BHG Articles

Think of all the sports, hobbies, and activities you can that are found on the earth and try and guess which one out of all of them is the most popular of all. Most people would name something involving a ball and few would be hard-pressed to come up with the correct answer which is fishing. Seems like the best way to relax and to have a good time is to spend that time with a time tested pole and some bait as well as the more well heeled angler who will spend thousands of bucks outfitting himself with the latest in gear and the best of the bass fishing boats that are available.

These boats can be divided into two main categories when you are thinking about purchasing one, and those are aluminum bass fishing boats, or fiberglass models. The biggest difference between these types is the fact that aluminum is subject to rusting because of the fact that the skin of the boat is welded together and has rivets holding the pieces of that skin intact; and aluminum will suffer from bangs and dings and damage, whereas fiberglass will not. Fiberglass is far more durable than aluminum, is usually lighter in weight, is easier to store because it affords a much drier storage for maintenance, and won’t rust. What the boat is made of and where you will be storing it should be part of your decision in choosing a boat when you are looking at bass fishing boats.

Here’s a big factor when it comes to choosing a boat for your needs, and that is what type of fishing will you be doing, where do you like to fish (salt water vs. fresh water), and how much money to you have to spend on a boat and all that goes with it. The list of boats available is staggering and includes such types as aluminum fishing boats, dinghies, electric boats, center console models, bass boats, flat boats and on and on. Consider how the boat will be used when looking at the various types; for example, center console boats are used in off shore fishing and are designed to handle heavy, deep water whereas flat bass fishing boats are designed to work well in shallow water equipped with an electric trolling motor so it makes it easier for you to catch the fish napping.

Just as there are many many types of boats, there are just as many if not more features to think about and decide upon when choosing one of the many types of bass fishing boats out there. And make sure you stay within your budget; don’t make your choice of boat an albatross around your neck further on down the road because you did not do your homework well and bought a boat without any preparation or thought to how much it would set you back cost-wise. Keep in mind that most boats that would be used for bass fishing vary in length from 16 to 26 ft., and are capable of carrying up to 5 people max. Many of the features available are rod holders, cup holders, live-wells for holding the fish, and many types of motors ranging from outboards to electric trolling motors. You can get to where you need to go with any of the motors available to you in all kinds of price ranges, and the horsepower of these motors varies anywhere from 25 to 150 giving you plenty of choices to pick from.

There are many regulations regarding fishing of all types and bass fishing is no exception. Mandatory requirements on all bass fishing boats are live-wells and an electric trolling motor on the bow of the boat. You cannot overload the boat with supplies and people, not only for the factor of weight management, but also maneuverability of the boat and ease of operation and for some people that can be a problem. Make sure before you start out that you know what features are available on your boat of choice and which ones are required by law, so that you are not claiming ignorance of the law if you are caught with your pants down because you did not avail yourself of the necessary information before getting on the boat.

Safety is one the most concerns that people have when out on a boat, and the number one factor in making sure you are protected is that everyone on the boat should be wearing a life jacket. The other main thing to remember is to have fire extinguishers on board and located in strategic places where they will do the most good in the time of need. Have them accessible and placed near the motor or the engine, and near the galley where most fires are likely to occur. Just using common sense and making sure that these rules are followed will ensure that your day will be a fun one and not marred by tragedy.

Only you can decide what is right for you when it comes to picking out and using any one of the myriad types of bass fishing boats out there, and being prepared with the facts before you go looking is most important because you will end up with what you want and need, and you will save yourself a lot of grief in the long run as well as get the most for your money. Ultimately, your goal is to have a boat that will last for as long as you need it to without creating worries for you and extra forays into your life savings. There is nothing more pleasurable to a “dyed in the wool” angler than a day of bass fishing on his favorite watering hole in his dream of a boat; and that can be a reality for you too if you plan ahead and don’t leave the happening of a “good time was had by all” to chance.