I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

[stevens]

Hi guys,<br /><br />I don't get it - you keep referring to a type of boat you call "bass boat", and I would expect this to be some kind of boat suitable for bass fishing...<br /><br />Now, bass boats are apparently some kind of purebred speed boat, good for speeds up to 80-100 mph? Why are they called bass boats? Is there even room for a fishing rod in there, let alone a beer cooler and a few fishing mates?<br /><br />Any history to explain the name?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

i would define a bass boat as generally 16-20' in length, usually aluminum but also fiberglass. dual console setup or tiller on the smaller boats. usually has room for 2 or more pedestal seats that sit high for casting/working fish. also has fishing features- livewells, baitwells, tackle/rod storage, trolling motor, etc. engine size has nothing to do with it, but recent trend has been to build more speed into them, being able to accept larger engines. the pros need the speed to get out on the lakes quickly and fish more. the rest just like to go fast.

 

[BassCat73]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

I've got a "bass boat". It's perfect for fishing bass. It's built, so it can run fast to get to a new fishing spot in a heartbeat (perfect for tournament action). It has a shallow hull, which allows for fishing shallow water and close to the shore when bass are in that kind of water. I can troll in 1.5' of water, which is something a deep V hull could not do. Bass boats have a front and rear raised deck with pedastal seats. You can stand up high in the boat and have more leverage when you hook a fish. Bass boats also have long rod lockers that run along the inside gunwales in front of the consoles. My friend has two rod lockers and keeps 20 rods on board at all times. Generally, Bass boats will have have a couple livewells to keep fish in.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Take away the carpet, fancy paint, some storage, add a poling platform and a tower, get more money for them and they're called Flats Boats.<br /><br />Stretch that out to 22-24 feet but dont raise the freeboard and they're called a Bay Boat.<br /><br />Take that and raise the freeboard a little, make it a tad longer (maybe) and its called an Inshore Boat.<br /><br />Take that and remove the hydraulic jackplate, pad & step, add more freeboard, a bracket, another motor, stretch it some and call that an Offshore Boat.<br /><br />Remamber the good ol days when you could just jump in a 20' center console and it was simply a "Fishing Boat"???

 

[PAkev]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Bass boats usually tend to have an unmistakable profile: <br /><br />Most have a flat deck to maximize the amount of real estate you can actually fish from. They also have a relatively shallow draft which afford the ability to fish skinny water and areas with submerged structure such as rock piles and tree stumps. The big motor thing is usually something you see in the tournament arena as opposed to whats on the recreational anglers bass boat. Some of these guys may travel 50-75 miles or more up a lake before they even begin fishing so the faster they get there and the faster they get back leaves more time for what matters.......putting big fish in the boat. Most bass boats only accommodate 2-3 persons and usually have a maximum capacity of around 3-4 persons.<br /><br />I would love to have a bass boat but had to make a compromise on something that would offer good fishing performance and also accommodate our family of 5 when pulling the kids around the lake on a tube. Therefore I bought a bay boat as mentioned in the previous post.<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/049968.jpg <br /><br />I have fished several bass tournaments with it and don't really feel at a terrible disadvantage except that when my boat tops out around 45 mph and others are passing me at 75mph.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Why 'Bass Boats?' Based upon my observations during the last tourney here when the bass fleet roared through the salmon trollers, if you took away the first "B," the moderator would modify this post.<br /><br />Nonetheless, that's what the salmon fishermen say when they see them coming.....

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Originally posted by Stevens:<br /> Hi guys,<br /><br />I don't get it - you keep referring to a type of boat you call "bass boat", and I would expect this to be some kind of boat suitable for bass fishing...<br /><br />Now, bass boats are apparently some kind of purebred speed boat, good for speeds up to 80-100 mph? Why are they called bass boats? Is there even room for a fishing rod in there, let alone a beer cooler and a few fishing mates?<br /><br />Any history to explain the name?

