The Differences Between Bass Boats and Fishing Boats

Both bass boats and fishing boats make it easy to get out on the water and enjoy your favorite pastime, but there are some notable differences between. Understanding these differences is essential which type of boat is the better option for your needs. For more information, contact L&M Marine LLC or visit out location in Stapleton, Alabama, also serving Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

Comparing the Size and Design

One of the biggest differences between a bass boat and a fishing boat is the size and amount of passenger space. Fishing boats tend to be roomier and typically can comfortably accommodate six to eight people. Bass boats, on the other hand, usually only have room for two people or three at the very most. Part of this is due to the design of bass boats. 

Bass boats are designed specifically for fishing. For this reason, these boats have a large casting platform on both the front and the back of the boat, each of which has room for one fishing chair. As you’d expect, fishing boats are also a great choice for fishermen, but they can also be used for water sports or simply cruising around. Many fishing boats also include raised platforms for skiing and multiple fishing chairs that you can move around as needed.

Another notable difference is the windshield or lack thereof. Fishing boats almost always have a full windshield to keep the driver and passengers protected from water and splashing waves. With a bass boat, the most you will usually get is a small windshield directly in front of the steering wheel. 

Storage Capabilities

Bass boats generally have everything you need for a fishing trip, including rod and tackle storage, livewells and baitwells. Some fishing boats also include livewells and other similar features, but these are usually only found on higher-priced models. Instead, fishing boats more commonly have lots of additional storage for life jackets, coolers and other gear. A fishing boat generally has more storage capacity and more flexible storage options, whereas a bass boat’s storage is geared specifically towards fishing.

Power and Performance

Bass boats feature an outboard motor and usually an electric trolling motor, while fishing boats are available in either an outboard or inboard configuration. Both types of boats provide plenty of power to get where you’re going quickly, but the shape and design of a bass boat makes it more adept at traversing shallows or in rougher water. The hull design of a fishing boat can easily handle rougher conditions, but these boats do tend to bounce off wakes much more than a bass boat would. On the other hand, the fact that fishing boats are usually designed for water sports means they tend to be more maneuverable and able to turn more sharply. 

Deciding between a bass boat and a fishing boat means thinking carefully about how you plan on using your boat. If you only ever planning on using the boat for fishing with one or two other people, the bass boat is the better choice. With a fishing boat, the biggest advantages are the increased space and the versatility to use your boat for fishing, water sports and pleasure cruises. To learn more about either type of boat, contact L&M Marine LLC. You can also visit our location in Stapleton, Alabama, which also serves the cities of Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.