Purchasing a new boat

Geechee Boi

New Member
I've been in Savannah all of my life and I've fished fresh and saltwater. I love bass fishing more than any other so, I want to invest in a new bass boat. Bass Pro has a few tournament style boats I have my eyes on. Problem is, the waters around here are so polluted, the fish aren't edible. Any suggestions on rivers close enough to fish and keep? Should I reconsider my purchase and think saltwater vessels? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 

WalkinDead

Banned
No river in Georgia is even in the top 10 as of 2019.

https://weather.com/science/environment/news/2019-04-12-americas-10-most-endangered-rivers-2019

In 1994, Savannah river was number 7 and Little Attapulgus Creek was number 42 out of the top 50, nationwide.

https://www.ewg.org/research/dishonorable-discharge/50-most-polluted-rivers-country

Not saying they aren't polluted or that your concerns aren't valid.

I don't keep anything to eat unless I catch it at least 10 miles offshore, and then I only keep the smaller keepers to minimize the risks. I don't keep any freshwater fish unless they are caught in private ponds I know are clean. Freshwater species caught in PFA's are probably acceptable.
The shrimp I catch are less than a year old and most likely have not been around long enough to warrant concern. They are most definitely much better than any farm raised shrimp raised in pig manure (it's organic, right?) and a concoction of antibiotics in foreign countries which you purchase in every grocery store and eat at every seafood restaraunt which does not advertise Wild Georgia Shrimp.
 

Geechee Boi

New Member
No river in Georgia is even in the top 10 as of 2019.

https://weather.com/science/environment/news/2019-04-12-americas-10-most-endangered-rivers-2019

In 1994, Savannah river was number 7 and Little Attapulgus Creek was number 42 out of the top 50, nationwide.

https://www.ewg.org/research/dishonorable-discharge/50-most-polluted-rivers-country

Not saying they aren't polluted or that your concerns aren't valid.

I don't keep anything to eat unless I catch it at least 10 miles offshore, and then I only keep the smaller keepers to minimize the risks. I don't keep any freshwater fish unless they are caught in private ponds I know are clean. Freshwater species caught in PFA's are probably acceptable.
The shrimp I catch are less than a year old and most likely have not been around long enough to warrant concern. They are most definitely much better than any farm raised shrimp raised in pig manure (it's organic, right?) and a concoction of antibiotics in foreign countries which you purchase in every grocery store and eat at every seafood restaraunt which does not advertise Wild Georgia Shrimp.
First off, thanks for not only replying but, also offering data. The report I seen was from '07. Still, I do believe the waters are cleaning up.. Yes, I do care about what I eat as well. That's why I asked if I should reconsider making a purchase on a 55k bass boat. You got me wanting to catch some shrimp. Black sea bass are good too. THANK YOU!
Maybe a 219fs Key West is the better option.
 

RedWrecker

Member
Flats boats can be utilized for bass fishing and if you like bass fishing more then the fishing you do in flats boats for saltwater will probably be good for you if you fish artificial inshore. Or get a bay boat without a t-top and use it for bass fishing as well. I use my key west 1520 for inshore fishing and bass fishing
 

MOTS

Senior Member
Well said WalkinDead! I'm within 10 minutes of where the Oconee and Ocmulgee form the Altamaha. I've caught my tonnage of freshwater fish. There would be no way I would consider a bass rig if I lived in the Savannah area all my life, it would be a dream for me in the brackish water rivers, the sounds, the ocean, etc. So much better eating fish also. But I have a 9 acre bass pond too, that rarely gets fished.
 

WalkinDead

Banned
Hard to beat fresh Wild Georgia shrimp. The initial investment for a net is a bit steep, but over the next two months you can more than pay for it in shrimp caught.
See the first post in the Shrimping 2019 thread for "Pops" number, he makes the best net on the beach.
 

massafibassa

Senior Member
Checkout the intracoastal boats. Best of both worlds salt and fresh water bass boat. I have a 2006 Ranger 19VS love it . I fish the coast, lakes and rivers .
 

Juan De

Senior Member
I would have to recommend purchasing a boat more geared to saltwater just because of your location. That being said I have an 18ft G3 tunnel hull, have never been worried on any freshwater fishery I have been on. I have to be careful on saltwater because of how nasty and fast it can change, but have put sheepshead, redfish and trout in the boat.
 

deers2ward

Senior Member
... That's why I asked if I should reconsider making a purchase on a 55k bass boat....
Maybe a 219fs Key West is the better option.

Yes, with that budget, you could get into boats that really open up your options. Head offshore on the good days and bring home the snapper and grouper.

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2017-parker-2300-special-edition-103699645/?refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing&refSource=standard listing

https://www.boattrader.com/boats/ty...ength-23,25/price-40000,60000/year-2015,2017/

I will never criticize how someone else wants to spend their money, but it does amaze me how much money people will spend for such a 1 dimensional ("bass") boat.
 
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