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NicoDemo · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 5:10 pm Post subject: Bay boat

Hey guys just joined the forum but i was wondering whats the minimum size for a salwater boat that could go into ICW, laguna madre, corpus chrisit and oso bay etc. just not offshore.

extreme fisher · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 5:34 pm Post subject:

I once saw a 12' Jon boat about 2 to 3 miles offshore, obviously a calm day. My son has been in the bay and in the surf in an Ocean Kayak Frenzy which is only 9'. I have seen a guy down the street launch some a small vessel with Styrofoam pontoons with a couple of sheets of plywood attached and a lawn chair to sit in powered by a trolling motor with the battery under his lawn chair to fish near by in the bay. Shocked

Only in the Bluff. Laughing

What I am getting at is people will use just about anything that can float. I prefer at least a 16' two seat kayak, been out in the frenzy, but I did not feel comfortable. Make sure whatever you decide to take out that you feel safe and make sure you are legal. As far as a gas powered boat I would want something at least 14' long.

Good luck with whatever you decide,
Jeff

Johninaustin · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 1113

I go all over the lagoon/intracoastal and around Port Aransas/Estes Flats in a 15' Aluminum V-hull with a 15hp Mercury.

I stay out of the bay however. Conditions can change REALLY fast out there.

I've been out in the bay in a 22' center console when it was perfectly flat and then beat myself to death running for cover not 20 minutes later. Pick your spots and you'll be fine in a small boat.

shallowsport · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:17 pm Post subject:

You are getting good advice . Another consideration is how many people are you going to be fishing with, and what kind of fishing are you going to do. You don't want a bunch of people playing dodge the lure. Bottom fishing can accommodate more people. Enjoy your fishing.

SaltyCuda · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:28 pm Post subject:

Might also keep in mind the cost of operation, small boats will always be cheaper than large boats.

My 16' Stoner with a 115 hp was pretty economical while my 21' Commander with a 150 costs about 1/3 more per trip.

I caught fish on both and enjoyed them equally.

I only fish with one passenger most days and there is plenty of room on either.

ironmanstan · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:46 pm Post subject:

Get what makes you happy,and what you can afford to fill up at 350 a gallon. The more economical the more you get to be on the water. Also the more bells a whistles the more stuff you have to work on. I can live out of a 16 footer but i'm very happy with my 18.
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cdhknives · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 03 Aug 2012 Posts: 297

You need about 20' to have a boat long enough to really cut waves in the bay on a choppy day. For really rough days you can get beat up in a 30' sportfisher in CC Bay.

No flat bottom skiff is going to be comfortable on a typical summer afternoon 15-20 mph chop. No deep V hull is going to get up into the flats chasing redfish.

You gotta balance your budget, your comfort requirements, your fishing style, and your willingness to let the conditions dictate your range.

I highly recommend spending the money for a trip or two with local guides to get a feel of the area. It might save you from an expensive mistake. Used boats will also help you figure out what you want without the obnoxious up front costs.
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NicoDemo · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 9:14 pm Post subject:

so really anything over 15' will do fine in the boat hole area and ICW but how would something that size hold up around portland, ingleside, and the port a and rockport area like redfish bay aransas bay and estes cove.

ironmanstan · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:16 am Post subject:

gulftrout · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 20 Aug 2007 Posts: 1629

I have a 2000 130 Sport Boston Whaler and when I am by myself I can take pretty much anything mother nature will throw at me, up to a point. I had a 15' Tri Hull boat for 25 years and it would take the water great and also plenty of room for two fishermen. I guess it just depends on what you want to use it for and how many people will be going along for the ride. Also I think I would stay out of Oso if you plan to go any further than the Ocean Dr. bridge.

justletmein · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:26 am Post subject:

There's really no answer to your question, it's all about the conditions. There are some 18' boats out there in the wrong conditions can be dangerous and some cute little 14 footers that run all over the place if you pick your days. Speaking from experience though, go larger than you think you need unless there's a reason to keep small (towing with a Kia, etc) because you can always use the extra room. I'm on my 4th boat now and every single time I buy one it gets bigger. Laughing

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JJ

ironmanstan · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

justletmein · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:02 am Post subject:

obsessed · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1200

CopanoCruisin · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:57 pm Post subject:

Speaking of boat size, just a little food for thought. Here it is. Just think, when things go real terrible in the very large boats, everyone gets into small boats and leave.i have only had small boats for the last thirty years or so. Three so far. A 16' Jon boat, 15' Hobie Skiff, and getting the next adventure ready, an even smaller Gheenoe skiff. To each his own, whatever, use it often and enjoy!