Here is a brief history of the Bass Boat for ya.<br /> Bass Boat Evolution <br /><br />Also a grea site I use for info on bass fishing. As for rod storage.....the boats are built for fishing of course there is rod storage. <br /><br />I owned a 2003 Ranger 175vs with a 115hp Merc before I went to family boat way.<br />

<br /><br />I could store up to 12 rods easy. More If I wanted to . Has a built in live well and two built in coolers.....AHHHHHHHHH the good old days. <br /><br />As for fishing buddies. I take one some times two guys with. Not a lot of room and it's not a pleasure boat. It's a fishin boat. You load up. Get to your honey hole. Stand on the decks and fish until you catch something. <br /><br />Hope this helps Stevens.<br /> BPG

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Trout Boat sounds stupid? <br />Carp Boat won't sell well.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

"Bass Boat" <br /><br />Pretty.<br /><br />Expensive.<br /><br />High insurance.<br /><br />High Maintenance.<br /><br />Fast, (usually).<br /><br />Poor Family boat, Unless a deep sided fish and ski model.<br /><br />Impractical, You have an 18' or bigger boat designed for two people. Kinda like a sports car.<br /><br />But those of us that have them love them.

 

[salty87]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

when they come roaring down the lake, you better get yer bass outta the way?

 

[wilkin250r]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

I think it's short for bad-a** boat.

 

[stevens]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Thanks for the education! Having lived abroad most of my life, I was asking out of sheer ignorance!<br /><br />So, these boats are really used for shallow-water fishing! I guess I was just confused by all the focus on speed.<br /><br />And, in a tournament, you race ahead to get to the good spots on the lake and get as much fish as possible within a certain time?<br /><br />This must be a very American concept, but I've got to admit this sounds like a lot of fun - unless of course you happen to be standing in their way as they come racing.<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Actually they call them that because the cost of fuel and upkeep will bite you in the a$$. bite ... a$$. Bass! <br /><br />The thing is to be the first to get to the hotspots. First one there gets the spot.

 

[jtexas]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Thanks for the bass boat history, Poppa G, I never knew the bass boat was invented in my hometown! <br /><br />Anybody else remember those original Skeeter hulls:<br />

 

[ddaigle]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

I had one till about 6 years ago. Stick steer, evin. 15, best fishing boat I ever owned. Caught more and bigger bass than most because it was so little and slow I didn't ride around all day, I just fished. Interesting correlation- More time fishing = more fish, more time sporting around at 60 mph= less fish. I almost regret getting bigger faster boats. Almost!

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

Here are some pics Ranger sent me. Pics are from 1970. They had pics from 1968 but a fire at the Ranger factory back then burned them up. Maybe some of you remember some of these.<br /><br />They said they are looking for anyone who has a older then 1970 model Ranger Bass boat. Trying to restore a little history.<br />

 

[KCook]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

So, these boats are really used for shallow-water fishing! I guess I was just confused by all the focus on speed.

Not necessarily Stevens. The vast majority of bass fishing is done on lakes. Of course some parts of the lake may be shallow, but it's not a requirement to fish that part of the lake. Bass boats are shallow draft, however that is more for stability than shallow water. The flat deck means there is no gunnel to speak of, so stability counts a lot.<br /><br />Tournaments are timed events, so speed is an advantage. Non-tournament guys (like me ) just want the thrill and bragging rights.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[rayjay]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

The speed also allows them to fish longer and still get back to the weigh-in on time. My little 14' with the 55 Ev does me just fine for catching a lot more than just bass.

 

[flashback]

Re: I don't get it - why do you call them "bass boats"?

A bass boat is expected to carry an amount equal to it's own weight at 70 mph.. A typical 21 footer may weigh 1800 hundred Lbs and have to support a 250 hp engine at about 600 lbs. also a trolling motor, a couple of batterys, 300 lbs of fuel, 300 lbs of water in live wells, 30 lbs of ice and beer... , and 400 lbs of BUBBA..Thats a grand total of about 1800 lbs give or take a few... Ya Its a pretty special boat...any way you want to look at it...