Thanks everyone for the welcome. I have been a lurker here off and on for a number of years and the atmosphere around here is one of the bonuses to having a Cat. Bass Cat, Very true, the city of Windsor has invested huge amounts of money improving the community in the past decade and the park along the Detroit river is world-class. In fairness though, Detroit proper and the metro Detroit area have some fantastic neighbourhoods and attractions that get overshadowed by their other ongoing issues.
For structure fishing I dont think they can be beat. I just cant give up the instant response of a cable steer when fishing tight to structure. I just wish Minn Kota would make a I Pilot unit that would hook into the Fortrex mount. They already have a swap-able design that lets you change trolling motors without removing the mount from the boat, just configure the center section of the I Pilot to match it. That way I could run a standard cable steer when I wanted the response of a cable steer, and could swap out to the I Pilot when I am offshore and want the contour tracking and spot lock features.
All of the above matches my experience but two more things you can keep in mind:-A heavier bait will fall faster on the pause at the edge of a dock or weed line.-Keep in mind if they are “right hand” or “left hand” rotation. When fishing docks this is important so that it runs itself into the dock. For example, if you are going right to left down a bank, and you are in the front of the boat, you will likely want a bait that moves right to left, the back deck angler in the same boat will do best to fish a bait that moves left to right. I dont remember off the top of my head which manufacturers make which, but if you look at them head on you can tell from the orientation of the blades which way they will move.
You have second guessed yourself and have a good excuse to upgrade, do it!BUT, +1 what billius wrote. Ive spent enough time with 24v motors that if you are lacking for power look at your batteries and charger first. What is your charger set-up? Are you going to have to change that as well with a move to 36v? I have a 36v on my Eyra, the only time I ever have it on “10” is when jumping from one spot to another. That and getting away from danger such as a piling or reef that you are getting forced into is the only reasons I can think of to justify the 36v.
Basscat, I hope you are right on the interstate commerce requirements. Catmantwo, thanks for the info on California. Im not sure I agree with much of what you describe, but California is often used as an example to other states. Id rather see a requirement for a free education component that must be completed before renewing a fishing license, or something of that sort. In Canada we have to complete a one time course on boater safety to operate any power boat. It covers navigation, trailering, and safety equipment requirements, similar to writing a drivers test for a learners permit. It isnt an ideal system, but could be used as a model for invasive species training. The training should be specific to the person, not the boat/trailer. As long as one person in the party is compliant with requirements, that should clear the boat and make that person the responsible party to ensure no transfer of invasive species. I guess Ill just wait and see until the final guidelines are released.
Is the Gill suit the most comfortable one you have put on? Dont fight your clothes when the weather is already making you miserable. If so, Gill makes quality stuff. Dont worry about not being Gore Tex. All of the major manufactures offer fabrics comparable to the “run of the mill” gore tex as far as waterproof and breath ability go in the $2-300 range. Above that price you only get small gains in durability, weight and fit. Make sure you like how the cuffs adjust, the hood closes (one piece attached to jacket or removable) and also how the drawstrings on the hood work. Try it with a hat and sunglasses and cinch it down like you were getting ready to make a run. A jacket without a hood that works at 70 is useless in a bass boat. Ward raised a good point. The 100mph and the original style guide wear can be warm and heavy suits, even without linings installed. I assume the Coast suit is similar to these. BassCat please correct if I am wrong!Most of the year I wear a very lightweight gore tex shell suit that is probably similar in weight to the Inshore Lite model BassCat is carrying now. Its way more comfortable than my guidewear unless it is torrential downpour or near freezing. There are tonnes of good suits out there right now. Simms, Stormr, Gill, Under Armour, frabil etc. being marketed directly to fishermen. Then if you branch out into the outdoor arena Arcteryx, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, North Face, Columbia etc all have great stuff (winter snow sport shells if you want warm, summer packable hiking stuff for light weight). You can also find nice end of season clearance deals this way too.
McMaster-Carr is always my first place to check when I need something like this. http://www.mcmaster.com
Over the top? Yeah, in lots of ways, but for me it maximizes what time I can get on the water. I imagine most guys on here are in the same boat in that we would all like more time on the water each year but work and family commitments get in the way. Im lucky when I get home from work in time to get out for a few hours before dark and I can hook up the trailer and be idling away from the ramp in 20 minutes. For me being able to quickly locate and target the current pattern (new graphs) and get to the fish reliably (new boat) is well worth it. I grew up in 25hp tiller boats, and remember the excitement when my parents purchased a small v-hull with a casting platform and foot control trolling motor. I also got my first taste of bass boats when BASS still restricted to 150hp. I realize my Eyra is more than I NEED, but I am in no hurry to give it up.
I have one, and overall like it. The one thing is that it makes it slightly harder to adjust the speed of the motor with your foot. Definitely an improvement when barefoot.
Can you guys do a shot with 4 or 5 rigged rods on either side of the deck? It is hard to tell how accessible the starboard compartments (and port rod box) would be with rods on the deck, or if they have to be pulled to the center of the boat to access the compartments. The rod straps give a good idea but not the complete picture of how wide the deck sections between lockers and gunwale are. Is there going to be a walk through video as well?It is looking like an ideal great lakes boat to me, and adds another option to the long term plan of getting a Jaguar when I replace my Eyra.
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
