Thinking about buying a boat in the future. I fish mainly for bass. I was wondering what the features are over other boats that make a bass boat worth buying vs a more multi-species boat.

Honestly, that is a personal decision. Everyone has different needs and wants.

It depends a lot on where you fish. If you are fishing big water a multi-species hull might be better for you than a conventional bass boat. If you are predominately fishing shallow waters then a conventional bass boat would be best.

It depends a lot on where you fish. If you are fishing big water a multi-species hull might be better for you than a conventional bass boat. If you are predominately fishing shallow waters then a conventional bass boat would be best.

So they are better for shallow water? What are the other benefits?

I should have noted I already have an older 17' foot Crestliner Fishhawk for other types of fishing.

I agree. The big thing for me with a bass boat is the larger front deck, but I dont fish just bass and do sometimes fish bigger water. The large front deck is REALLY nice tho.

So they are better for shallow water? What are the other benefits?

I should have noted I already have an older 17' foot Crestliner Fishhawk for other types of fishing.

Better is a relative term. A bass boat will draft shallower than a multispecies rig. I would base the decision on the water you fish and the way you fish.

 

 

A bass boat should sit low in the water which will prevent it from being blown around in the wind as much.  It should have large fishing decks which allow for several rods to be on the deck and still have plenty of room to fish.  It should also have room to fight the fish... not high windshields or high side to work around. 

 

A multi species will do a find job... do doubt.  To many it is preferred.  I have a friend who prefers a center console boat for bass fishing... nothing wrong with that.  It is really about what you plan to do with it.  I have a Bass boat... on those days when the lake has 4 and 5 foot rollers I kind of wish I was in my friends center console.  But... most days I prefer my Bass boat.

 

Greg

A bass boat should sit low in the water which will prevent it from being blown around in the wind as much.  It should have large fishing decks which allow for several rods to be on the deck and still have plenty of room to fish.  It should also have room to fight the fish... not high windshields or high side to work around. 

 

A multi species will do a find job... do doubt.  To many it is preferred.  I have a friend who prefers a center console boat for bass fishing... nothing wrong with that.  It is really about what you plan to do with it.  I have a Bass boat... on those days when the lake has 4 and 5 foot rollers I kind of wish I was in my friends center console.  But... most days I prefer my Bass boat.

 

Greg

Cool.

I never thought about it's lower profile not being blown around as much in the wind.

I fish mostly shallow, weedy, bass type water now.

Bass boat all the way for this guy!

My 'bass' boat is a multi-species. All I fish is big water and I wouldn't consider anything else.

I wouldn't trade my nitro for any other boat on the water. It's really really nice to gun down the throttle and pretty much be able to outrun anyone and get to fishing quicker. A bass boat on plane, can get anywhere, it just depends if you have the balls to go threw it. I fish literally ever species out of my nitro to Bass to Catfish and no complaints.  

I fish for bass from a striper boat when I'm with my buddy. It's ok to fish from I just like bass fishing from a bass boat. In a bass boat I can fish for striper, crappie, bass, bluegill, and much more. I prefer a bass boat for all types of fishing.

You aren't limited to what you fish by the name of the style of boat. Given the type of water you fish I think you'd benefit from the layout of a bass boat. There are very few inland lakes that a bass boat can't handle.