I am thinking about getting a center console / Bay boat. How do these compare to bass boats?? shallow water? fishing in the wind? Any thoughts on make/model that would be good. I would prefer 19.5 - 22 ft...150-200hp. Thanks in advance, Rodney

I know the couple of times I have ran a CC when bass fishing i was not happy. Too easily pushed around by the wind etc and the sides will hurt if you fish shallow etc. Especially in flipping/pitching etc. If you are gonna use it a lot for other species then I can see you enjoying the overall aspect of the boat but strictly if used primarily in bass fishing I would get another bass boat. just my own opinion on it.

I am looking for more room...I also prefer to drive standing.

I would tell you to call Johnny Guize a guide on Fork he used to run a Z520 ranger he now runs a 24 Ranger center console he can give you pros and cons. I bet Johnny would even take you out for a ride. Rodney if your interested give him a call cell 972-800-3882

Check out a Majek extreme. Fish a cc alot and love it. The Extreme. Comes in 20,22 &25 foot. Call if you need more info. 361-522-6270

My dad runs a Skeeter 220 CC w/Yamaha 200. He had a 20' Ranger bass boat previously. We had it in a foot of water and it floated fine with two big guys and full load out. With ease of moving around the boat, convenience of the low deck in the center, and the fishing platforms available - we will never go back.

I have an Epic 22SC bay boat with a 200HP Suzuki. I love the big front and rear decks. Tons of storage. I have fished in water when my console depth finder read, "1.5" i.e. 18 inches. I would drag bottom if I got much shallower. That was also with about 40 gallons of gas and 3 fisherman.

Hey Butch, call me when you have a min:)

If I brought another cc it would be a Haney.

I have a Scout 192 Sportfish.. which is really a flats boat..but I use it for bass fishing. Casting deck in the rear is huge, but not so much in the front. I like it a lot for fishing. All fiberglass.. no wood, so no rotting ever. I think if I was going to buy a new one, it would be a Skeeter.

Check out Shearwater boats, they are very nice and I would consider one if I was looking at a CC.

I'm running a Gator Bay 2100 RG with a 200 hp Evinrude E-TEC. So far it is a very stable boat with a great ride. Make by ProGator in Benton, Lousiana. Lots of room.

I used to run a center console and switched over to a bass boat. The top things I didnt like about a cc for bass fishing is the lack of rod storage, livewells were too small to hold a big fish or even 5 keepers, none of my compartments were waterproof (could be different on higher end center consoles), and since there is no carpeting all the movements you make in the boat (walking around, opening and closing lids) is louder than in a bass boat. One huge benefit to running a cc boat is when the lake gets rough you will have alot easier time staying dry and getting back safely.

Have owned bass boats and fished out of almost every brand and size of bass boat you can name: Triton, Skeeter, Stratos, Rangers, Chargers, Xpress and a few others I can't even think of right now. When I first fished out of a bay boat with a guide down on South Padre, I fell in love with bay boats. I can give you a few things to consider from personal experience on bass v. bay boat.

I spent months researching and I ultimately purchased a 22 foot Skeeter bay boat. Not because of any brand loyalty but because of the layout and functionality.

My boat does not have the issues BanjoMinnow talks of but mine is a newer CC when it comes to livewells. I have a huge baitwell and a massive livewell that can hold plenty of fish. Noise can be an issue since I do not have carpet. However, I absolutely hate carpet; sucks to keep clean; wears out fast; fades; and just looks bad after a few years. I can come home, grab the power washer and my decks and boat are clean in a few moments. I have room on my boat for 20 rods. I can only store 4 below deck. If you could only see how fast I can miss a fish with a topwater and grab another rod from the holder without bending down with a follow-up cast. I always take 10 rods with me and always end up only using two anyway. Go figure on how many rods.... Rod storage is not a real factor for me, it may be for you.

I have the best of both worlds. I can fish Choke and run on down the road and fish the bay with no issues. I can run offshore and hit many of the rigs within 10-15 miles with no worries. I can fish the shallow bays for reds and trout and that is a blast! You are pretty far north so fishing the salt water option may not be a consideration for you.

I can run in four foot waves as easy and comfortable as two foot waves. My boat has taken everything Amistad and Falcon has dished out. The only thing that runs me off inland water is lightning.

The room and stability in my bay boat is undeniable. Two people can fish off my front deck and two off the rear deck and it's like standing on an aircraft carrier. Some larger bass boats sure will allow for that but... four people can fish out of my boat comfortably and I have proper seating for four people.

A few negatives to consider:

If you get a 22-foot CC fiberglass, strongly urge you to get a 225. Of course, my rig is not going to break any speed records. Top speed for me is 50 MPH loaded with a 225HP. I am old so anything above 35 MPH starts scaring me. I don't fish tournaments anymore so speed is not an issue for me.

I suppose it does not have that bass boat "coolness" factor either. I am also a little higher off the water than most bass boats but I prefer it that way for my style of fishing.

My boat is major heavy and I must have a powerful truck with 4X4 for some of the steep ramps around here. Learned that lesson the hard way getting stuck on a ramp trying to pull my boat out on steep ramps. With so many lakes way down due to drought, some of these ramps can be tough.

I say test drive what you think you want. Test under the conditions you will be fishing. Whatever you like, go for it bro! I just know what works for me and I have zero regrets on my CC purchase.

I run a 20 ft skeeter bay also .if you just bass or tournament fish stay with a bass style if your a all around fisherman can't beat the cc . I fish everything Texas has to offer and still do a little competitive tournament fishing also . They draft as shallow as 10 inches rough water beast easy cleanup my only complaints would be storage,but you get fishing room instead ,under power rated ,mine is rated at 150 and that is what I run but would handle a 200 much better,in stumpy waters if you get centered on a stump little tougher to get off of because of weight distribution all centered. I truly wish some manufacture would come out with a bass n bay again like champion did once or wish we could afford having both, that would be the perfect world.hope it helps and good luck