7 ways to Trick Out a Small Boat for Better Fishing and Performace

Tricking out this small aluminum boat will give me the advantages that some of the bigger more expensive boat have. From getting on plane in shallow water to fishing all day on the trolling motor these tips will greatly improve your fishing experience. Thank you to everyone for watching my videos and please subscribe before you leave. This boat is the Bass Tracker Heritage Model and is quickly becoming one of my favorite boats to fish out of.
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[@dougiefresh2521]

This man doesn’t stop, even at his age. Incredible.

[@tele716]

Thanks for the tip Roland. I have pretty much the same boat and use it in both fresh and salt water. Maintenance IS the key.

[@johnnyb5521]

👍 Roland’s always keeping us informed on fishing and equipment. Thanks.

[@TheSaltblock]

Son! I grew up watching ole Roland. Good tips and glad you remember not everyone can afford a nitro. From illinois and walleye fishing the mississippi river, happy new year.

[@BDees23]

Fantastic video. I have been watching your show for decades, I thank you for everything you have taught me about fishing.

[@Eric-1983]

I love the jackplate and the micro power pole. That's awesome Roland!

[@nursenick06]

Nicely done! For someone wanting a shallow flats boat without spending a ton of money, this is a great way to make a small boat work for those shallow flats and still not break the bank! I wouldn't have thought to use this particular Tracker boat as a flats boat. Something designed as a flats boat is going to cost at least twice this amount just for the base model without any of the extras. Thanks yet another great video, Roland!

[@allenrodon2406]

Wow Roland Martin I just found your channel I thought by now you would be out of the game. I wanna say thank you for every episode you have ever films you and bill dance Were my heroes growing up I looked forward to every to weekend to watch your shows Keep doing what you do you're a legend!!!

[@j.wildoutdoors8483]

My life time and your still out there excited as ever. Cheers.

[@angelasheppard7197]

Wow... That's so coooool. I'm thinking of the metal boat with the wood deck to start... Thanks for sharing. You're an excellent teacher.

[@davidfrank2824]

I have to say that I am a huge fan of yours and I'm a huge fan of your trolling motor prop. I always carried extra on my boat. And let me say I had never had a single problem going through anything that the water thrown at me. Very glad to see that you are still making videos.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@suttonsplash14]

lots of info in 10 min! thanks Roland!

[@brentyoung7356]

The most often used improvement to my aluminum Jon boat is a piece of aluminum angle-iron welded to the boat so I can clamp rod holders mounted on a board to the boat. I originally made the rod holders for spider rigging for crappie I quickly realized the spider rig was great for live bait fishing of any kind.

[@timmills5496]

Really enjoying your videos on smaller boats. thx Roland.

[@rhallman1000]

Great vid Roland. I've been a fishing fanatic all my life and grew up watching you and Mr. Dance. Good to see you still have tremendous passion for the sport and still teaching. Keep them coming.

[@judsondevon1582]

i guess im asking randomly but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@stevenroger7237]

@Judson Devon instablaster =)

[@judsondevon1582]

@Steven Roger i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@judsondevon1582]

@Steven Roger it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D

[@muggz3570]

I just bought this boat today the black classic xl actually but thank for letting me know what my first 4 upgrades should be. Your the best.

[@newmennium]

These videos are awesome!

[@bradjohnson4787]

Good advice on saltwater and aluminum!

[@ReikibyMike-SixofCupsTarot]

I’ve always been a fan of the flat bottom John!! And you’ve just added to the reason why!!

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

That's a lot of nice features packed into a small package.

[@Goofy948]

Said your girlfriend

[@davidbento7528]

Hi Roland, I love watching your shows and youtube videos. I just was at Bass Pro and I asked them to help me trick out my Tracker 175 the way you did the Heritage. They laughed when I said "you know how much I spend after watching Roland Martin" then they said they do the same. I can't wait to try out the power pole sand Bobs Jacplate!! I've been to your Marina twice and can't wait to go back. Keep up the great work. Thanks

[@danielfunk2758]

Cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed you and Bill.

