the year in TX?

Question

I bought a 16.5 foot fiberglass bass boat in July. It was great in the summer, but I haven't been able to use it much since October because:

a) it is very uncomfortable to be in when the air temp is below 55

b) it bounces around really badly on the waves whenever the wind is 9 mph or higher (and I get soaked by the waves if I even try to go out on the lake)

I've been told that a longer bass boat (18.5 feet or longer) will be much smoother on the water. Is that true? Also, I have considered a fish & ski because most have a windshield that goes all the way across. I thought I might not get as wet and it might shield me better from the wind.

Any ideas? My main desire is to be able to do more fishing comfortably in colder and windier weather.

Answer 1

I live in Oaklahoma so it is somewhat similar to Texas. I have a 17ft Triton bass boat and fish comfortably out of it about 9 months out of the year.

Answer 2

I live in Michigan where the weather is...er....unpredictible.  I have found that a deck boat is a much better fishing vessel than a bass boat.  First of all, it is much more versatile (i.e. take the family out) and yes, it is MUCH more stable.

I live on a chain of lakes and can take my deck boat anywhere AND pull a skier or tuber if I so desire.

Plus I can bring anything I want.  The open bow with the fishing seats make it just as fishing-friendly as a bass boat.

Answer 3

Most boats in the 16 ft range are just too light to handle rough water. Even some of the newer bass boats can be a little light because most are out for speed. I currently own a 19 ft Skeeter with a 200 Yamaha. I would rate this Bass boat a 8 of 10 for running in rough water and 10 or 10 for being dry. The dual console keeps the wind down for both you and a passenger. I live in Tennessee and fish year round. Obviously you need to dress for the occation but I have not had any real problems.

Upgrading to a 20 - 21 ft with a 225 HP would certainly be an improvement.

Keep in mind that the heavier the boat the better the ride. But heavier is also slower. If you can afford it, The Ranger is likely one of the heaviest boat out there. The Triton next, but for the money, you can't beat the Skeeter.

Good Luck

Answer 4

This is great! I am a boat lover...I currently have two boats right now...both cruise boats one is 60' and the other one is 40'...I would have to say that you may need at least 20' you want a very roomy area and 16.5' ehh...well its not bad, but i can see where it could be a little cramed. Yes, the bigger the boater the smoother it will be. Think about when you go on cruises? isnt is a smooth ride....it is!...i would suggest that you get a 30-35' cruise boat/fishing boat...whichever you like best and put the covers around it when you go out in cold and windeier weather.

Answer 5

I had an runabout

great fun for the guys

but same problem cause cant use it in winter time

i searched the boat trader and found a small tug $2300

it has a wrap around the rear so we now can fish and stay toasty warm in winter

also,,,+++++big bonus was it has a small cubby for a porta potty

now the girls can come with:)

Answer 6

get a skeeter with a250hp mercury engine or a bass tracker with 250hp mercury