17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

[Starcraftguy1]

I have a 17' Pro Deep V Bass Tracker with a 40 hp Mercury.I am moving back to Pennsylvania early next month.My brother in law is so excited for us to go to his spots in New Jersey for stripers and flounder.He says that the boat is perfect for it,he scares me,he's a nut.Is it good,I have never boated in the ocean before.It scares me,lol.Just a question to ease my mind.Thanks

 

[reelfishin]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

It's not the ideal boat but on a calm day, it should suffice. I've been out there in smaller boats but it can get nasty quick. If there's much more than maybe 1 to 2 footers out there, you may want to think twice.
The big thing will be cleaning all the salt off of everything, especially the motor and out of the bilge. I'm a big fan of Salt X to prevent corrosion. Make sure you have good life preservers, preferably a radio, and I'd stay in pretty close if your not real sure about your boat or ability.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

I have a 17' Pro Deep V Bass Tracker with a 40 hp Mercury.I am moving back to Pennsylvania early next month.My brother in law is so excited for us to go to his spots in New Jersey for stripers and flounder.He says that the boat is perfect for it,he scares me,he's a nut.Is it good,I have never boated in the ocean before.It scares me,lol.Just a question to ease my mind.Thanks

Depends on where you're going. Sheltered bays and such OK. Near shore in real good weather OK. Anything else, well no, until you get more sea hours under your belt (no offense). You'll have to be really prepared (VHF radio, maybe a SeaTow membership, proper anchor and line, all Coast Guard reg safety stuff) in order to be halfway safe. Your boat has to be meticulously maintained in order to keep the salt water from eating it up. Don't let Jersey Joe talk you into anything you don't want to do. It ain't his boat. Start in close, then work your way out as you get used to it. If you really want piece of mind, buy an EPIRB for a few hundred bucks. If you get in a real bad situation, those can save your life.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

I'm not a fisherman, but Ive read that they fill up the Hudson in April may and June to spawn, they have tournaments, the landing up at newburg is so crowded that it is reported they need sheriff's to direct the boaters around the ramps for the fishermen. that might be a good place for your rig.

http://users.nac.net/chasstamm/hrfanjorg/fishingr.htm

 

[Starcraftguy1]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

My boat is pretty much perfectly maintained.It won't be all the time,just when the fishing is at it best.I have a vhf radio,not installed yet,but it will be.I have everything that I need to be legal.I have been a boater for a long time,not in the ocean though.Thanks for the info,anything I know will help me.

 

[David Greer]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

If it's rigged like a typical bass boat you might have a hard time with the chop. It's good to have freeboard and a tall gunwale to work against. You do a lot of standing up and moving around in the boat with salt water fishing mainly b/c your fish are bigger. Keep your PFD on the whole time, and watch out for ater over the stern. I wouldn't go in the ocean with it, even though I have gone out in smaller.

 

[Starcraftguy1]

Re: 17' Deep V for New Jersey Flounder & Stripers

I put a picture finally on my avater.It only has a deck on the front.The rest back is deep,and it has handles on the gunwales to keep a hold of.Three more weeks and we will know,and I will know.Maybe a new boat,maybe not.I hope it works out,I would hate to have to get rid of her and start all over again with something else.