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Post by chillydigits on Sept 24, 2013 20:25:12 GMT -5
I'm beginning my plans for next Flathead season, I spent this spring and summer fishing from the bank at Dillion and Knox. I caught a couple nice fish, but got skunked more then a few evening. I'm going to start looking for a boat this fall and winter to expand my fishing access. I mainly fish alone occasionally I will have a partner. I am planning on fishing more at Salt Fork next year. My question is how many of you boat fisherman actually fish for Flatheads from the boat? Or are you using it mainly to travel to remote fishing spots on the lakes and then fishing from shore? It seems if I am using the boat to transport my gear to a remote shore spot something 15-16 would work, but that size might be cramped to spend a lot of time fishing out of. With the price of boats and motors I need to get this purchase right the first time. Thanks in advance for any tips and advice....Fred
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Post by Smoothkip on Sept 24, 2013 20:59:00 GMT -5
I fish from the boat 90% of the time but I spend most my time on the river. If your not going to be fishing tournaments a 16 footer would do fine. A 9.9 to 20 horse motor will work just fine also. I like Jon boats but thats my preference. A vee boat might be a little more comfortable for all night trips. Mines all welded and takes the worry out of hitting rocks and tearing it up.
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chuckd67
Member
Trophy Catfish Sportsman
Posts: 266
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Post by chuckd67 on Sept 25, 2013 6:44:16 GMT -5
When I buy I'm thinking for the long term also. Don't settle for anything. It took me 1 1/2 years to find my perfect boat for the price range I needed. Buying in a hurry is usually a mistake. Even though after you find and buy the perfect boat, one even better seems to pop up out of know where soon after. The smaller Semi V's and flat bottoms are perfect for rivers. Being able to get to places that you can't reach from the bank really ups my chances of catching more fish and bigger fish. I pull up on the bank a lot and fish out of the boat after finding the structure that looks good. One thing about bank fishing, You really can't find the depths and structure your needing. The most important thing in my boat is the down imaging unit. It will find the places that hold the fish. So if you save some extra money for one. You want regret it.
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Post by chillydigits on Sept 25, 2013 19:56:00 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice, I'm in no rush, this fall I will bank fish at Knox, though In October I am planning a 2 night trip to Salt Fork to see if I can't catch a 50lb Flathead on my 50th birthday. I have been looking over the map and that is partially what got me on hunt for a boat most of the spots I have found that look good are only accessible by boat. I am still teetering back and forth between a jon and a v bottom. I am going to stop in Ashland tomorrow after work and look at a 16 ft Starcraft with a 25 outboard. I have all winter to find a boat so I feel no pressure to rush into it. Once I get my boat I'm sure I will be reading up and asking questions about down imaging units...
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Post by smokey869 on Sept 25, 2013 20:17:55 GMT -5
I like v bottoms myself but I don't river fish a lot, if you get out on a lake with some waves rolling you will find out why, the starcraft would work well for you with your vehicle it would tow it, good luck at finding what you want
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Post by Skyline1506 on Sept 27, 2013 19:47:27 GMT -5
i like jons as well. great boats, easy pull, easy launch, easy load, easy fishin. plus you just hose them out and go again
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Post by Skyline1506 on Sept 27, 2013 19:48:12 GMT -5
plus you can find a bank spot run them onto the bank and fish from there if you rather
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