I'm getting a new boat soon, a 20' CC. The problems is, I thought I wanted an aluminum because they're tougher and easier to fix, right?
I know all about aluminum boats being lighter packages, smaller motors (thus more fuel efficiency, draft less (if wide enough), etc... But I also know fiberglass has much better ride, more payload....
I'm mainly going after stripers in East Texas Lakes, very little bass fishing, but all other freshwater fish. Also going to the coast for backwater reds and (here's the killer) bowfishing in the nasty stuff.
What do yall think? Stick to my gut feelings and get aluminum or jump on a great used fiberglass deal?

I am going through this the same decisions as you are. We have always had aluminum boats fishing in the bayous in south Louisiana. These areas can be tough on any boat. I like fiberglass boats for the performance, handling and rough water ride. But I like the reliability and dependability of aluminum boats. I find that most people with glass boats buy them for a few years and sell them to get another one. Most people buy aluminum boats to last a lifetime. The advancements in hull designs have closed the gap between aluminum and fiberglass performance. The biggest advancements in aluminum hull design that I've seen lately are the stretch form technology that Tracker is using on the Avalanche and Tundra models. I think this will eventually change the boating industry. I only wish they would expand the size hulls and layouts.

I'm the same, grew up in a flat bottom. Now my dad guides on the coast for my best friend and they both run Trans Sports. Realy nice rides glass rides. Would like to look at the Gator Trax "Barracuda" down in South LA. Have you seen these?

have you looked at the triton 2070cc aluminum i think its capable of doing all the things you are wanting to do and then some its also rated for a 115 hp motor has 96" beam with a bottom width of 70" if you would like to talk about this model or others give me a call 903-927-1919 ask for shawn

Those Gator Trax boats are super tough rigs. I have never rode or seen one in person, but I have heard good things about them. If you are looking into custom rigged aluminum, check out hankos.com. They built my dad's 19' bass boat to the way we wanted the layout. It's built like a tank with a 3/16" thick hull and 27" sides.

Call "The Boat Ramp" Marine dealer at 409-722-0865. Ask for Jimmy. They have 2 Duracraft bay boats at excellent closeout model-year prices. Tell them Kyle from Kingwood sent you. I know it's Beaumont area but it just might be worth the drive or maybe they can ship it.
BTW Duracraft are exceptionally well built aluminum boats.

After getting a lesson at the Dallas Boat Show last night, I can tell you that you need to look at the LUND line of aluminum boats. They are deep V and have a lot of styles and lots of fisherman friendly features.
The dealer near Dallas is Advantage Marine in SACHSE, which is east of Garland.