[@BassRaider]

“Son”. Love it!

[@suncoaster8578]

Bass Raider 661 😎

[@MadebyCaldwell]

Great looking boat Sir!

[@anthonyb6431]

Great Video Man!

[@martymorgan9977]

Roland taught me dang near everything I know about fishing! He is still the coolest fisherman that I know. I wish I had his hair!!!

[@benlovlov6558]

Thank you Mr Martin. Grew up watching your show. You're the greatest.

[@johngray2526]

Mr Martian I'm n my 50s now I've watched a lot of your fishing shows but never thought I'd see you on KZbin lol happy fishing and fish on brother from the Gulf Coast

[@TimB85]

I have the same boat I fish hopedale Louisiana with it works great

[@huntingfishing696]

You are a good fishing men

[@tomp3146]

Awesome! Thanks. Great info...

[@fmh357]

Awesome video. I'm looking into doing something similar. Thanks.

[@davidstraughan188]

I LOVE his videos.

[@Ryan-jx4vh]

There are several guys on Bass Resource that have recessed the trolling motor foot pedal. To me, that is huge. Great video!!

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Many of the bass boats have a recess.

[@Ryan-jx4vh]

Roland Martin Outdoors Yes most certainly do, but my understanding was the Heritage did not. Thanks

[@thelakecommander7632]

Super video!

[@jackkelley890]

Thank you so much for putting this video together. Great info. Beautiful boat sir!

[@leesire]

Love your boat! I wish I could go fishing with you.

[@a-yates]

You did all that stuff to be able to take me fishing I'm ready to go when you are roland

[@smileycamel5635]

Someday...a boat and gear like that...for now ..I'm a novice..just got a little kayak...and a couple zebco ...but went out the other day . first time ...used 5 inch worms and fished whacky and Texas rigs..the way your videos taught ...and caught .25 at least bass...no really big ones....but I filled my 5 limit string..with...3 1/2 to 4 pounders....filleted and cooked em and fed the family....thanks Mr Martin.

[@ivanibarra6542]

Such a legendary fisherman you mister Martin 👍🏻

[@ryanferrara2996]

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) are great batteries. I'm investing in some for my boat.

[@alexro2265]

I think if you told me that you bought the truck to match the boat then I’d buy it too. Your a great salesman brother.

[@ledfingerz]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge Roland! If you ever want to sell that boat I'm your guy!!! God bless.

[@great0789]

Been wondering if this boat would work for the flats! Thanks!!!

[@charlespinson6693]

Thank you!

[@jtothefx]

Your a champ!

[@smokster0604]

My mentor awesome....

[@MOBcc]

7:34 cut cut cut LMAO OMG Roland im dying over here laughing that would of been the Ultimate Super Bowl Commercial hands down LMFAO

[@jslice6131]

Love to hear the details of the 4 blade like brand, diameter and pitch and it's performance. I'm buying the 2019 Bass Tracker Classic based on this review of the Heritage. In this video you show the stainless 3 blade, what are details on that one?

[@davehaag8175]

Great stuff son...

[@Vabasseroutdoors1]

Legend 👍

[@richardcole2893]

What size outboard is that Roland. All I could make out was a zero. Been enjoying you since I was a young man. I'm now 65. Enjoy your regular KZbin series how too's as well. Thank you for the years of enjoyment.

[@andersonard9675]

Nice rig

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

LOVE YA ROLAND BUT... DANG! Your 7 tricks cost more than my whole boat, trailer & motor combined! I'm sticking to the KISS way of fishing! Love your family!

[@trucks6936]

I think those boats are the best price budget boat. I would want a trolling motor with I-pilot.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I-pilot is great but expensive!

