Boat Advice

[EJP1234]

Sorry if I post twice with a similar thread, tried to post once and it didn't.

Anyways, I have a late model bass boat, it's my 3rd. I've been bass fishing the tributaries hardcore for the last 20yrs. I'm getting bored.... I almost feel like I've mastered it, and catching 3lb fish on average with a big river fish going 7lbs is cool, but I could be catching 30" fish a lot, at least it seems. I don't want to give up bass fishing all together, I just want to have a more "bay" worthy boat. I live 5 minutes from the bay, and 15 from the bridge in central AA Co, but I end up towing the bass boat to either Charles County to fish the potomac, or up to the flats to fish susky and the ne.... I once in a blue moon get to enjoy the bridge area of the bay, but I honestly spend $60 a trip just in fuel for the truck, while departing from one of the best areas of the bay. I've been fishing the flats a lot the last few weeks enjoying the spring rocks and it's a blast.

I know I would be more of a LT guy, but at the same time I don't want to rule out some trolling. I've been on charters trolling before, and it's fun, but it wouldn't be my preferred style of fishing, and I like to fish solo a lot as it's my escape from reality. I also don't want to give up the TM on the bow as I still would like to venture to the rivers once in a blue moon to get some bass fishing in... and I also want to be able to go to the CBBT in the winter, and once in a great while, meaning once a year if the conditions are right go offshore... I know I am asking for the perfect boat, however there has to be something...

On my current short list is:

Young 24
Triton 240LTS
Ranger Bay Boats (probably to much $ for what it is)
Charger 223
Basscat Bay Cat

I am open to other suggestions though, as I am not real familiar with the options as I have never seriously looked. I know a flats skiff would fill the bass fishing and "some" salt, but it wouldn't be the most pratical. I know a deep gunnel CC would rock on the bay and some light offshore, but it would suck in the rivers bass fishing... sssooo...

Thanks.

[Capt Dave Solesi]

Wow...........where to start?? I am not sure if there is a perfect rig for you but i would consider a small Cat like twin v, this would provide a stable platform with a shallow draft and the ability to run in some rough conditions........

[Tom Hughes]

I also don't want to give up the TM on the bow…

I was once in your shoes, but have learned that you do not need a TM on the Bay. You control your drift by using your power motor by turning it one way or the other when the power is off.

…and I also want to be able to go to the CBBT in the winter

I recommend a boat that is 21’ or larger and seaworthy.

….conditions are right go offshore

It’s a good idea to have 2 motors on your new boat.

I know I am asking for the perfect boat, however there has to be something...

Not really, but you can’t have my boat. It will take me in 14” of water or offshore safely.

[wino]

Perfect boat is a 22ft Pathfinder with a 200 or 250 hp motor equiped with trim tabs. I ran all over the bay with that rig which included a 100lb MK trolling motor. I now live in Florida and fish off shore or inshore , my boat drafts 11in. We fish lake Okeechobee and it becomes the perfect bass boat with 115 gallons of livewells or fish for Snook and Tarpon in the rivers.

[buckshotgumbo]

I can't say for the other boats, but I have some experience on a Triton 240LTS. I enjoyed it alot.
Could definitely troll it on decent days, better in rough water than I expected, and generally just a fun boat to fish off of.
Doing a buddy plan I'd have no issues making runs offshore.
I know of at least one guy that charters on a 240 here in the Bay, so maybe a trip with him might prove helpful.
Best of luck in your search.

[Gerald]

Ya need at least 3 boats.

[Megabyte]

Why mess with those freshwater boats?
Get a real saltwater boat.

[rem1224]

Which one is the real saltwater boat, Kevin - the Parker or the Grady next to it ?

[Megabyte]

Which one is the real saltwater boat, Kevin - the Parker or the Grady next to it ?

Take your pick brother!

[wen]

Take your pick brother!

Check the prices, then decide !