I am considering getting rid of my bass boat and getting a center console. Does anyone make center consoles that have a big casting deck? I am used to my bass boat and it seems like all the CC I look at don't have very big front and back casting decks.

Also, does anyone know if there are any brands that you can put foot control trolling motors on and have the pedal recessed? Most brands have an anchor storage where the pedal tub would have to go.

I pretty much fish for bass, crappie, and sand bass, but I would like to have the extra room and I might take it to the bay every once in a while.

Sounds like what you are describing is a bass boat with a center console. It's the larger casting platforms that take up the space. The recessed foot control could be mounted on models without anchor storage lockers. The Kenner VX boats do not have a cap on top of the deck which would work for a recessed pedal, but I don't know if Kenners are manufactured anymore.

THIS is exactly what I have been thinking lately too. Tournaments have lost their appeal and the thought of headin to the coast really is appealing.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006-Kenner-19-VX-102043125

This is a link to a Kenner I was speaking about just to give you an idea. I happen to own one exactly like it. BTW I bass fish out of it but have no problem with fishing for other species as well as bay fishing around Port A. whenever I have the chance.

THIS is exactly what I have been thinking lately too. Tournaments have lost their appeal and the thought of headin to the coast really is appealing.

The only issue you might have is lack of storage on a "rolled edge" design (without a cap). Some of the other manufactures, i.e. Ranger, Skeeter, etc... have CC designs based on a bass boat hull that may have better storage layouts, but you give up space for extra gear which you may or may not use.

Find a 22' bay champ, all the deck and storage you'd want, the kenner/nitro/mako (all the same) fits your list.

Haynie promax or bigfoot, Tran XLR8 would also easily fit the bill, and a lake n bay is a bass hull with a center console.

Let me assure you of one thing, those CC's mentioned by him or me won't go anywhere Mr. Gooff's scooter will go. They have a dryer and smoother ride than a flats boat, but shallow running they ain't.

I run a 22ft cc pathfinder and predominantly bass fish- only drawback in larger profile for wind but I work around it and am still able to catch fish / have fun. I can go anywhere and to be honest love all the extra space. My front platform is plenty big plus I use a wireless foot pedal that is low profile for the TM.

Lastly I have a 9 and a 3 year old so the CC is the way to go. BTW- heading to port A for reds in three weeks (cant do that in a bass boat),

I'm right there with ya. Thinking about selling my Champ and getting a CC. I'm down in Galveston several times a month so getting a CC makes great sense to me. I love saltwater just as much as fresh.

Only the airboats go where I can't, and that's not by much. Everything on a boat is a compromise, you give something up to get something else. I choose to not compromise on shallow water abilities, everything else falls behind that, but most won't give up their five friends, 98 cans of refreshment, livewells for croakies, and 900 lbs of junk to drag around just to be able to fish the back lakes and marshes. Thank goodness for that.

Sorry about misspelling your name Mr. Goff, old fat fingers get it wrong sometimes. I'll be down on LBJ in couple of weeks since all our lakes are dry.

Another idea is the Yellowfin 21. 21 ft 9in rated for 350. Runs 74 with a 250 SHO.
https://picasaweb.google.com/ToddMatherne/2011YF21250SHO#5647462240309857522

Video: http://vimeo.com/39312096

I am running the YF24 now.
https://picasaweb.google.com/113164734304867459391/MatherneYF24300Yamaha

Both have giant front decks and finished just like the 42ft YFs - top notch. I use the I Pilot TMs, but carry a foot-control pedal just in case.

get a shoalwater s23 cat