Nearly every die hard saltwater angler I know has dreamed of owning a solid quality fibreglass centre console kitted up with all the options. There’s just something so aesthetically pleasing about the look of a dedicated sports fishing CC.

If this sounds like you and your in the market for a new boat to pursue your love of fishing, then best you get out for a test ride on the Edgewater 205 CC. On first impressions it is hard to believe that this boat is only 6.8m long; its wide beam runs almost the full length of the boat.

The size of this well built dedicated sport fishing vessel certainly measures up. With a well planned use of all the space available, there is plenty of storage to get everything tucked away and free up the entire platform for fishing.

Designed and constructed in Edgewater Florida, all the fishy details are considered, the finish is superb and the quality evident in the build, the ride and the way it is put together. It is suited perfectly to offshore fishing for snapper, kings, jew or the many pelagic gamefish, this boat is also suited to any water sport activity, as well as family days cruising the harbours and rivers on your doorstep.

Using the latest in composite construction technology, and high grade fittings and accessories, this boat feels solid at pace, at rest and when fishing. Made of 100% composite materials, there is no wood to rot or delaminate. Like a number of US imports, the unsinkable nature of foam-filled construction in conjunction with over-sized tubing used for railings and the optional T-top, provides peace of mind.

At a length of 6.8m (or 20’6”), and a beam of 2.6m, it is clear this is a spacious vessel. A variable dead-rise creates a deep-V hull producing a balanced and cushioned ride, while the angular channels and reverse chines along the hull provide grip and deliver a tough appearance.

One of the limiting factors in many centre consoles is the lack of dry storage, but not on this boat. The large walk-in console provides ample dry storage space, as well as a portable head (toilet), and neatly arranged access to the rear of the electronics and steering.

This boat has been built and designed for dedicated sports-fishers of all persuasions in mind. And this boat delivers.

The deck is clear of obstacles (pop-up cleats are a great addition) that get clothing, lines or body parts caught on, and the large forward casting deck is extremely fishable. We flicked soft plastics and squid jigs happily standing two abreast for hours, and not once did we get in each other’s way.

Underneath the casting deck is an insulated cooler to properly chill your prized catch. Forward of the console, a cushioned esky is out of the angler’s way and easily accessible to grab a cool drink or a bite to eat. The decking has a non-skid surface throughout and the finish is clean and safe for barefoot fishing.

The large cockpit can have a number of different seating options; and whichever you choose the space is large enough to provide excellent fishing space. The aft port plumbed live-well is large enough to have a variety of baits swimming and at the ready.

Another comforting consideration on this vessel is the gunwale height, tall enough to brace your knees or thighs against in the heat of the action, yet low enough to reach the water. The removable transom in-fill is a nice addition and completes the secure feeling.

Due to the size of the centre console the dash on this vessel is large enough to house flushed mounted multi-screen marine electronics; the ones you select are up to you. These days I like to have my sounder and plotter mounted on pedestals so that I can swivel them to be viewed from anywhere in the boat, and there’s plenty of space for that option.

In keeping with fore-thought of design, the switch panel provides for every conceivable accessory. The glovebox is situated in the correct location to keep your valuables safe yet easily accessible.

There’s no doubt about it, this fishing machine is built for anglers who want to chase the action and have the option to travel long distances. With a 342L fuel tank you can run wide to spend the day trolling lures or head long distances up the coast to get to areas under less fishing pressure.

With a dry hull weight of 1134kg, once you’ve added the Evinrude E-Tec, fishing tackle, electronics, fuel and your mates, this boat is going to stick to the oceans surface in most fishable conditions.

One push of the electric start and you’re on your way; the ensuing ride is quiet and comfortable. The soft, edgy turns are almost effortless with adjustable steering positions making driving a pleasure no matter your height.

The optional T-top is available either as a hard or soft-top. Aside from creating shade from the harsh sun as well as additional rod storage, it is the optimal location for navigation and spot-lights, marine radio aerials, and on the hard top model, out-of-the-way easily accessible locations outriggers with swivel mounts.

Moulded self-draining decks are a part of delivering additional comfort and safety, as well as making it easy to clean and hose down. Perfectly powered by the Evinrude E-Tec 250hp expect to be able to get up and go whenever the desire presents itself. The direct injection two-stroke E-Tec delivers all the best features of torque and power in addition to great fuel efficiency and quiet operation even at WOT. As a result the top speed is an impressive 43 knots per hour. The perfect choice outboard for those who want to match quality with quality.

Centre consoles aren’t for everyone, but if you’re serious about fishing and want a sexy boat that is a pleasure to fish from then the Edgewater 205 should be on top of your wish list: There is great rod storage under the gunwales, on the T-top and across the back of the cockpit seat, and toe rails located along the sides offer a solid foot hold in rough seas.

Ample cockpit and forward deck space easily allow four anglers to cast lures and flies or deep jigs, provided the crew are aware of each other.

Licensed to carry up to nine passengers, it would be more than comfortable to gamefish with up to five of your mates on board. The addition of a few more upright and gunwale mounted rod-holders fore and aft of the console, plus a quality bait board and possibly some padding where your knees are going to rest, and there’s little else you could possibly want. A boat like this would have pride of place in anyone’s world.

Available on either an aluminium Edgewater trailer manufactured in the US to Australian standards or on a galvanised Easytow trailer from Australia, electronic breaks are mandatory. The overall length on trailer is approximately 8.1m, total height is approximately 4.4m with the optional T-top fitted. Total weight of the boat, motor and trailer is 2300kg, making it ideal for mid-size to large 4WDs.