Bass Boat

[iceman11]

I am looking at getting a smaller boat something like a this pound prowler. From what I have been told is that a lot of good spots on this lake I like to fish are unable to reach by bank fishing. So, was just wondering if there is anything I need to know before buying something like this? Hidden cost? Stuff like that. This would also be my first boat purchase and I am a full time student/work full time so I would like to go with something more affordable. So if there is another alternative I am all ears. 

[Fishes in trees]

Research on this site will reveal lots of other threads that deal with these boats.  Years ago, I used to have a boat like this and it got me off the bank, made me more mobile and versatile.

 

As to the question, "Are there hidden costs?"  The answer is "DUH"  For starters, trolling motor and battery ( or 2 or 3 wired in parallel) and alternate power source (paddle or oars), life jacket (not totally necessary but important).

 

Rigging options are unlimited on these little boats, that is to say rigging options are limited by your pocketbook.

 

How are you going to transport this boat?  

 

They also make a 10'boat.  If you are ever going to fish with some one else in the 

boat, that 2 feet makes a difference.   When you fish by yourself in the 10' boat, there are some balance issues that occur.  Sometimes.   Depends where you place your seat and how much you like to stretch when you're running the trolling motor.

[TrapperJ]

i got a small little two man that i took over from my old man, love fishing out of a boat vs standing on a bank and it has a little trailer i can pull with my jeep to hit other big ponds or small lakes. Only down side is you will want bigger and better after a while!

[Texfisherman]

Do you have a way to transport/move the 100 pound boat, like a truck with a big enough bed? Bungee ropes to secure it in the bed of the truck?

You probably would eventually want a trolling motor. I bought a trolling motor for an inflatable raft once (I know, I know). You might want to shop prices to get an idea on trolling motors.

 

Where will you store it? Will you have a way to secure it?

Might you be able to mount a vertical rod holder? Other accessories for a boat you might want?

 

You may also consider an anchor and rope -  they can be fairly affordable.

 

That boat looks like it would last a lifetime. Just think about all aspects of a fishing trip and don't forget to take in to consideration those costs also.

 

Also you would need to learn the laws for your state. Do you need a life vest for each person on the boat? Other requirements?

 

Good luck! I can tell you owning a boat is a wonderful thing (bought a Skeeter last year)! Just make sure to familiarize yourself with everything. A little education will go a long ways.

[james 14]

For the same price (or less if you go used) you can get a jon boat of the same size that will allow you more upgrade options. I started fishing tournaments out of a 10' jon with a 10hp motor. I could've gotten the boat used for about $100, the motor cost me $350 and the trolling motor was about $70 at the time with another $70 for the battery. You may not come across the same deals I did but if you look long enough you might luck out. I could go anywhere in that boat and it loaded in the back of my truck.

 

This is just another option to consider. If the only place you planned on fishing was small ponds then the boat you listed may be a better option. If you thought you might go to any larger bodies of water I'd do some looking in the classifieds and on CL to see what's out there that you might can do a little more with.

[Jay Ell Gee]

My one addition is that I would HIGHLY recommend (as in don't leave the store without it) the little pond boat cover. It's about $40 but I can promise that the first time you let your little boat sit out in the rain (not just the Bass Pro boats, but any of this type/style, such as the pelicans or raiders) you will have converted your boat to a 350 lb model.