Delta Boat Advice Please

[mikenewman]

Hi

I've just moved to the Bay Area from the UK. Pretty obvious I'm going to need a boat in order to enjoy the best of the local fishing. (I need to fish once a week not once a year!) Bearing in mind I have no boating experience:
What's the minimum sort of boat set up needed for an area like Frank's Tract - big enough to accommodate me and my 2 pointers?
Also, is it relatively easy to learn to trail/launch/handle such an outfit as a beginner? (I don't mind making an ass of myself but I don't want to drown!)
Any advice much appreciated.
Many thanks

Mike

[Hairstacker]

Hi Mike, welcome aboard! I fish the Delta regularly out of a kayak, so I can't really help you with your question, sorry. A kayak has worked really well for me but it probably wouldn't work out so well if I had 2 pointers aboard.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I would say that a 14-16 foot aluminu boat with 20 to 30hp can get you around.

If you go to our LINKS and under BOATS there is a Classifieds list.

Lots of used boat around but if you are not educated in what to look for it could be a bad idea to buy used.

This could be a killer deal? Click below..............

http://www.fishsniffer.com/cgi-bin/b....pl?read=16059

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Sacramento Bee Clasifieds ?today:

FISHER 1998 Pro Avenger SC, 16', 60 hp Merc, low-hrs, Excellent cond! $8500, (530) 741-1258

This would be a great buy?

If it looks like new, buy it.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Sactamento Bee newspaper/web site boat classifieds:

ALUM. 14', Fisher, 30HP honda 4 stroke, Galv trailer, like new. $5250. obo 916-435-3966

Probably $10,000 new?

[mikenewman]

Bill, thanks for the tips. There seem to be some pretty reasonable deals on new aluminium packages. I'm going to investigate the 14' to 16' Tracker/Lund options (I may take a hit on depreciation but as you say it will at least stop a novice like me from buying a turkey!)

Mike - thanks for the welcome, Kayak fishing looks like a blast and I haven't ruled it out. Not sure about an inflatable though. Where would I stow the beer???

Mike

[steve i]

Mike,
You may want to try renting one of the aluminum boats from the Sugar Barge marina on Franks Tract first.

http://www.sugarbarge.com/boats.html

I think their rentals are Aluminum boats in the 14-16' range with a 25 HP motor. It'll give you a good idea if that's the type you're looking for.

Since the delta is a pretty big waterway, you may want to consider taking a boating safety class to get familiar with local laws, safety tips, and basic boating. There are a lot of larger boats/ships , hazards and traffic at times.

http://www.dbw.ca.gov/BSCourses.asp