Hey guys I'm trying to make a decision about reasons why to buy a bass boat with wife.
Here's the thing I've never owned a boat since I moved to Texas about 13 years ago and since moving to Texas I've really only target big fish catching four double digit bass from the bank and I also enjoy guide trip three times a year. I know there's a lot of pros and cons to owning a boat but is it really necessary that is my wife's question when every time we go fishing we see bass fishermen always toward the bank . I don't fish tournaments I just fish for big fish .

I like the idea of fishing offshore and deep water but I also like the primitive way of fishing and not the electronics GPS but really just being in tune to nature watching the Herons set up on a point or bluegills popping in lily pad field.. or feeling change in air pressure.

So here's her question
Will it make you a better big bass fishermen or complicate things ?

How does owning a boat make you better fisherman?

We have friends that own 80,000 bass but can't fish or never catch them. I'll texted them same day , same lake and I 'm catching them.
In fact I talking to several pro bass fisherman about this subject and they said they would like to see a tournament without GPS or without electronics. To see who had the best pure fishing skills.

Here is my .02.

You will be able to go to different areas much quicker when you determine they are not biting where you are. You will be able to learn deep fishing better. There is more deep fishing on most lakes then shallow fishing. You will need to decided if you want the added head ache of owning a boat and all the cost or just want to keep doing what you are doing and being very successful. I think a lot of the owning a Bass boat is just to be able to play around with it when not fishing or when they are not biting well. You won't need a 80,000 dollar boat to catch fish. You can get a good used one for in the high 40's in the 20-21 foot range from most brands that are a year or two old with warranty. Their is a lot to owning a boat and keeping it up. I will say if you only fish a time or two a month you can hire a guide probably cheaper then owning a boat by the time you buy gas insurance,up keep and depreciation over a few years.

You've already accomplished everything there is without a boat so I would say no. Keep pulling in DD's from the bank. It's a lot cheaper....

Sooooooo many things to think about with this question. I'll throw a few things out to consider.

1. With a boat, you can get to 95% of the lake. From the bank, 10%??? Big advantage to the boat.
2. Cost is really wide open from a 500 dollar used flat bottom to 100K plus. Just set a comfortable budget and shop around to see what you can get within your budget.
3. To start out, I wouldn't even think about a new boat. Too much depreciation off the top and you might not like it as much as you think.
4. If you're not worried about electronics, just find a good used boat with reliable motor and trolling motor. That's all you need.
5. My opionion: Buy a 5-7 year old 18 foot glass boat (if you like to stand on the deck and fish while you are trolling around). Buy an aluminum boat if you don't mind hiding from the wind and sitting while you fish.

If you're catching DD bass from the bank I'd stick with it, you don't need a boat. Might consider bank guiding if you're that good.. I know guys that paid $400 to a guide with a $70,000 bass boat and didn't catch a DD.

The only thing owning a boat will "make you" is a boat owner. Other than that everything else is personal preference

It's a luxury item. Just buy a quality all weld aluminum boat 16-17ft and rig it out. You can catch all the fish you want from that and it will cost you a fraction of what a comparable bassboat will

I've owned a boat since I was 17, I'm 40 now. Couldn't imagine life without one!

Go ahead get you a boat that suits your needs and what you can afford. Don't worry about what others say,just get a boat that makes you and your wife happy and never look back. You'll be glad that you did.

I agree with everyone that says get something you can easily afford (Cash) and have fun with it. I come home to mine every night because it's in the garage. I wouldn't have it any other way.

not sure you are really asking a question because it seems you've answered both. If you are serious, consider these things:

1. can you afford a boat(possible maintenance)
2. do you really want one(different from how you are already fishing)
3. will it make you happy

if so, go for it. Remember, you only float this boat once(no pun intended)

Pretty solid advice right there if you decide to float your tackle.

[quote=SK1]Go ahead get you a boat that suits your needs and what you can afford. Don't worry about what others say,just get a boat that makes you and your wife happy and never look back. You'll be glad that you did. [/quote

^^^^ What he said

Thanks guys . I try to keep my fishing simple and have always viewed owning a boat like like owning a lure
It 's just a tool .Not everyone who owns a toolbox knows how to uses the tools Just because you own one lure don't mean you know how to bass fish or target big fish
My wife is realistic and I am too.
Will owning a boat maker easier ? Yes and no would be my answer.
The only thing I can see it would make me more versatile. Learn more techniques. The type of fish I target eat large lure that most guys don't throw aways.

I definitely will make it a matter of prayer and talk to other boat owners on their thoughts but I thought I'll just ask on here .

You have already caught 4 over 10lbs. Only a few fisherman will ever do that in a life time. You go with guides. Just add going to Mexico with me the first 10 days you can take off. You want even want to fish our lakes after our trip; except just short trips like you are doing. You are saving a ton of money. Make the wife happy and stay in tune with nature.