Boat Necessities

[Nmorse]

I am slowly investing in my first boat and was wondering what type of bass boat I should get. I would like one with a lot of storage, to put all my tackle. If I just get a boat with no electronics what type should I get. What are some things that help you on your boat. What things have you added to customize your boat. Thanks

[Pa Angler]

You didn't mention your budget. I wouldn't buy a boat with out electronis and the water I fish a GPS is a must, A Nitro Z6 or Z7 the Z7 has a ton of storage  check out Nitro's website.  

 

http://www.nitro.com/

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

[Jeff H]

Since buying and using my Minn Kota Talon, it has become a necessity for me.  Total game changer!

[RighteousFishing WI]

MOST IMPORTANT THING.................................. MOSQUITO SPRAY=)

[Nmorse]

I am going to buy the tracker 175 txw but I don't know that year I should get 2013 has more storage. But the 2014 has a 2nd livewell and other little changes but is $1,000 more so I am unshure of the year I should get.

[slonezp]

Most of the guys with Trackers have mentioned they don't care for the bow livewell on the new models and would rather have the storage.

[200racing]

Go with the one with the widest beam if the is a difference.

I believe having a the biggest outboard rated for the hull is a most. Besides speed it can actually be more fuel efficient.

[Nmorse]

Most of the guys with Trackers have mentioned they don't care for the bow livewell on the new models and would rather have the storage.

on the 2013 it has a 16 gal livewell would that be big enough for 5 big fish (if i catch them)

[slonezp]

Yep. As long as the pumps are in good working order you will be fine

[Pa Angler]

I would rather have the storage than a bow livewell.

 

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

[Fishes in trees]

Let me see if I can help.  Back in the day when I decided to go from a pond type boat to a larger one, I went with aluminum over fiberglass because I figured as a learner I might be smacking into stuff from time to time and the metal boat would be more resiliant.  A dozen years later, that proved to be a wise choice.  I put the first scratch in the boat ten minutes after I first launched it, tying up to a metal dock in a cross wind and I can't count how many different scratched I've put into the boat in the years since then.

 

Most of the time you won't use the front live well.  That is more of a crappie fishermen's amenity than bass fishing.  However, it does serve a function as a built in cooler.  You will have to buy more ice than you might for a regular cooler.  For me, that got old after a while.  Now I use the front live well for storage of stuff that I will only use once in a blue moon, stuff that I can package so that it is waterproof and dust proof, or stuff that I don't mind if it gets wet or dusty.   For me, this is emergency clothes and some of the stuff that is mandatory to carry on your boat, like throwable flotation, tools, etc.

 

As far as tools and "necessities" on your boat, you've got to decide what is what.  A complete list would  cover several more paragraphs.

 

A partial list might be tools, first aid, fire extinguisher, lights, whistle and then whatever fishing gear you might need for the day.

 

When you get your boat, a call to the Water Patrol will tell you what is mandatory to carry on the boat in your state.  The dealer might know, but he might forget something also, so contact the Water Patrol on this subject.

[WIGuide]

If you're buying new I'd say go big. GPS is a must, Side Scan is great addition, power poles would be really nice if you fish shallow. If you fish tournaments, or are one of those guys that'll go fishing no matter the weather, as 24 trolling motor is a must.