Why You Need a Bimini Top on Your Bass Boat

I go over the advantages, specs, and why you should get a bimini top for your bass boat. I also give some tips on how I trailer mine so it doesn't damage your boat and review how to find one for your boat online.
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[@GmanfromTexas]

I've been hesitant to put a bimini top on my bass boat but the sun is killing my fair skin. Your video convinced me to get one today. Thanks! New subscriber

[@alesieur1971]

Awesome! You won’t regret it. Have fun out there 🎣

[@charlespinson6693]

Dude, I should have not let my wife watch my screen when I watched this video. Guess what I’m purchasing for the next season? Great post.

[@alesieur1971]

Charles Pinson haha 😂It’s a great investment. I never regretted at all. Have fun 🤘🏻

[@brendenblom3607]

Blisters finally healing from a 12hr day at folsom last week. My mind is made up now thanks to your video. Much thanks for all the details Aaron. Best of luck out there man!

[@alesieur1971]

Brenden Blom oh man that sucks. Those sun gloves I wear help too. Glad the info helped. Stay safe from the sun out there and thanks for watching

[@FlintFerkin]

Aaron, I agree. We have a Bimini Top on our jet boat and we love it. Makes the summer sun bearable. Funny enough, we have a blue boat with a brown Bimini Top that doesn't match too.

[@alesieur1971]

Flint Ferkin I'm heading to the upholstery shop next week to see when I can get it changed out

[@coachrobm]

Great video Aaron. These tops are definitely a game changer. I was going to buy a T-Top for my bay boat, but bought the bimini top instead. There are just so many more advantages..plus I save over $1000 if I were to have bought the T-Top. Thanks again.

[@alesieur1971]

Thanks! I agree. The Bimini is a must have !

[@ghunter2250]

Just watching this, great info and video, much appreciated, good luck with your tournament fishing, 👍

[@bobmckinstry8201]

when I told a friend I was getting a Bimini for my boat he said u won't be happy well he was wrong Arizona gets pretty warm and I love it.

[@alesieur1971]

Awesome. I use mine all the time. I am looking forward to getting it reupholstered.

[@240LTS]

... Decades ago I put one on my Stratos 201 Pro. Having the ability to take a break and get in some shade or out of the rain is a game changer. Brutal sun or pouring rain, yea, anyone would love it. When stowed, it laid across my transom. When up, the front and back decks we clear for using w/o interference when casting/fishing. #winner

[@alesieur1971]

I agree! Other anglers who don't have one are missing out on the benefits it provides

[@pattymcdaniel4263]

What length did you put on you 201 pro?

[@chrismcnamara5569]

i put a bimini top on my sprint 286 pro tournament bass boat and it was the best decision ive ever made, took it out last sunday and it started raining, the top came in clutch.

[@alesieur1971]

That’s awesome! It is definitely a game changer in the rain

[@jasonbrisco]

Buddy of mine uses a Crestliner 20 ft flat bottom hunting boat for downrigging the great lakes... we did a custom bimini and it was worth every penny.

[@alesieur1971]

That’s awesome!

[@TheEastBayAnglers]

I am not a big fan of the bimini top for many reasons, i know they are popular in Arizona. I know there are those days where the sun just drains you. Good video for people who have skin problems this is a must.

[@mrfringlish]

Why would you NOT want one? Curious.

[@caseygray6028]

Thank you for this video! I thought I thought I was crazy for thinking about putting a bimini top on a bass boat but man it gets hot out here in the Sacramento area and I have my doggie with me when I fish. Great video, Thank you! (saw a little bit of Camp Far West in there too)

[@alesieur1971]

Hey Casey, you are welcome. Not crazy at all. The bimini top was one of the best accessories I put on the boat.

[@philnico5]

Cool idea. Does it interfer with casting from the front deck? Do you put it down eveytime you get to a spot and start casting? Thanks for making the video! Very helpful!

[@alesieur1971]

Phil Nicodemus it doesn’t interfere with casting at all. No. I leave it up when I got spot to spot but don’t go over 35 mph.

[@philnico5]

@@alesieur1971 Thanks, that's good to know! I have recently retired down to South Carolina from the Midwest and this heat is brutal. We just bought a home on Lake Murray and I am in the market for a new boat. I mostly a bass angler but wanted something I could get out of the sun in. They do have great striper fishing here so I was thinking of a compromise of a mulit-spiceies/walleye fishing boat. I was thinking this would be a good option for me down here since many have Bimini covers and are more multifunctional, ie... Can accommodate more anglers and has rod holders for live bait fishing for striper, big casting decks and plenty of rod storage. But I just don't see any down here seems like a great fit for me though. I know they have some drawbacks compared to bass boats, generally slower, higher draft, small rear casting deck. Is there some obvious reason I don't see more used down here? Sorry to have rambled on but I am a bass fisherman at heart so it is good to have found your video on this subject.

[@alesieur1971]

Phil Nicodemus I think the multi species boat is a great idea. I think the overall comfort they provide is better than that of a bass boat. Not sure why you don’t see more in that area though.

