Are Center Console Boats Good for Bass Fishing?

You can fish bass from the shore, pliers, and inside the water. The last one is, by far, the most exciting. Naturally, you will need a boat for this endeavor. Since there are many options available today, people don’t know which is the best option for them. 

That’s why many anglers come to us asking if center console boats are good for bass fishing. In short, they are. They offer more freedom of movement, stability, and space to accommodate more tackle and rods. 

Sadly, center console boats also have some trade-offs, like price and maneuverability. So, it all comes down to what your needs are. That’s why we will take some time to explore the many different aspects of center console boats. 

What is a Center Console Boat?

As the name suggests, a center console boat has the helm in or near the center of the boat. Everything related to the control of the craft is on this console. Some models even have enough space to accommodate extra bottoms for other items like aftermarket lights or another radio. 

Depending on the size of the boat, it might even come with extra compartment spaces for storage. 

Another distinctive characteristic of center console boats is that you can walk around the hull. The extra space has other perks like:

• More storage space
• You can have more rods on the water at the same time 
• Extra safety
• Extra stability (You will see why in a moment) 
• It can accommodate more than one angler at a time (or a furry friend instead) 

Advantages of Center Console Boats

Although we already answered whether center console boats are good for bass fishing, we will take some time to talk about their advantages. Then it will be time for the cons.

Knowing the pros and cons will help you decide if a center console boat is for you. After all, a tool is only good if you use it. 

Superb Balance

One advantage of center console boats over canoes or kayaks is balance. Since they have a larger hull, they are inherently more stable than the others.

Furthermore, console boats are easier to maneuver. You just need to take the helm and drive as you please. No rowing is involved. 

More balance also means that you can walk around the boat. Plus, there is no need to worry too much about weight distribution. On the other hand, these center console boats can haul more weight. This way, you can bring more gear or people. You decide. 

Easy Casting and Fighting

Because center console boats offer more space, you can effortlessly cast your rod wherever you please. Plus, you can also cast farther! Since the boat is more stable, there is no need to worry about it tidying too much to one side. 

On the other hand, it will be easier to reel the fish in once you hook it. The extra space means that you can use your whole body to bring the fish in. Another advantage is that you can cast and leave several lines in the water at the same time. Therefore, maximizing your chances of catching fish. 

Lastly, you can use the boat in the fight against the fish. For example, you can use the boat to keep the line tight without reeling the fish. Similarly, you can take the fish away from branches, trees, or rocks. This way, you can fight fish while also saving energy. 

Superb Storage Space

Since center console boats are larger, they are inherently capable of holding more cargo. In addition, it also has more storage space. This way, you will not have gear sitting around the deck and getting in the way of your fishing.

Another perk of having more storage space is that you can carry more fish and fish for a longer time. Similarly, you have more space to keep refreshments and supplies for a long fishing trip. 

Versatile and Fun

Center console boats are for more than just fishing. Yeah, sure. You can use a kayak or canoe for exploring the local lake or river. However, having a center console craft allows you to: 

• Travel farther
• Bring your family with you
• You can use it for touring and water sports 
• Faster than regular bass boats
• You can use it for family trips

As you can see, center console boats offer you more flexibility when it comes to the usability and purpose of the craft. Naturally, all these perks come at an expense, as we will see shortly. 

Cons of Center Console Boats

Although there are plenty of reasons to get center console boats, there are a couple of cons that you should know. Despite there might be more disadvantages, the following are the ones we think are much more of a deal breaker. 

More Expensive

Center console boats are more expensive than smaller crafts such as kayaks and canoes. Therefore, it might not be within reach of everyone’s budget. 

Furthermore, there are also associated operational costs. You need to get fuel, oil, and spare parts. Plus, you need to pay to leave the boat at the marina. 

Takes More Space

If you have a big boat, you better have enough space to store it. Some people leave it on a trailer in your backyard. But you will have to pay for a marina if you don’t have enough space at home. 

Now, if you do have space, you will still need a trailer and a car powerful enough to tow it. Therefore, it might not be the best choice if you have neither the space nor the car, or money. 

Not As Agile

Sorting tight corners and channels is not an easy endeavor with a center console boat. You might need to slow the craft down so you can veer with more precision. Therefore, it might not be the best option if you are cruising through narrow channels. 

So, if your goal is to drive deep into the wild, then a center console boat is not for you. 

Bass Fishing and Center Console Boats

Center console boats might not be the first thing that comes to mind for bass fishing. However, it offers more space, stability, and greater haul capacity. In addition, it can double back as a family craft for the weekend in the lake. 

However, there are some problems with center console boats, such as price, ability to pass narrow channels, and taking more space in your backyard. 

So, are center console boats good for fishing? For us, they are since we are avid anglers and sportsmen. But, they might not be suitable for you if you don’t fish often or have enough money to take care of it.