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 ?

[240 LTS]

Some may know what my answer will be.
I have walked the path you are on, knew what I wanted while still keeping my eyes and options open, and this is where it led.
I am VERY happy with it.

The only thing that could be icing on the cake, would be, the Gen II 300hp and a jack plate.
The 300 isn't really necessary and I wouldn't gain that much from it but the JP will be worth it.

I fish it the same way I did My Stratos 201 Pro and then some.
No problem easing down the bank throwing a spinnerbait or flippin a worm for bass or catching YP in January not to mention chasing stripers any way you like em.

Lots of room, more stable, easier on my back when running in the sloppy stuff, gunnel rod storage as well as rod lockers, walkable gunnels, loads of storage, 2 humongous live wells, 1 bait well, 5 batteries, 101 lb thrust TM, trim tabs, 100% salt water ready, etc...

Boat= 2450 lb.
engine= 650 lb.
79 gallons of fuel= 500 lbs+/-
fishing gear= ?
fishing partners= ?

I tow it with a 96 Ford E150 Chateau, 5.8L (175,000 miles) and launch it by myself all the time.
I'll be on the Flats tomorrow if you would like to see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxEgOMJDCQY
Go FULL SCREEN 720.
.

[Megabyte]

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

Take your pick brother!