Bass Fishing Apr 2017 | Page 32

TAKEOFF BOAT RIGGING RIGGING FOR SPEED B EQUIPMENT TIPS AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR MAXIMIZING TOP-END SPEED By Joe Balog 30 FLWFISHING.COM I APRIL 2017 ass boat junkies have always been obsessed with speed. Fast boats were a novelty in the early days of bass fishing, but became a necessity as the advent of tournament bass fishing brought speed to the forefront. A fast boat meant shorter travel times between spots, which allowed more casts, and, in some cases, beating the com- petition to the best spot in the first place. While larger boats and higher horsepower limits have led to fewer anglers pushing the envelope in terms of top-end speed, savvy tourna- ment pros – particularly those accustomed to making long runs on mas- sive bodies of water – still find value in getting all they can out of their bass boats. Here’s the inside track on going fast.