[@anothersomebody8195]

Aluminum is fine on salt water, but the welds don't flex and that's typically the fracture point on the ribs in big water. The aluminum also vibrates and goes through fatigue. The heavy duty boats are fine, but some of the cheaper ones aren't that great. The rebuild forums show it pretty frequently with the 70's and 80's boats. I have a glass and aluminum. I've glassed and riveted both and I like them equally.

[@askip7]

The power pole remote looks like a medical alert...”I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”

[@jasonborn9394]

askip7 lol or help I'm moving and a cant stop.

[@Forevertrue]

So what? It works.

[@melrose9252]

Ineluctable Smith = Oral constipation.

[@bausy2196]

@@Forevertrue does it work?? Doesn't the boat just swing from that point??

[@jinxthecat3822]

@@bausy2196 I put two on the back of my even smaller Twin Troller. Hooked them up to work in tandem. Has me solidly rooted to the bottom down to about 5 feet.

[@johns2453]

Everybody don't have the big bucks like you roland

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

This is truly a budget boat. Even wit the upgrades I did

[@johns2453]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors roland, we remember when you fished loch raven reservoir up here in maryland way back in the day.

[@zoidlrrr4633]

12,000 is a cheap boat. A decent walk around for fishing blue water is $60k+

[@ralphjones7240]

2000 added cost i would double that sum. built a 16' war eagle last year the millenium umbtella and seats are great. Next upgrade spot lock.

[@Old-School-Bassin]

Son! I don’t know how you do it, never seem to age! You must have found the fountain of youth, Fishing!

[@davidandcarolh]

buddy, you could have put all the links in the description. thanks

[@stevesteve4350]

I want one of those boats. That would be perfect for me.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

The new one for 2019 is called the Tracker Classic and cost 10,995.00. It has a 50 hp 4 stroke. They are only making 5,000 so put your order in soon!

[@stevesteve4350]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors thank you sir

[@travismorrison2567]

Damn Roland put more in add one than the boat cost sounds bout right

[@drlopez69]

Very cool boat for the price. I'm just learning to fish any advice

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Go early and stay late

[@kevinobrien5360]

Those polarized glasses what if you wear glasses and contacts are not an option is there any possibility to have a prescription added to them without damaging the polarization characteristics?

[@jkmsr3869]

Mr roland, where did u order your micro power pole from? If you can/ don't mind telling me. Thx

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Bass pro has them or look on line under micro power pole

[@timprall5417]

Roland, quick question, I have a 11 foot skiff that i use for very shallow saltwater. Because the boat is so small and not designed for a front trolling motor, I was wondering if the Bobs Prop nut would do anything for the cavitation even though its mounted on the back? Where I can run the trolling motor, I seem to spook a lot of fish because of it. Maybe a different prop? Trolling motor is a Riptide 45lb thrust and comes with your standard weedeater prop. Was thinking of trying the Bobs nut or a different prop. Seems the worst about 40% or higher throttle after Ive been moving for awhile. I was also thinking that it was too high on the boat but I cant bring it much lower without digging in

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I'm constantly rasing and lowering my trolling motor

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I'm constantly rising and lowering my trolling motor

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Takeaway: Have the right shades..! Yes, sir.

[@jdcontracting1805]

Would you use a jack plate on a 2001 bass tracker 175 since it already has an offset transom? Also, would na micro power pole be too light weight for a 175?

[@akilajansze5919]

This is just great Pops, I watch all your videos!

[@steveevans424]

WD40 >>>>> I had an aluminum Lowe flat bottom like that Bass Tracker for San Diego ocean - bay fishing and never had a problem with corrosion because I did what Roland does I rinse out the engine win t fresh water and wash the boat down AND >>>> I sprayed WD40 all over the motor and on any metal hinge- nut bolt clamp etc.......

[@alphacapo]

I discovered the joys of light braid. A few years back. I like diawa J Braidx4 15lb. And the 10lb x8. Its THE REAL DEAL Son! I can't stand floro and am getting tired of respooling mono every month sometimes twice a month. Or getting bad spools of mono.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Braid is amazing. Try tying a 2 foot leader to the braid in that really clear water!

