Gonna need a bigger boat?

[Jonald]

How big of a boat should I be targeting to buy as far as length if I want to fish three guys at a time? I would say it would be two most days but would like the option to fish three comfortably. 

[Jig Man]

That depends on what kind of boat.  I haven’t seen a glitter sled long enough for three people unless two of them stand side by side.  Semi v boats are a different matter.

[Jonald]

Looking for a mod v

[Deleted account]

21

[gim]

Well I can tell you with some positivity that an 18 foot mod V is not long enough to fish 3 comfortable if you're slinging lures.  I've done it.  Unless you are comfortable having someone within physical proximity to you and casting, its not going to work.

 

Its another story if you are bobber fishing or vertical jigging, etc.  Then its fine.

 

I prefer to fish alone or with one other person.  I go in the front and they go in the back.  That's how the boat is designed.  I've taken a lure to the head before.

[Junger]

A tiller will give you the most room for 3 people.

[Jigfishn10]

49 minutes ago, Deleted account said:

21

Agree with this

[Hi-Powered Red Neck]

The bigger the better, in most cases. Fishing style has a lot to do with the choice as well. As previously mentioned. If you're slinging crank baits with 7' plus rods a 17' boat is all but to small for two. The newer bass boat lay outs have huge casting decks that can accommodate two guy's easily. But those two guy's need to be familiar with each others style. Two on the front deck is a dance that requires the right partner. I have an older 19' Norris Craft that I have fished 3 in.  It has an old school layout. Small casting decks and a big floor. I'm 6'3" and can lay down in the floor of the boat. The guy in the middle has to cast overhand, but it works. I'd vote 19' at an absolute minimum if we're talking bass boats used for bass fishing.   

[Sphynx]

How big are the casters? 3 guys standing at 5'6 or so are going to need less room than 3 guys standing 6'2"...I have done the 3 man boat thing before and I can't say I enjoyed the experience, constant worry about where everybody else is and whether or not I'm going to end up with a hook buried in me.

[GaryH]

21’  if it’s a bass boat and even then everyone needs to be careful.

[cyclops2]

All swinging 7 to 9' rods ?    And yanking the jaws off of a fish as it flies by.   Maybe DUCK

 

Where ?

[slonezp]

20

[VolFan]

I think I’m the 18-22 range it’s not going to matter. I’m actually safer from hooks in a smaller boat because the kids hit me with the rod instead of the hooks at the end. It’s probably going to be a matter of who you fish with and beyond that, weight.

[J._Bricker]

@Jonald, I’d say two up front on the bow flipping/pitching or chuckin’ and winding, one on the rear deck.  Next thought is how much boat one can afford for a 20-22ft boat IMHO…

[Jonald]

Got it, thanks guys

[TOXIC]

As a guide, I would take 2 plus me comfortably in a 20 foot bass boat fishing with normal bass lures.  I have done 3 plus me and that requires constant attention.  Also the newer bass boats have wider front decks than the older models.  Fishing style also matters, my buddy with a 2020 Ranger 20 footer has a casting style that will put his rod tip within my reach on the back deck.  I always have to be aware.  

[Deephaven]

I regularly fished 3 out of my 521 Ranger, but the key then is to make sure you only have a SINGLE console.  Dual consoles SUCK when you have more than 2 people.  I now regularly fish 3 and sometimes 4 so to make that okay, I bought a 620T Tiller.  When bass fishing with 4 I take out the three middle seats and then it is about as roomy as you can get.  This year I am extending the front deck/storage to make that even easier.