[Boyce]

This is horrible. Man this sucks.

[Boyce]

Good luck!

[Boyce]

No problem! Would love to see pics once you get it rigged out

[Boyce]

Great topic.

I went through a similar experience as you when I was buying my boat a few years ago. Ultimately, I decided on a Ranger aluminum bass boat. I’ve got an RT178, the 17 ft version of the boat you’re looking at. Here’s why I love it:

Bass Boats are the ultimate fishing boats IMO. They are literally designed for fishing and fishing only. Low profile to the water (doesn’t catch as much wind), large casting decks on both the front and rear of the boat, there is nothing in the way when you’re casting (like a center console or a T top), they handle rough water just fine, they’re fast, they have ample storage space, the list goes on and on. But by far, in my opinion, the absolute best thing that separates a bass boat from the others is the foot pedal trolling motor. A foot pedal trolling motor is a massive game changer because it lets you keep fishing while you’re moving. No remote to deal with, no tiller handle to deal with, your hands are always on your rod fishing (which is where they should be). The foot pedal trolling motors they are making nowadays are so good, that alone will probably prevent me from ever having a bay boat haha. I also like how Bass Boats are better set up to install electronics at the console and the bow. I use my electronics to my advantage more than I ever thought I would. Bass boats are also easy to rig yourself.

Another huge advantage of bass boats in the Lake P basin is that you can get under bridges with ease. For instance, yesterday I ran down the Marques canal to get to the Chef. It’s very unlikely that a bay boat would be able to get underneath that bridge. It’s a small detail, but it saves you time when running from spot to spot.

That’s not to say that Bay Boats are bad, because they’re great boats and are really an awesome choice for inshore fishing. They give you options to run out to bigger water and you can take more people fishing if you’re into that. You really can’t go wrong with either option. But in my opinion, the Bass Boat is the way to go.

[Boyce]

This is music to my ears!

[Boyce]

@WestbankJosh where do you fish for those slabs at? I’ve always wanted to try Des Allemands, but normally I just fish for sacs on the Tchefuncte near my house. If I’m trailering somewhere far its for inshore fishing.

@Daniel_Gig you’re in Slidell area right? The upper pearl in the swamps is probably money. Another area I want to try.

Either one of y’all say the word and I’m in

[Boyce]

LAFB: FRESHWATER EDITION

[Boyce]

Now we talking. I love fishing sacalait.

[Boyce]

Boom. Live reporting on deck.

[Boyce]

A Valentines Day Massacre! If I catch HGH Ronnie Situation Jersey Shore Trout, I’m going live on LAFB Elite. Make it happen Devin!!!

[Boyce]

I’m really hoping the weather cooperates so I can get down to East Bay. What makes you like East Bay right now? Just curious. Is it because it’s protected from a North wind like YCB or just because it’s probably awesome year round?

I am glad I posted this because I forgot about the stumps you mentioned, so definitely want to go back through that. AIS too.

I’ll post all my planned routes when I get more time to iron things out. Just praying on the wind and the rain to behave!

You told me about something at the end of SW Pass too. You said there were some LA Sportsman articles about it and I can’t remember what it was! Something like its down in 5 feet of water and you want to check it out. I want to go check that out while I’m down there too.

[Boyce]

I’ll be in my 17 ft aluminum Bass Boat. I do like those spots and have been looking at them on GED. I’m just hoping the weather cooperates so I can get down there and settle the debate of:

“Are Fish in Venice Juicing? Or Just The Ronnies?”

[Boyce]

😂😂😂

Shooter. I love you.

[Boyce]

I bet that Bass Cat was awesome. I love those boats and if I ever got a fiberglass bass boat, Bass Cat or Skeeter is probably what I would go with.

I do have that same issue of water coming over the transom with big wakes from gigantic boats and things like that, but they’re manageable with the trolling motor if I can just take them head on then get back to fishing.

I don’t have power poles on my 178, though I’ve thought about getting them. My boat is only rated for one though. I would ideally rather dual poles. Honestly though, if I had to pick between whether or not I could have Spot Lock or Power Poles, I would choose Spot Lock 100 out of 100 times. A good trolling motor with spot lock is such a game changer. A good trolling motor with dual power poles is the ultimate set up though so if they’re in the budget I would 100% do it.

[Boyce]

Lol those pelicans are brutal there