[@alphacapo]

I fish the Mississippi river. Haha. Clear water is 24 inches of visibility. In the months of Feb and march sometimes you can see 4 and five foot deep. Nothing like northern lakes or reservoirs out west

[@navigator1383]

backlashes are hard to clear with braided fishing line.

[@tannerherrick7029]

I'd love a link to the cavitation plate. Did adding that lack plate mess with the steering cable going under the metal of the boat gunnel?

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

No it didn't interfere!

[@johnphinney292]

What cavitation plate is that ? Brand?

[@mulespur4806]

Looks like your cavatation plate is upside down but I'm probably wrong. Mine has them fins that's on top of yours but mine are underside.

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

You left out motor flushing. Running fresh water through the water jacket flushed out salt. Plus come spring it’s good to run the engine a bit to make sure it’s ready. Checking the water pump. Flushing my older Yamaha from the river I notice brown river water color then after it gets up to temp and flushes good the water is clear. Then use a good fuel stabilizer like your son Scott says. That startron. Stabil works to. Don’t forget older engines that you can remove the fuel line run em dry. As the engine goes to. Quit use the choke to get any remaining fuel out. The fuel breaks down today after about a month. Plus it prevents engines from being gummed up. The old fuel will clog carb jets. So by spring after storage no fun for the grand kids to family trips. If the fuel is still good but needs to used up on a portable tank burn up the fuel in yard equipment start with fresh. Or keep a fuel stabilizer handy for storage. I have sat on the river bank in spring and listen for those that don’t do maintenance crank crank etc. plus with built in tanks fill em back up to full. Prevents water getting into the tank by sweating then add a fuel additive. If stored for a month.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

You are absolutely right, I should have mentioned to flush the engine in fresh water!

[@sherrylwalker9344]

Hi there. I have the exact same boat (new to me) do you have a link for that cavitation plate? Fishing in shallow Calavares Lake in S.A. Tx.

[@jerryg957]

Whats the orange thing holding the prop on the trolling motor ? Nice boat, great info Mr Martin.........!

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

It's the prop nut but it also helps cavitation.

[@stevenpelini]

bobsmachine.com/product/bobs-trolling-motor-prop-nut/

[@ericdunlap7701]

Hard to beat a bass tracker aluminum boat. Many up grades for them. For those on a budget u can pick up an excellent used one . 3000 and under. Just have to look.

[@BBBYpsi]

Stabicraft boats are the best Aluminum boats in the world. Nothing more stable then they are.

[@robertbiddle3930]

I have an 18½' Landau aluminum bass boat and LOVE it! All welded, all aluminum, no wood to rot.... phenomenal boat!

[@Goofy948]

He reminds me of an evangelist.

[@jrranch9712]

A Fisher of fish...

[@filteredwaters9171]

He is

[@demonqb9]

Maybe a Fishanglerist, pfffHahahahaahaaa

[@MrEazyE357]

If you know the true definition of the word, that's exactly what he is.

[@SGBass]

Swimmy Jaggart

[@cncnmore4505]

Man I grew up watching Roland ....OH SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shizelds2414]

this is the boat i dream about at night

[@nathanevers1]

What prop did you put on it

[@jslice6131]

Roland...what diameter and pitch stainless steel prop are you running.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I'm trying a 4 bladed now but I haven't run it yet

[@sewing1243]

I found Bob's website for the jackplate, but can anyone tell me who makes the cavitation plate and the micro pole?

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Cabatron plate is by Bob's and the micro is a power pole product

[@alanjohnson8396]

Good info here, Sir! Roland, I've been a fan and have enjoyed you and your presentations for more years than many of your followers here have been around. "SON!" One question. Is this a painted trailer and if so what maintenance routine do you incorporate for saltwater use? Thanks, Sir.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I rinse with fresh water: I also have a fresh water canal on my property that I can back boats in to let them soak for a while!

