Texas Fishing Forum
Boat Rec for Toledo
Posted By: zimmer0
Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 02:34 PM
Looking for boat recommendations, specifically for running Toledo Bend. Have seen every style of boat on the lake and just unsure of whats ideal.
Cross lake treks will be rare but possible in favorable weather.
My thoughts are 19'+, 150hp+, 24V TM, undecided on hull material. These are minimums in my eyes beings as i know how rough the lake can get even with minimal wind.
Your thoughts/experience is appreciated.
Posted By: Jarrett Latta
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 04:12 PM
Lots of variables for Toledo. It gets as rough as any lake in the country with a stiff northern or southern wind and you have to use boat lanes to run it. If you plan on fishing alot/tournaments a 21ft+ would be a no brainier. If you're a weekend fisherman or fair weather, you could get a smaller boat but be prepared to watch the wind and use the proper ramp to keep you safer
Posted By: zimmer0
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 05:34 PM
boat will be docked at our camp on LA side near Kites and mostly used for fair weather fishing. No tourney aspirations at the moment.
Is an aluminum hull a good idea with the amount of floaters and stickups? More forgiving opposed to fiberglass in these situations. Keeping in mind i wont be the only person utilizing the boat, so less experienced drivers are likely to also use it.
Posted By: Walls
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 05:37 PM
boat will be docked at our camp on LA side near Kites and mostly used for fair weather fishing. No tourney aspirations at the moment.
With that, I'd just find a good deal on the minimums you listed in OP.
Posted By: Pico Pearch
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 05:37 PM
I've been down 3 times to Toledo Bend with my ZX 190 (150 HP). You need something bigger than this. It is a rough lake (and huge). I would def recommend a 21' boat for that lake.
Posted By: Jarrett Latta
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 06:43 PM
If considering crappie fishing and more people in the boat than normal, I'd consider a 20ft bay boat. Best of both worlds and will get you back in rough conditions but small enough to bass fish
My Triton tr21 is not big enough with a north wind.
Posted By: zimmer0
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/10/19 08:34 PM
My Triton tr21 is not big enough with a north wind.
fished the TOBI out of FIL's TR-21 last year and was iffy at times.
Also if you go with fiberglass go ahead and put a Gorilla hull on it and save yourself a lot of grief.
Posted By: leebayou
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/13/19 04:07 AM
If you go with an aluminum boat, do not get a flat bottom ( when TBend first opened, the standard rental boats were the 14 foot flat bottom as was used throughout LA at that time, but on TBend they were getting swamped on a regular basis--this was quickly fixed by going to 16 to 18 foot semi-V aluminum boats). I would suggest 18 foot as a minimum length for either glass or metal for this lake, and that the metal boat not be a flat bottom, but a semi-V bottom. Of course, bigger is nicer and safer on TBend, but economics plays a part also. Keep a close eye on the weather. You are fishing in a hole, and the weather can, and will slip up on you. If you are concerned about making it back to your home base due to the rough water--don't. Beach the boat at the closest location, and either wait the weather out or call for help. TBend has taken too many good people trying to push through rough water.
Posted By: TxBazzn
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/13/19 02:03 PM
Been fishing it 36 years. Must have a v-bottom. Flat bottom will not make anyone in the boat happy. 19ft is enough length for fair weather fisherman. Run boat lanes and be smart and fiberglass won’t be an issue. Plus if it does get damaged T-Bend fiberglass is there to “manipulate” the insurance and get you a gorilla Hull!
I have a 21 ft bass boat and even I prefer to trailer when it gets to blowing. No bass boat is big enough to effectively handle what that lake can put out when she is angry.
I often joke that when I live here full time I’m buying a walleye boat with hydraulic seating.
Posted By: ChargerKen
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 01/13/19 02:21 PM
I would seriously look at a bay boat that’s what I did. I purchased a new Robalo 226 Cayman last March and the decking is just like a bass boat and it can handle seriously rough water. I have had this boat in Tawokoni and Texoma with 30 mph winds without a problem. This is my first bay boat after having bass boats all my life and I could never go back now.
Posted By: zimmer0
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/11/19 03:23 PM
Considering the Deep V series, primarily for the seating capacity (4-6) and the majority of fishing will be leisurely crappie fishing. Any reason to not consider one?
Posted By: MurraynTx
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/12/19 01:05 AM
I run a Ranger 520L and can run the lake anytime using common sense.
Posted By: the skipper
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/12/19 01:53 AM
Lata is right about the bay boat. Best bet with inexperienced drivers and having people on board.
Posted By: BMCD
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/12/19 07:28 PM
See plenty of tin boats on that lake.
Posted By: TxBazzn
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/12/19 08:57 PM
Walleye boat!!!! They fish similar to bass boats but have deep v hulls, hydraulic Shock seats.
Spent my whole life on it and When I retire full time the bass boat is gone for that style.
That lake is almost always rough.
Posted By: cfisch007
Re: Boat Rec for Toledo - 11/13/19 03:15 AM
I have a FX 21 Skeeter and it handles Toledo as good as any. If youre interested, it's for sale. I'll make you a good deal. Very pretty and in great shape.
713 817 0528 chris