Possible to justify a fish/ski boat to go with the kids if live in Calgary?

Bang Drop · #1 08-23-2013, 06:56 PM

As a kid I grew up on the west coast, fishing for salmon on the ocean and water skiing on the lakes. If we wanted to we could easily do both in the same day. My wife and I have been talking about a boat for the last year or so but we have been on the fence, mostly around whether the kids were old enough and also not knowing if we'd get enough use out of it to justify the expense.

The last two weeks we were lucky enough to spend with friends who have a ski boat, teaching our kids how to ski during the day on Shuswap Lake and fishing off the dock in the evening. The kids loved both the skiing and the fishing, even with the fishing only being off the dock.

Personally I could not justify a boat just to water ski behind, while I enjoy water skiing as did the kids I don't enjoy it enough to buy a boat just for that. On the other hand, if I could get a boat to fish out of and water ski behind, AND if I could get out fishing enough times, I might consider it. We would also not be looking to take the boat too far away, we have a fifth wheel that we use a lot but we would not be able to take the trailer AND a boat. It's one or the other which means the boating would be day trips.

When it comes to fishing from a boat in Alberta I really know next to nothing. Truth be told, when it comes to fishing in Alberta in general I don't know much. I was kind of hoping that there would be places to go somewhat close to home (Calgary) but I'm beginning to think that's not the case.

So, here's my question. Is fishing from a power boat worth it in Alberta? Are there enough places relatively close (2 hours or less) that allow power boats to make it feasible to get out and enjoy the time on the water as day trips? I was kind of hoping there would be something relatively close by like Ghost Reservoir but the googling I did gave me the impression Ghost isn't a great place to fish. If it helps, I am mostly of the catch and release mind set.

Info/insight/experiences appreciated!

Ruger1022 · #2 08-23-2013, 07:09 PM

No and No..

Winch101 · #3 08-23-2013, 07:24 PM

I,ll give you a maybe,maybe ....

There is some pretty good freshwater angling within 2hrs of cal town ...

Good skiing water and otherwise....I came here from the coast ....

Here it's not a need ,it's a want , ya gotta have the toys ....

I will bet there is more boat per acre of water here ,than most places

In the west.....

newguy · #4 08-23-2013, 08:49 PM

yes, must have boat. all or most of the reservoirs within 2 hours of Calgary hold fish and the skiing and babe watching from a boat is amazing at times.

fish gunner · #5 08-23-2013, 08:59 PM

Lakes are overun, start with a fishing boat let us know how you feel abt ski wake boat owners in a yr.

BeeGuy · #6 08-23-2013, 09:21 PM

If you have a place to store it in the shuswap, giver!

Calgary isnt really a mecca of water sports imo

Edmonton might be though (furlong).

diamond k · #7 08-23-2013, 09:31 PM

You know you can pull a boat behind a fifth wheel. We did it for years before we bought our motorhome

EZM · #8 08-23-2013, 09:49 PM

Lund Crossover or Lund Tyee ........... there's the answer ............. great fishing and ski boat all-in-one.

RavYak · #9 08-23-2013, 10:23 PM

Fishing from a power boat is about the only way to do it in AB. Lakes are limited but shore fishing is even worse(up near Edmonton anyways).

Lots of lakes you could go fishing at within 2 hrs of Calgary. PCR, Traverse, Newell, Sylvan, Gull, Spray and Minnewanka are all pretty much in that range or less as well as many other smaller lakes/ponds.

If you and your family enjoy fishing/boating then I wouldn't hesitate at all. If money is tight keep an eye on kijiji on some of the slightly older boats, can find some decent deals and the boat won't depreciate significantly unless you keep it for a decade or more.

Bang Drop · #10 08-23-2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond k

You know you can pull a boat behind a fifth wheel. We did it for years before we bought our motorhome

Yes but we would be too long (already 53' between truck and trailer) and our fiver isn't designed to take the tongue weight.

Bang Drop · #11 08-23-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish gunner

Lakes are overun, start with a fishing boat let us know how you feel abt ski wake boat owners in a yr.

I'm already not fond of the wake boats... Driving around in circles with big wakes just turns the water into a mess.

Anyone have any experience with a convertible bow rider like the Chaparral h2o ski and fish?

tight line · #12 08-23-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavCanoe

Fishing from a power boat is about the only way to do it in AB. Lakes are limited but shore fishing is even worse(up near Edmonton anyways).

Lots of lakes you could go fishing at within 2 hrs of Calgary. PCR, Traverse, Newell, Sylvan, Gull, Spray and Minnewanka are all pretty much in that range or less as well as many other smaller lakes/ponds.

If you and your family enjoy fishing/boating then I wouldn't hesitate at all. If money is tight keep an eye on kijiji on some of the slightly older boats, can find some decent deals and the boat won't depreciate significantly unless you keep it for a decade or more.

x2. Just Bought a new 17' Princecraft Xplorer. Not a cross over, but this winter will be putting a ski bar & 2 down riggers & sonar on it. with 115hp should pull fine! fishing might be hard on Ghost, but with the right gear Spray is very productive and little lakers are a great fish for kids! and there is always the bonus of a bigger one!

nast70 · #13 08-24-2013, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bang Drop

I'm already not fond of the wake boats... Driving around in circles with big wakes just turns the water into a mess.

Anyone have any experience with a convertible bow rider like the Chaparral h2o ski and fish?

We have a Four Winds H180 fish and ski. Pretty much the same set up as the Chaparral. Love it lots. If you go this route make sure you get the 190hp or better. Smaller motors will have issues with larger inflatables.

It's the best of both worlds, big (safer on big water) boat to play during the day, slip on the trolling motor and fish the early mornings.

If you have an option get a larger trolling motor (typically entry model is 55lb thrust. Pretty weak, wish I had upgraded at the time), and a dual deep cycle battery set up. I used to swap batteries at camp, one on a charger one in the boat. I have everything I need these up both but haven't had the time to do it.

Don't forget to put some rv antifreeze in the live well pump. Dealers replaced mine twice because they forgot!

Freedom55 · #14 08-24-2013, 10:30 AM

In my perfect world, ski boats and fishing boats would never ply the same waters. Two different things. But I live to fish; my old back just ain't what it used to be.

Most people tire of fishing quickly when there is a tube or a board to have fun with. That puts the angler's day at an end (in the smaller lakes at least) and as CP Rail says when you complain about the noise "We were here first." Pales in comparison to "I know my rights."

Free (that would be a "no")

TrollGRG · #15 08-24-2013, 10:48 AM

You could always invest in an inflatable with a motor. You can stor it inside the 5th wheel. Wont do much for your waterskiing but at least you have the fishing part satisfied.

Bang Drop · #16 08-24-2013, 05:45 PM

Thanks for the feedback so far everyone.

I didn't realize you could put a motorized boat on Spray Lakes, good to know.