[@TurnII]

Hey Aaron thanks for the review on the Bimini Top.....my 518 is definitely getting ONE!

[@alesieur1971]

L T you won't regret it.

[@sunlee6984]

Must have for boat owners!!!

[@alesieur1971]

I agree!

[@boostedwrx91gaming41]

thank you for this video ive been on the fence about putting one on my tracker for a few years now but havent because of height and what else not but i cant stand having my rear end on fire from standing up for two seconds. (i also have black seats big mistake)

[@ronniecarlson4667]

Hey Aaron thanks for the video. I've been thinking about a Bimini top for a while now. Sometimes when we go camping with my folks it gets over 100deg. and Dad will be 80years old this November. Somtimes the wife and I like to take a afternoon boat ride and just cruise around the lake. I can picture us now having some nice shade to sit in. 👍

[@alesieur1971]

Ronnie Carlson time to get one buddy. Perfect for fiesta Friday's and cruising. I use mine a lot and when I don't, it's easy to take off and store in the garage

[@ronniecarlson4667]

Aaron thanks for reminding me about FIESTA FRIDAY! We had a great one. Now I picture the Mrs. and I out in the middle of our little lake in the shade and having Coronarita's! Ay Caramba!

[@alesieur1971]

Nice!

[@waynetaylor2584]

Fantastic informative video. Nicely done! 👍 Gotta get one.

[@alesieur1971]

Thanks ! You won’t be disappointed 🙂

[@riccivigno458]

No question but honestly man, thanks for this. Took my little ones out for the first time today and they roasted. Would have been much easier for them if that had more than a golf umbrella.

[@alesieur1971]

For sure Ricci 👍🏻It is one of the best investments I made for the boat. The family has way more fun with a little shade on the boat.

[@thebigcountry6757]

Awe yeah I'm sick of roasting ! ..Too bad It's taken me 50 years to wise up LOL Thanks for the video !

[@alesieur1971]

Haha. Your never too old to learn ;) You are welcome.

[@dannybarrett6359]

Great video Aaron. I saw someone in Potato slough with one on a bassboat for the first time ever. Must have been a viewer :)

[@alesieur1971]

Thanks Danny. Really? So few bass boats with them...haha

[@dannybarrett6359]

Seriously I've never seen one on the water before this morning. Quite the coincidence!

[@samboles8796]

What a great addition 👍

[@alesieur1971]

It was for sure Sam. My brother just put one on his bass boat too. The three best things on my boat are the Minn Kota Ultrex, the Power Poles and the bimini top.

[@STORMARAGING]

Been wanting one for years...

[@alesieur1971]

You won't regret getting one

[@perrymatherne2021]

Pretty cool idea

[@alesieur1971]

Perry Matherne it is a really nice feature

[@stevelesieur6443]

I got one of those!

[@alesieur1971]

Steve Lesieur lets get out and use it 🎣🤘🏻

[@Shanester66]

Really enjoying your channel Aaron...great mix of entertainment as well as informational/educational. Thank you for sharing my friend. Ive been fishing all my life up north mainly for trout, salmon and in the salt. Moved to GA in 2014 and got really hooked on Bass fishing. I currently fish out of an Ultraskiff (I live on a lake) but Im kinda ready for my next nautical ambition...a bass boat! Any suggestions? It gets almost as overwhelming deciding on a manufacture as it does rods and reels!! lol BTW...my main body of water I would be fishing on would be Lake Lanier if you're familiar with that body of water.

[@alesieur1971]

Thanks! Boat depends on your budget and if you plan on fishing in rough water..?

[@Shanester66]

I would be fishing mainly Lanier. I can get a bit choppy on that lake. I'd like to try and keep it under $40 if I can.

[@alandavis4885]

Would it work ok for trolling off the back of the boat, and reeling-in/netting fish? (I know casting would be out of the question.) If so, I'd be 100 percent sold on the idea! Thanks for posting.

[@alesieur1971]

Alan Davis it should. It definitely works a tight off the back with the top up.

[@alandavis4885]

Would you kindly put some links in the description to the bimini top you have on yours, and links to any other hardware you'd recommend. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on one! Thanks ... 😁

[@alesieur1971]

Alan Davis oh dude. I don’t even have that boat anymore. Just do a google search on Bimini tips and look for that size.

[@alandavis4885]

Thanks anyway. I'll look around.

[@19ADAM80]

I’d about settle for a screw on umbrella to get out of the rain, heat too!

[@alesieur1971]

ADAM HENSON I hear you. Nice to take a break from the elements while out on the water

[@algray2604]

I thought it was only for us retired guys. I will put one on now thank you.

[@alesieur1971]

Al Gray one of the best pieces of equipment I ever added to the boat. You will enjoy it for sure.

