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| Anyone have any info on using bassboats for muskie fishing pros and cons |
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Posts: 544
Location: Alsip, Il | I recently got a bassboat last year, it is a 18 ft BassCat with a 150 Sabre and enjoy musky fishing from it (that's about the only fishing I do). First you have to decide do you cast more or troll more. My main partners hate trolling, but I will do just about anything to get a fish. I can troll pretty good, but there really isn't any room for a kicker. Being vertically challenge, I enjoy being close to the water for figure eights. Now, second what type of water do you fish? Do you fish resvoirs etc.? I have to admitt my boat handles white caps really well and we don't get wet and I am able to go 45 mph. in some wavey water without getting wet. One drawback is, I fish LOTW, which has alot of reefs and rocks and I am afraid of bringing it up there of course I would be afraid of bringing a Ranger 620 Fisherman too if I own one. Third livewell, here you would have to check it out, with my boat I was pleasantly suprised that mine is 52 inches long when I took out the divider and I am pretty sure I could bend a 60 incher in there (dreaming). Like I said, it really depends on whether you are a troller or caster. If you fish Lake St. Clair which is primary a trolling lake I would not suggest a bassboat you need a boat with a kicker the same goes for Georgian Bay. Now, if you fish resvoirs like Shelbyville, Cave Run etc., and occasionally troll no more than a few hours at a time, I would think hard about a bassboat. It is a BLAST cruising at 65 mph!!!!! I hope this helps. Al P.S. Again check with the manufactures about their livewells and so far the biggest fish in my Bassboat is a 49 1/2 incher. |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | I have two friends who fish from "bass boats" and love them..
Greg Morse from the board runs a Stratos, I'm sure he'll reply to the post. My other friend is Darren Engstrom from www.muskyhunt.com he runs a Cobra Coosa/Viper. Darn nice boat and it's like fishing from a dock. I have been in his rig in 2 footers plus and it rides great.
As far as taking a bass boat to LOTW... Any boat fiberglass or tin will have problems if you run it up on the rocks.. That being said, I run a Ranger Fisherman series and fish quite a few lakes including LOTW that have rock reefs.. I have never had a problem... I use my map, my gps and most important common sense when approaching reefs or islands. I have bumped up against rocks while fishing/using the trolling motor and have not gotten as much as a scratch in my Ranger or my Tuffy's when I used to run them.
Bass boats offer a ton of deck space, a fairly stable ride...You will need to keep your tackle in Plano type boxes instead of the larger traditional muskie boxes like Lakewoods. I guess if you do 95%+ casting I would seriously consider a nice bass boat... Ranger, Stratos, Bass Cat, Triton, Skeeter, all make good models to choose from |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | I run a 21 ft Gambler bass boat. I'm still chicken to take it to LOTW, but it has served well on Cass, Cave Run, Dale Hollow and other muskie lakes.
Plus: fishing off a very large casting deck makes jerk baiting a pleasure. Fish can be netted easily, and you can get from one hole to another in a blink. Plenty of room to stow gear below decks, 3 fish comfortably and even four with some doing.
Minus: no matter what they say, Gamblers and other bass style boats are not at their best in high seas. I feel more secure in deep V's during those times. Trolling is very limited without some rigging. No way to put a small hp kicker outboard on, so I do own a smaller aluminum boat with a 9.9 for smaller hp lakes.
I'm very pleased with this boat, and I can get it into skinny water with the best of them. My dream-come-true. m |
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| I like bass boats...for bass fishing on smaller lakes.
I musky fished out of bass boats for 18 years and have now switched to a Ranger Fishermen series. Won't look back. Here are some things to consider:
Bass Boat Pluses:
Fast
Close to water while fishing
Nice deck space
Doesn't get blown around as fast by wind
Can get real shallow
Easier to move around (tow, garage, etc.)
Stylish
Bass Boat Minuses:
Fast...but only when waves allow and certainly not a plus when its cold...particularly with a single console. My overall speed is probably higher now, since I can run faster in poorer conditions.
Close to water while fishing...not good in high seas...and muskies love high seas...you'll take on water occassionally.
Not as versatile...I can now take my family of five out for a cruise, skiiing, tubing, etc. ...couldn't do that in a bench seat bass boat without leaving someone behind.
Mostly my decision to move to a multi-species boat was due to a desire for more versatility, more room, more stable ride (was tiring of getting beat up in waves while running), and greater comfort for myself and passengers in cold temps (have a full windshield now). I also feel my new boat is safer to be in for a number of reasons.
I sacrificed some things, but believe these are minimal compared to what I gained.
Just some thoughts to consider.
BrianF.
Twin Cities
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| Thanks guys just the info I need |
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Posts: 1189
Location: Bagley,MN 56621 | Cool Topic.
I was in fishhawks before making the jump to glass.
I was very very close to pulling the trigger on a walleye type, (Ranger 620,etc.) until I mooched a few rides in bass boats while fishing for muskies.
I was sold right away on them......same pro's as 123 had.
Also with starting here at the marina I was able to rub elbows with a lot of bass tourney guys that work here and found they fish the same "big" water as we do for ski's......Leech,Sturgeon bay,Vermilion,MileLacs.......and they do it in 18' Bassboats!!
My personal opinion is to not go under 19'......the longer the better for spanning the rough stuff, I am now in a 20' and like it even more.
123's con's are legit as well, but I am a single guy with a one track mind......100% fish, no ski,joyriding or tubing for me.
I think a good alternative for a family fun boat and still the bass boat characteristics would be a fish/ski type.
i.e Ranger Reatta series, Stratos fish/ski, lots of others as well.
You are still closer to the water for 8's and netting and releases. |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I don't believe I am fully utilizing my 21" Stratos....except when I'm on LOTW....it is a big water boat.....when going 50+MPH on a 1000 acre lake...it is fun but it sure makes the lake seem small.
I love the 30-45 minute cruises on LOTW to get to another area to fish....that is using the boat for what it is meant!
Oh ya 2-3 foot waves are a blast too!.....call me a freak...but I love it! |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Jomusky,
You must have a 201 pro. My uncle had one and it was a suprisingly dry and smooth ride on rough water (Vermilion no-less).
I looked at a lot of bass boats before buying my deep-vee. Can't imaging a better all species fishing platform and a great all-around family pleasure boat. Sure, the casting deck isn't near as nice but with the additional casting deck at the stern we darn near have a casting deck through the entire boat. The rear decks are removed by releasing 2 ATV hold-down straps and lifting them out. Put the 2 seats at the rear and I can legally haul 10 people for joyriding. I love it. So does my family.
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Posts: 184
Location: Rockford Il 61108 | If you were to put ten people in that boat, I can guarantee that the sheriff's boat will be checking you out. You have a nice fishing rig. |
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