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors Thank you again, Sir.

[@brianyeatts7751]

It's amazing this boat was only $10k new 4 years ago.

[@rtigert]

Roland Martin, what engine propeller are you using here (brand, diameter and pitch)? There are many of us Heritage owners that would like to follow your lead. Thank you in advance.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I'm using my Roland Martin's Weedless Wedge which I patented and sold to Minnkota 30 years ago. You have to deepen the cotter pin grove about 1/4 of an inch. That's easy!

[@rtigert]

Roland Martin Outdoors, I’m referring to the 40hp stainless propeller that you are running.

[@weekenddangler4490]

I use 15 pound braid to a 6 pound floro leader...works best for me.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

A great open water combination

[@weekenddangler4490]

Roland Martin Outdoors Thank you Sir that’s mainly what’s I fish..damn your good.

[@clickman77]

Good advice for people wanting to catch fish headache free. The only thing I would add to this is buy a cheaper boat and get a GPS anchor trolling motor. I love out fishing more expensive larger boats in my skiff. I also have the micro power pole but the trolling motor with anchor is more usable. Also second the recommendation for a 6 foot MH rod for trout and reds.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

The " spot lock" system trolling motor by Minnkota is really fantastic but costs a small fortune, about 3,000.00! I'm using a Minnkota edge which cost about 300-400!

[@clickman77]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors my 12v motorguide xi55 was on sale about 1300 clams online. Micro power pole costs about 650 I believe. Neither are small purchases but the anchor lock is usable on those deep cuts and depending on wind direction may be the difference in catching fish or headache.

[@mddoit]

Rolands point here is shallow water set up. He's spot on. Fact not opinion.

[@TheFlyingJerzey]

Listening to an old roland martin saying tricked out is just hilarious to me. Idk why lol

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I think young!

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I think young!

[@TheFlyingJerzey]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors I respect that. Been a big fan since i was young. I remember watching your tv show when I was still learning to fish. I appreciate your tips and tricks you shared with the world. God bless and Merry Christmas

[@ronaldbertin9455]

First 2 options are about 2000.00 in case your interested

[@stevenbrogna1100]

I have a classic 1983 Lowe 17 foot Bass Catcher Pro.

[@xxxbackspinxxx]

I want to know how they installed the trolling motor cable. Mine won’t work.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I have 2 boats with that trolling motor and they work well!

[@xxxbackspinxxx]

Roland Martin Outdoors I figured it out. Had to do some modifications to make it work. Now to start saving for that jack plate. Lol!

[@chrisforrest3551]

auto trim tabs are the best for the money

[@jameslakes5019]

He probably spent lot money on Jack plate its cool

[@zklip]

What model jackplate is that? I got on Bobs site and it looks like they have a mini one good for up to 40 hp which you are running. I have a 60 and was wondering if you had the mini or the bigger one good for up to 300 hp.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

It's the mini

[@ZeroGorDIE]

When your watch is worth as much as your boat..

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

I've had that Rolex for 25 years and I bought it cheap in a Birmingham pawn shop!

[@cwest1557]

It really doesnt matter, it's his money he can spend it the way he wants

[@CeeEmmz]

Roland and Scott should do a video on "tricking out BRANDON's boat :D that would be so awesome hahaha

[@millerslanding2310]

Dang!

[@Munky332]

You over here talking about a 12,000+ boat, and I'm going like "I got 100$, guess i'll go buy an inner tube and float over the lake instead"

[@marvinobermeyer5834]

30 years ago my first water craft was a 150 dollar used canoe. 4 boats later I still have it. Still a favorite

[@anthonyp2312]

You always gotta start somewhere. As long as you have a reliable motor and a depth finder and a bilge pump........ Well than there's safety equipment flare guns, life jackets, fire extinguishers an anchor, fishing poles lures, bait, your food /drinks/beer oooo and gas and oil........