Here's Some Of The Facts You Need To Know About Bass Fishing Boats

Sunday, June 28, 2009 ·

By Chris Douglas

Numerous polls have been conducted over the years, and whenever the question of "what is your favorite hobby or pastime or sports activity" was asked, the largest number of responders answered with fishing. Fishing is an activity where you can be as down to earth as with your little line, pole, and bait bucket on the bank of a body of water, or reach for the sky in extravagance as you outfit yourself with the cutting edge in gear and the best in boats. Most fishermen preferred to be on the water when fishing and were the most enamored of bass fishing in their preferences for fishing types, so the next step is to consider bass fishing boats.

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.

When you start investigating the many types of bass fishing boats that are out there on the market, you will find a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, how they are outfitted, and the different features that are on the various types of boats to fulfill the specific purpose of the type of fishing you will be doing. The more common types of boats are all purpose boats, bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, center console boats, dinghies, flat boats, jon boats, electric boats; the list goes on and on. The differences between boat types are for a reason, for example flat boats are designed to be used in very shallow waters and can be propelled with a small electric motor to sneak up on the fish. Center console boats are more often used for fishing off shore and are designed to withstand rougher waters and deeper waters if you are into salt water fishing. All purpose boats are just as the name implies, and can be used in most situations where bass fishing boats are needed.

Another area that needs to be examined when you are choosing a fishing boat is what features come with that boat and just how many features do you need without depleting your bank account. Most bass fishing boats are designed to fall into the size range of 16 ft. to 26 ft. and are built to carry up to 5 people max. They are usually outfitted to be trailerable, and come with features like live-wells, rod holders, cup holders, various types of motors that can be used on them such as outboards or electric trolling motors. The horsepower in these various motors can range from 25 to 150 on most boats and will get you where you need to go as well as move you around easily on the water when you are actually fishing.

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.

With all the choices that are out there in bass fishing boats, and all the gear and paraphernalia that goes with them, to get the most bang for your buck, you should do your homework and be prepared before you go shopping. Stick to your budget and keep your emphasis on safety first and fun second, and your foray into the world of bass fishing boats will be a satisfying one and will keep you from having to rob a bank to pay for the boat. Bass fishing is a wonderful, relaxing, and fun-filled adventure, and can become your number one favorite past time as well, as long as you have covered all your bases and made the correct choices in boats and gear so you can make the most out of every fishing trip you go on.

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