[@user-mq4ny6nw7y]

does the top interfere fishing in the back

[@TBrownRecords]

Cool video

[@alesieur1971]

T Brown Records thank you 😊

[@jamespatrickchambless1153]

Do you think the height of 36 inches is best all things considered or would you consider getting the next standard height which may be around 46 inches tall?

[@alesieur1971]

James. I would stick with 36" as 46 is too tall. The lower profile allows less sunlight to come into the cockpit at an angle and the lower height catches less wind when on pad.

[@jamespatrickchambless1153]

Aaron Lesieur Outdoors Thanks!

[@paulm850]

@@alesieur1971 why did you put the front straps so far up near mid fishing deck? Does it effect the top?

[@alesieur1971]

@@paulm850 that is where the installers put the strap mounts. I just assumed that is where they needed to go per the top manufacturer. They didn't get in the way while fishing once I got used to them being there

[@jadiel2543]

Can I add on one of these when I take my kids out and take it of when I go alone.. I have a bass boat

[@alesieur1971]

yes. that is what the quick release mount is for. It goes on and off in about a minute

[@tonyengland9744]

Quality first. Install yourself. Install swivel clamp on each strap,so they don't twist and bind.

[@alesieur1971]

tony england that’s a great idea!

[@Vue_Mix]

How fast can you go with the top up?

[@alesieur1971]

Vu JustCher Fishing 35 max. Maybe more but that is as fast as I would go

[@quinnhawkinson3849]

Hey, I was looking at getting a higher end doybns rod (champion or extreme hp) for jigs, I use a 72 mh now and can't get seem to get a good hook set, I fish Folsom a lot and other clear lakes, what would you use.

[@alesieur1971]

Hey Quinn. My go to jig rod is the Champion 734. On jig fish when I get bit I reel down and just lean into the fish. That way I am not pulling the bait out of their mouth

[@quinnhawkinson3849]

Thanks

[@ericbaxter9376]

What is the length of your boat? I am wanting mine to line up almost exactly like yours however I have a 96 inch Beam. I am also curious as is you buy it by the beam size to mount in almost in line with the seats as I would think the boat would be slightly slimmer there than the normal beam measurement on the back deck??

[@5280Bassin]

Get out a tape measure and measure from the center of the gunnel on either side. Your beam is the max width of the boat. When you account for the rub rail, the contour of the gunnel, etc. that can cut 6"+ off just the max width, not counting for how much narrower it is at the seats.

[@travismorrison2567]

Are they typically only able to sit under I got one but install and I can't stand up under it

[@alesieur1971]

travis morrison yes. You can’t stand under it. If you got one that tall it would not withstand the force of the wind when going 30mph

[@pkrockman]

Do all bimini tops make fishing from the rear of the boat impossible? I would like my son to be able to fish from the rear while my wife can sit under the bimini and I'm fishing up front. Thanks for your help.

[@alesieur1971]

I could still fish of the back of my boat with the top up but it was pretty tight. You might be able to adjust the top so more of it is toward the front vs the rear. The straps on the front and the back are adjustable and allow you some forward and rearward movement.

[@jackthompson864]

Hey, I was thinking about getting a whopper plopper soon. I usually fish at folsom lake. Do you have any color suggestions?

[@alesieur1971]

Absolutely. The 110 in bluegill

[@jackthompson864]

Thanks!

[@mike-gc4gz]

Black for low light white bright light

[@TurnII]

How much for the old one.......Lol!!!!! Beaver kicked my butt yesterday!!!

[@alesieur1971]

Hopefully it's not too expensive to reupholster it or I may just sell the old one and get a new one. Ugh..Beaver!

[@RunningThruLife]

I won't own a boat without one down here in Florida

[@alesieur1971]

They are a game changer !

[@terrywilliams24]

How long is your boat?

[@alesieur1971]

20ft

[@jasonbrisco]

Amazon sells these bimini tops for do it yourselfers... 150 US

[@alesieur1971]

That’s great info ! This video is old and it sounds like they are even cheaper now.

[@AhRamboRo]

Why does ur top look weair it like it not right

[@alesieur1971]

I don’t understand your question

[@westlygritts3236]

Hi my name is Westly I live in Folsom and I am 13 could we meet up to go fishing

[@alesieur1971]

Hi Westly. Do you fish any of the ponds here in Folsom? I see a bunch and always wanted to know if there was bass in them...

[@brendenblom3607]

(Shhhhhh)... willow hill res. 👍

[@Bob-bm6fn]

Don’t think so

[@hystorix9031]

How does it effect your partner fishing from back deck

[@alesieur1971]

Hystorix you can’t fish off the back deck with it up. It’s easy to put down so when we get to a spot we unhook one side and lay it down. Then put it back up when we take lunch or go to the next spot

[@alandavis4885]

Would it work ok for trolling off the back of the boat, and reeling in fish? I know casting would be out of the question. If so, I'd be 100 percent sold on the idea! Thanks for posting.

[@erichofer9865]

Have u ever wished u would have more height ?

[@thedutchfisherman7078]

Keep in mind that the higher you go you get lesser shadow.