First of all, you will need to make several decisions before you plunk down a lot of your hard-earned money for a boat.

You have to decide how you will be using the vessel. Are you going strictly for flats fishing, or do you intend to fish in the open Bay? Do you occasionally plan on going offshore? How many will you typically take out on your boat?

These are but a few of the questions you will need to decide.

As for the boat itself, what price range are you comfortable with? Would you want a new one, or would you consider buying a used boat? Many feel that recent used boats can be very good buys. As with automobiles, they depreciate rather rapidly, and you can literally save thousand when you purchase a clean used vessel.

One of the best ways to buy a used boat would be to find the boat you like. Then establish a price with the seller. After that, have a qualified mechanic thoroughly check out the boat and motor to determine the condition of the vessel. (Shouldn’t charge more than 50 to 75 dollars for the service) Chances are it will need some repairs to bring it up to top condition. Get a written estimate from the mechanic. Then go back to the seller and deduct the cost of repairs from the agreed upon price. Then, go back to your mechanic and have him bring to boat up to top condition.

If you can work out that kind of deal, you will have a very good secure vessel for an affordable price.

If you still were not sure what you want in a boat, I would highly recommend joining one of the boat clubs. They offer new model boats in a variety of configurations. For example, you might take out a 19-foot center console if you are going out on a fishing trip. Then, perhaps next time you want to take the family on a cruise. You could take out a plush deck boat. On another occasion you might want to go offshore. Then you can take out a boat that can handle the ocean waves.

I think using a variety of boats will at least give you an idea as to the kind of boat that suits yours and your family’s lifestyle. It is very cost efficient and convenient. You just cruise away from the marina; have a great day on the water, and then just come in and go home. The boat club washes and services the vessel.

On the other hand, there is that very satisfying feeling of having a boat of your very own, always available for that last minute fishing or pleasure trip. And don’t forget, pride of ownership means a great deal to most of us who have a vessel sitting out on the driveway or at a nearby marina.

Mel

Then there's this excerpt of an email from one our our readers who said:

"I have lived here for about 7 years in the Tampa area. Sad to say I moved here from Pensacola where in my opinion the fishing was much better.

I joined Old Salts, and tried to meet up with people. After 3 sad years of fishing with real no luck at all, and really no numbers to speak of I gave up. Can you believe I have lived here for 7 years and not caught a snook???

I just got my parents to finally retire down here in Anna Maria Island. My Dad and I usually got along best when we were fishing...so we are going to try to continue that trend. Last weekend we put our order in for a 2596 cc Hydra sports Vector with twin 225 Yamaha 4-stroke. At least we can make it to the middle grounds with that...who knows.

For starters we are looking at a Garmin 2006c WAAS GPS, a Furuno 582L Color LCD Graph, Raytheon Radar.

This would probably be a once a month thing to. Certainly the fish are dependent on the seasons. In the process though, hopefully we can learn better than my three years of misery that ultimately forced me to sell my boat out of frustration.

My dad has Diabetes, and High blood pressure, and to be honest I only see me having 5-8 more "good" years with him. I want to be selfish with those years and enjoy the one thing that we always seemed to enjoy together...days out on the water.

Eric Tuley
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Dear Eric:

First of all, let me say that I see you and your dad catching lots of fish. The first thing you need to do is spend a few  more grand and invest in several charter trips – not aboard your boat – but with any of the many excellent offshore or back bay guides.

You and your dad will have several very enjoyable and productive fishing days and, over time, learn a great deal from the people who know how and where to catch fish.

Most of our skippers are excellent teachers and would be eager to show you and your father the ins and outs of fishing our area.

You could try different kinds of charters – offshore and flats – and I genuinely believe that you will wind up catching your fist snook in short order.

I agree that the Pensacola area has some awesome fishing, but I also believe that the Suncoast also it right up there as one of the most productive fishing areas in the country. You just need someone to show you the ropes.

Mel