Northwest Fishing Reports

So I noticed in my local cabelas flyer, they are carrying Ranger aluminum boats. I went there to check it out in person and it seems very nice. But my question comes to the design of the hull. Will it be sufficient for Lake WA and Banks Lake? Right now, I have a deep-v hull. What I like about the RT178 is storage and stability. I would love it to be rated for a 90HP motor instead of 80, so dealers will only put up to a 75HP motor.

I don't have that flyer, when did your flyer arrive? They don't show that on their Lacy store's web site. And their Ranger link doesn't work. I should check the other up north store.

Nope, they don't show a Ranger either.

http://www.rangeraluminum.com/model.cfm?sid=7039" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks similar to my '87 Bass Tracker. It ran fine with a 70hp at about 42-46 mph. I jumped a few waves with it in windy weather/big waves in a couple tournies on Banks and Potholes. I did decide to get a Ranger plastic boat in '89 as it does ride better than the Tracker in the heavy waves. And it'll bounce more than my boat in waves, to give you an idea.

Amx wrote:I don't have that flyer, when did your flyer arrive? They don't show that on their Lacy store's web site. And their Ranger link doesn't work. I should check the other up north store.

Nope, they don't show a Ranger either.

I got it last week. I don't see them listed on the sites inventory, but they had at least 2 at the Tulalip location. 1 with a Merc 60 4-stroke, other Evinrude 75

For the price I'd say it would be fine for Bass and panfish/walleye fishing. It looks a little wider than the Tracker I had so should ride better.

It'll work for lake washington, I've got a tracker 75hp.

It will be fine. I had a smokercraft sportsmans deluxe for quite some time. Same design. I had it all over the sound and in some snotty weather. Did just fine and rode really well.

Hmmm, as much as I would like this size boat, I feel the motor rating is underestimated so they can sell the RT188 instead. I like the size of the RT178 much better. It's almost a tad on the big side for a single person to handle IMO. I really don't want to go up to the RT188. Bigger and definitely more expensive.

*sigh*

Maybe I'll wait down the road. I'm going through some serious personal life things, and I think this might just be a mid-life crisis cry.

FishingFool wrote: I'm going through some serious personal life things, and I think this might just be a mid-life crisis cry.

LOL I went through that last Sept when I turned 50! LOL Went off the deep end and chased tuna with a 17'er..... LOL I did well but I don't recommend it for the faint of heart or other 17'ers. Be careful on where the crisis leads you! There's a clam dig on right now.... http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/feb2414b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Do ya have a clam gun?

Mid life crisis would be selling your 14 Jon to get a 26 foot striper with twin 250's. Haha #drool

Or as Mark said, chasing tuna on a 17'boat. Mark, that was by far the most epic story on this forum!

Thanks Res! Even I have to admit, all 10ish trips were pretty crazy! ;) Wish I had one of those go-pros set up for the 26 fish day. My memory of the details are fading a bit. LOL I guess, I'll just have to make new memories this year. IN A BIGGER BOAT!!!!!

Just this last week, I've been watching a lot of WA and OR tuna footage on youtube. I sucked on the troll caught fish. Live bait, once you find the fish, is really cool! I've got the fever! Pandora's box comes to mind.... LOL

MarkFromSea wrote:

FishingFool wrote: I'm going through some serious personal life things, and I think this might just be a mid-life crisis cry.

LOL I went through that last Sept when I turned 50! LOL Went off the deep end and chased tuna with a 17'er..... LOL I did well but I don't recommend it for the faint of heart or other 17'ers. Be careful on where the crisis leads you! There's a clam dig on right now.... http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/feb2414b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Do ya have a clam gun?

I wish it was your average "mid-life" crisis.

Only time will tell and heal I guess.