Oklahoma Boat/Boat Dealer recommendations

I am in Enid, OK and starting to think about getting a small or used boat come Spring to use on Canton and some of the other lakes within an hour or so or here. I like to slow troll (not spider rig) for striper, white bass, crappie, and hopefully walleye and cat. Considering the poor ramps, winds, and smaller lakes here, what type of boats should I be considering? From the east coast area, so I have had center consoles, bay boat, walk around, kayaks, and a bass boat. Not sure that any would survive here without being overkill. Also, any recommended dealers for engine service and accessory installation near here, like maybe OKC or Tulsa areas? Any good boat shows this winter?

What type of boat is just a matter of preference. I personally am interested in a 14-16 ft flat bottom with a 12-20 hp engine. Your likes may be different. The Tulsa Boat Sport and Travel show is held in January every year. That would be a good place to look for ideas.

Pappa

There is a dealer in Enid. Zaloudek's Marine has a pretty good reputation. For the type fishing you list I would look at a small V-hull. If it were creeks and rivers a flat bottom would be better. The Lund Fury comes in 14 and 16 ft models and you can get in one new for 8-10k. I fished out of a 14' Alumacraft tiller for years and found it perfect for small lakes. The Fury comes in Tiller or Side Console. The small boat was excellent for two people but for three you would need the 16 ft model. I'm prejudiced toward that type of boat and Lund, Lowe, Alumacraft, and Crestliner are all excellent. I had my little 14 footer out on Tenkiller in big rough water and had glass bass boats fall in behind me to smooth out their ride - mine was already good.

There isn't a boat out there that doesn't fish great for what it's made for. You just have to decide what your needs are. As far as fishing in the wind a glass boat fishes better than a metal boat. Rough water well a boat from 18' to longer works better. As far as me and I have owned them all nothing fishes like a Ranger bar none. But that's me and my needs......Ranger

Oh I forgot. Check out Nichols Marine on 21st in Tulsa and tell Stan or Damen I sent you......Ranger

A 20 ft poontang will fish everything but the smallest of creeks. That's what the ring master (wife) wants. It'd work in most situations. But I catfish too and they are great for drifting but suck at limb lining . Just saying

You are most likely going to end up fishing Hybrids at Carl Blackwell and Sooner lakes (Sooner is probably worst lake in the state for wind, it sits high and has flat as pancake shores with almost no trees). Canton for walleye (very windy lake also), kaw and Canton for crappie (Kaw can be bad but you can always find sheltered fishing somewhere on it). With the kind fishing you favor and being in central and western Oklahoma I would recommend a boat that can handle the wind and waves be your biggest priority.Attachment 144218Attachment 144219

I bought a Lund 18' Explorer Crappie Edition from Zaloudeks in Enid. Great service and have no complaints with their dealership. The deep V handles the big water well.

I don't think Lund makes the Explorer any more I believe it was replaced with the Impact. The Crappie Edition has a baitwell and double seat bases up front for spider rigging.

Now that is a sweet ride! Congratulations, and good luck!