New to the Forum, Boating advice appreciated

[slovins]

Hey everybody. New to the forum, but not the area. Grew up in and am still in south Saint Louis. 

I found the forum while I was shopping for boats, but got signed up just a day late. Posted on other forums asking for advice on boat/motor size for my area and nearby waters. 

Where I'm at I don't know of many lakes nearby. My closest access would be to the lower Meremac, but don't believe that is great fishing. George Winter/Flamm city ramps. I believe the closest lake that I can get into is Horseshoe in Il. 

Well I bought my boat. A 2007 bass tracker pro team 175 with a 50hp Merc. This is my first boat and I have very limited experience with boats. 

Advice I'm looking for is nearby waters to access. I'm feeling a bit like I made a mistake buying what I did. 

I know I can get into the Meremac. I know there are some nice lakes 2-1/2-3-1/2 hours away, I know there is Horseshoe in Il at about 30 min away and Carlyle and coffeen are both just over an hour. Baldwin is somewhere in there, but believe they are limited to 25hp. Anybody know of anywhere good that I'm missing? Is there nothing in Missouri without being a community member or driving a couple hours from St. louis? Any help or suggestions appreciated. 

[fishinwrench]

From the sound of your situation, and your desire to travel a bit, fairly frequently, let me just throw this out there...... It sounds like you are going to be doing more maintenance than you are out enjoying the boat.   If you don't get out and run it at least once a month you are going to have issue after issue after issue.   Batteries need consistent excersize, and fuel just sitting in the system for weeks on end causes problems.   

Maybe sell it and buy a canoe, couple of kayaks, pond prowler, or a rowboat?   

[fishinwrench]

2 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

 

 

[slovins]

40 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

From the sound of your situation, and your desire to travel a bit, fairly frequently, let me just throw this out there...... It sounds like you are going to be doing more maintenance than you are out enjoying the boat.   If you don't get out and run it at least once a month you are going to have issue after issue after issue.   Batteries need consistent excersize, and fuel just sitting in the system for weeks on end causes problems.   

Maybe sell it and buy a canoe, couple of kayaks, pond prowler, or a rowboat?   

Thanks. That's really not what I'd like to do, but the thought has crossed my mind. 

Hopefully I hear from some guys close to the area and may be able to get a better idea from there. 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I'm in Festus,  grew up in south city.  Unfortunately, you already know of the areas you are limited to without some sort of membership.  Mississippi river is the only option you didnt list that I'm familiar with.   

[JQL]

Are you familiar with the MO Fishing App, Missouri Conservation Departments app lists all the public fishing lakes in Missouri 

How far are you from Council Bluff Lake ?
 All you need is a Tent and plan overnight trips or rent a cabin.

 I have owned my boat for 18 years Some times it sets for 2 months between fishing trips I  keep it inside where it’s dry I use fuel stabilizer religiously Do a good job of winterizing I and have never had a motor issue or battery issue Other than normal wear and tear 

Good Luck and have fun!!!

[Ken1949]

Coffeen Lake has a 25 hp limit.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I would stay away from the Mississippi and Missouri rivers if you are a new boater.  You covered about everything there is.  Lower Meramec would be a little tricky too.  You’re Gonna have to drive unfortunately.  

[Bushbeater]

I ran my 45 HP Tracker all over the Mississippi and some on the Missouri without ever having an issue. Used to lock thru Alton regularly. With that being said, I grew up with boats in my playpen.

[snagged in outlet 3]

9 hours ago, Bushbeater said:

I ran my 45 HP Tracker all over the Mississippi and some on the Missouri without ever having an issue. Used to lock thru Alton regularly. With that being said, I grew up with boats in my playpen.

He said "new to boating", that's why I replied the way I did.  And that area below the Meramec is for barge staging.  Crazy amount of barge traffic there.