2018 Fishing Boat Reviews: AlumaCraft Voyageur 175 Sport

January 23, 2018 By David Johnson

Game & Fish takes a closer look at the Alumacraft Voyageur 175 Sport as part of our series of 2018 fishing boat reviews.

2018 Boat Review: AlumaCraft Voyageur 175 Sport

AlumaCraft's Voyageur 175 Sport is perfectly suited for serious multi-species anglers searching for a craft that won't bottom out their boating budget. At nearly 18 feet in length, this V-hull is confident navigating skinny water or friendly big water.

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The 175 is very stable, with a generous beam on a relatively short boat. The boat is intelligently laid out, with plenty of room to roam for anglers on the prowl. One of the first things you notice when boarding is the ample storage; every square inch of available under-deck space is used. This large storage includes a new rod storage system in the bow, in addition to standard lockers that hold eight rods.

I loved the large front casting deck — one that's stable even while making aggressive, long, two-handed casts. It is big enough to accommodate two bass fishermen pitching or flipping, or an angler who likes to stretch his legs while seated. As aluminum boats go, this one is dry at top speed and when carving the turns.

Attention to fishing detail can be seen throughout the Voyageur. The lighted, aerated livewell is great when digging around for live bait on a moonless night. Heavy-gauge aluminum locker and compartment lids provide solid walking surfaces, and they're lockable.

G&F Fishing Boat Reviews

2018 boat reviews in this series:

A day of saltwater fishing often starts before sunup and can continue until well after dark. Flashlights—whether they be handheld or hands-free models—are vital items for safety and success in the salt. In this episode, we take a close look at several models from Streamlight that are up for the task.

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Many saltwater species are excellent on the table, but only if you care for and clean them properly. Preparing your catch for a meal starts as soon as you land the fish, and knowing how to properly clean it back at the dock is vital in ensuring the best flavor. In this episode, we detail steps that will help you turn your catch into memorable meals.

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

The snook is an ambush predator of the saltwater shallows, often hiding among mangroves and attacking prey as it swims by or is swept past by current. Finding spots where snook like to hide is key to catching them, and in this episode we slide in next to an gnarly edge of mangroves and make precise drifts with our baits to pull fish from the cover.

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

With a 13-inch length of pull and 18 1/2-inch barrel, the Super Compact version of the Cobra III pump shotgun from TriStar is sized just right for young or small-framed shooters. We spent a few minutes with Eric Renander of TriStar to get a closer look at this new .410 bore and discovered it has many of the features found on full-size shotguns, which hunters of all ages will appreciate.

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

One of the most high-tech shotgun slugs to hit the market, the Freight Train is a polymer-tipped copper projectile designed for greater penetration and accuracy. We talked to Adam Moser from Federal Ammunition to get details on not only the slug, but also its wad and sabot, and to find out what the new Freight Train has to offer deer hunters.

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Keep things simple when it comes to tackle for the salt by choosing one general-purpose rod and reel combo that will serve for a variety of gamefish and presentations both inshore and offshore. In this episode, Capt. George Gozdz provides tips on how to make that selection, and we put the combo to the test against sailfish, tarpon, snook and more.

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

The jack crevalle often doesn't get the respect it deserves when compared to species like sailfish and snook, but jacks can provide thrilling action on light tackle—especially when fishing topwater baits. In this episode, we go in pursuit of jacks to show you why these ravenous brawlers are well worth your time and attention.