These aren’t your standard bait boats
Our story
Starting a bait boat business was never part of my original plan. My background is in counseling, focusing on helping people with addictions and mental health challenges. But fishing—and especially bait boats—have been a passion of mine for years.
From the moment I discovered bait boats, I was hooked. Drawn by the rich culture of European carp fishing, I dove deep to learn everything I could. Bait boats quickly became my go-to tool for baiting campaigns. But my journey wasn’t without its challenges.
Like many anglers in the USA, I admired the top-tier European models—the RT4, RT7, and others—but none of these companies would ship their boats across the Atlantic. So, I turned to the more readily available Chinese boats. Unfortunately, my experience was frustrating: one boat now rests at the bottom of Castaic Lake, others leaked, hopper doors malfunctioned, and many were painfully slow. To make matters worse, there was no tech support, no service, and no warranty. While these brands are now widely available in the U.S., my experience left much to be desired.
I knew I needed a better solution. I valued the precision bait boats brought to my fishing campaigns and the results they delivered, but I wanted a boat that combined quality, reliability, and affordability. More importantly, I wanted a platform I could customize based on my own hands-on experience—because I knew what worked and what didn’t.
The boats we offer today have been thoroughly tested and refined over time. They’re proven performers built to last.
You might initially hesitate at the price—and that’s understandable. But consider this: a cheap bait boat that breaks down every six months, causing frustration and lost fishing time, ultimately costs far more in headaches and replacements. For many anglers who’ve lived this struggle, investing in quality makes all the difference.
Though I never planned to start a bait boat business, I’m grateful I did. The response from the carp angling community has been overwhelming and heartfelt. Many of you shared the same frustrations I faced, confirming the urgent need for a dependable, quality bait boat solution here in the USA.
The best part of this journey? Getting to know and connect with the wider carp angling community. It’s been an incredible blessing.
And as they say—the rest is history.
Tight lines!
Picked with Care
At West Coast Bait Boats, every boat is hand-selected and rigorously tested to meet the high standards I demand for my own fishing adventures. I’m proud to bring this level of quality and versatility to anglers across the USA, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy these boats as much as I do.
To give you added peace of mind, we stand behind our products with a one-year warranty—something you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S. This warranty covers parts and service for any manufacturing issues, so you’re never left on your own.
Tight lines,
Nicholas Russi
Owner & Founder