Greetings from a new member

[Keithm18]

HI Guys.

I am newbie to the site and relocated to the cape 6 months ago. Lot's of great information on this site related to the actual fishing, but wanted ask a few questions about getting my boat right for bass fishing

I have an 18ft Bowrider with plenty of grunt, which is normally used for monthly outings for tubing etc, i'm a seasoned boater but I want to get myself and my boys into Bass Fishing and have had some advice to date, but wanted to check a few things here.

1) My boat doesn't have a depth/fish finder
2) My boat doesn't have a sneaker/trolling motor
3) It's a bow rider
4) I'm not a member of any club at the moment

I am already working on a removable casting deck for the front, but wanted to know if the depth finder or trolling motor are critical to get going?

The investment on either is pretty significant and I have spent a fair packet on getting my rig going as it is.....so my lifes project manager and I often battle on spending additional cash on the "bloody boat"

Would anyone recommend a newbie like me joining a club and do you have any suggestions on this? In the right months i am looking to get out at least once a month and I stay in the Durbanville area.

[BigBoy]

hi bud Welcome to the site , firstly i would not worrie about the boat being a bow rider i currently have a miami sport that i use and it does everything i need it to do, as for the fish finder it comes down to what you want to see i have a cheaper model on and it gives me the basics depth,water temp and and basic contour of the bottom. foot control sneaker motors are the way to go in my opinion and start at about 2.2k for a 44lbs javis walker but bigger is also better but chews a bit more power from the battery.
you can join up to a club it is fun and you learn a lot from the guys but comes down to your needs.
tight lines
BB

[Jim_From_Zim]

Hi Keith

In short answers to your questions, a depth finder is not critical - its a nice to have. If I were you I'd concentrate on the decking area and installing a trolling motor.
A trolling motor is going to enable you to hold position when the wind comes up, as well as move along area's where the main motor will create too much 'noise'.

A club, Nah, you're in good hands here on BFSA. No offense to clubs but you'll be able to get started with asking the right questions here and reading up on venue's etc.

I am also in the Durbanville area, so you are welcome to call me anytime for a beer and a chat. I have pm'd you my number

Cheers
J_f_Z

[LaRocks]

Welcome Keith, hope you will enjoy it on the site. Take Zim Martin offer, he will give you good advice.

[Ginja]

Welcome,

JFZ is spot on, I also have a very basic boat and the only one of the things you listed that I classify as a 'must' is the sneaker motor, the rest you can do without if you have to.

I learned loads on this site, I'm sure you'll find your way around.

[Navrik]

Welcome Keith. Lots of helpful and passionate bassers on this site. Please post your questions or use the Forum Search top left to search on any topic you have a question on. Enjoy your stay!

[Bassaholic]

Welcome Keith. I am sure you will enjoy it here.

[webbrent]

Welcome Keith. Enjoy your stay!

[smurf]

Howzit Keith,get a hold of JFZ and come along to my place for a long chat and a few cold ones before you start spending money on that 'bloody boat'.I might have some second hand bits that will save you some money and get you up and running.There is no need at this time to become a club member (no offence to the others who are club members) but you can get some good pointers of where to go at what time of year and on what to catch them with from your local BFSA members,then if you feel the urge to participate more seriously in the sport,then join a club and fish the yearly league.There are some seriously good fisherman on this site,and most are keen to share their tricks.

[KingDon]

Good Day Keith, You will will enjoy it here,
There is now some sound advice from smurf check him out and take him up on the invite

[bblunt]

Once you get hooked and start buying rods, reels, baits, finders and a new boat.....you wife is in for a mighty shock. I also had a simple boat 5 years ago. Am on my 4th boat and my son is now a Protea angler. Good luck!

P.S trolling motor is a must. Don't go too small you have a big boat. Get a 70lb and up 24v. You will eat more batteries going flat out on a small 12v one.

[coop]

Welcome Keith, enjoy the forum....

[Spikes]

Welcome to the site Keith,Lots of things to learn on the site,so hope you enjoy it.

[Keithm18]

Hi Guys.

Apologies for the late reply, been a crazy week at work

Thanks for the overwhelming response and awesome advice. I'm definitely in the right place!

JFZ, Smurf, Ginja I have your PM's and will be reaching out shortly.

Thanks again.

[Shamwari]

Howzit Keith

I am in the same "boat" as you...also relocated to Cape Town..so to back up JFZ (Aunty Deloris as I call him when I want to stir) you will be in very good hands here on BFSA and most certainly make new china's and get to catch fish in spectacular surroundings...so ja, welcome!