Great Lakes large fishing boat opinions.

[Valv]

I would like to hear opinions from people owning large (28ft and up) boats with flybridge, and they use them for fishing.

How is it (trolling, lakers, salmon, etc) from flybridge only, or do you miss an interior helm ?

Reason I am asking is I am in the market for a sportfishing boat with flybridge. Mostly they come with no front windows thus even the option of installing a lower control helm is not possible. So, I am trying to decide what to do.

In cold weather (april-may, sept-oct) I think I will miss the comfort of the heater, even if I have a complete enclosure on bridge, besides my 1st mate is my wife, and she loves to fish, I don't have the option to have another "crew" member driving the boat.

Also is it a pain to run to the riggers or the poles from up above ?

I know there are many boats with double stations, but mainly older models up to 1990, I am studying this since last year, so I know what's out there, and I have come down to few choices, that's why I'm asking.

In few words, is it a pain to fish from flybridge , in cold weather or northern states ?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Great Lakes large fishing boat opinions.

Ayuh,.... What's yer reasoning for havin' a fly-bridge,..??

I can't think of Any reasons I'd want 1....
other than they look sorta cool..

Sounds like alotta runnin' up, 'n down a ladder all day...

I prefer something warm when it's cold out, 'n on the same deck level, so's gettin' to a rod is quick, 'n Easy....

 

[sasto]

Re: Great Lakes large fishing boat opinions.

I almost always fish from a flybridge, anywhere from a 23 footer to a 65 footer. We did alot of Great Lakes fishing onboard the bigger boat....with a captain and mate. Where I fish the most nowdays is coastal rivers and the Atlantic. A flybridge is the way to go for me. The fishing is much different in the Great Lakes than where I'm at. We do alot of sightfishing, looking for birds feeding, baitfish schooling, and fish tailing. Being on the bridge provides for better sight. Not so much in the GL's.


I agree with Bond-O! With just you and the Lady....A flybridge with no lower helm may be difficult in your situation.

Good Luck!

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Great Lakes large fishing boat opinions.

I can count on 2 fingers how many boats i have seen on the Great lakes with a flying bridge.
Not vary practical.