Lund 1875 Pro Guide Review

While most anglers will agree that aluminum fishing boats have come a long way in the past decade or two, nowhere has this evolution proven more apparent than in large tiller-controlled multi-species boats like the Lund 1875 Pro Guide. Ubiquitous in the upper Midwest, the big tiller aluminum boat might just be the most versatile freshwater fishing craft of all. With its big front deck it’s right at home casting the shallows for bass, pike, muskie or panfish, while its deep-V hull provides a measure of comfort and safety on big, open lakes that can get rough in foul weather. And with their tiller control, they’re the ultimate trolling craft, allowing anglers to precisely position the boat while still keeping one hand on the rod to feel the most subtle hits from even the shyest walleye.

Lund Boats is no stranger to the big open tiller, having been a major player in this market for years. Where Lund’s top-of-the-line continues to be the company’s Pro V series, some of the very best values are found one layer down in the lineup in Lund’s Pro Guide lineup. While there are some differences in the hull construction that allow Lund to sell the Pro Guide boats for considerably less than the tournament-rated Pro V line, unless you’re on the water for 300 days a year most people would never notice the difference. And, best of all, in terms of interior appointments the Pro Guide boats are essentially equivalent to previous-generation Pro V offerings, making the exceptional values.

If there’s one boat in the manufacturer’s fleet that truly represents great features at great value, it is the Lund 1875 Pro Guide. Big enough to handle the Great Lakes yet compact enough to be easy to tow and launch at rough back-lake ramps, the 1875 Pro Guide comes with every fishing feature imaginable and at a price that makes it a terrific buy, coming in a $32,209 with a Mercury 90 and a trailer.

Lund’s 1875 Pro Guide features an enormous raised bow casting deck, with bases for three pedestal seats.

The Lund 1875 Pro Guide follows the now-standard layout that multi-species anglers expect, with a massive raised front casting deck and a deep, spacious cockpit. What sets this boat apart are the details.

Multiple deck hatches open to reveal cavernous storage lockers and a handy bow live well.

Starting on the main deck, Lund nailed the height absolutely perfectly. Standing anglers are elevated high enough to gain great visibility, while the deck remains low enough that anglers of average height have no trouble reaching over the side to lip a big bass or net a feisty walleye. No less than five separate hatch lids on the big carpeted bow open to reveal all sorts of internal storage space, as well as a handy 11-gallon live well that measures a full 27 inches in length and features a useful interior light. A raised foredeck pad provides the ideal spot to install an aftermarket electric trolling motor, while an adjacent bow panel provides room for the electrical hookup and a useful courtesy light.

Shop for Minn Kota Trolling Motors

Also found in the bow deck is a large rod locker, capable of stowing 10 rods in individual tubes.

No less than three bases for removable pedestal mount seats underscore just how big the deck of the  Lund 1875 Pro Guide really is. Mesh panels along the gunnels keep small gear like pliers, insect repellent and sunscreen handy yet out from under foot. A large central rod locker accommodates 10 rods in individual tubes to avoid tangles. Look closely and you’ll note the aluminum extrusion at the top of each gunnel incorporates Lund’s ProTrak system that lets you add accessories wherever they’re needed, and without having to drill a single hole anywhere.

Shop for Shimano Fishing Rods

Additional rod storage in the starboard-side locker accommodates rods to nine feet in length.

As you step into the cockpit, you’ll note Lund has gone with standard vinyl flooring here, with carpet available as an option. My personal preference is the vinyl, which dries much faster and wears like iron. But, for those who prefer carpet, Lund is happy to oblige. Another interesting option is a pair of stereo speakers that mount neatly in the corners where the gunnels meet the front deck. This is a sensible arrangement that allows the use of a full-depth speaker for great sound, and without eating up much interior or side storage space.

The port-side gunnel storage eats up bulky gear.

Side storage in the Lund 1875 Pro Guide includes a huge gear locker to port and another rod locker to starboard – this one capable of handling rods to nine feet in length. More storage nets along the sides keep things like hook disgorgers and soft plastic bait packages under control yet readily available.

The driver’s Command Console provides lots of space for electronics, full instrumentation and tons of storage space.

In the stern the driver faces an elaborate Command Console, with space up top for mounting multiple large-screen multi-function displays just over a full dash panel, including easy-to-read black-on-white dial instrumentation (speedometer, tach, fuel), a 12-volt outlet, a cup holder, the control head for the stereo, and a neat row of backlit rocker switches for electrical accessories like the lights, live wells and so forth. Below, two pull-out drawers provide safe and secure storage for smaller tackle items, or valuables like wallets, cell phones and the truck keys.

Shop for Humminbird Fish Finders

The stern 22-gallon live well is 42 inches long, capable of holding some truly big fish!

Across the stern in another small but useful raised deck which allows greater visibility when casting. Lift the lid to starboard and you access the battery storage; a larger lid to port exposes the 22-gallon aft live well, which at 42 inches in length can accommodate some pretty big fish.

The Lund 1875 pro Guide comes with three seats, with additional seats available as optional upgrades. Flip-down cleats avoid snagging lines, while there’s plenty of room on the stern to install a set of Wave Whackers if desired.

All in all, there’s a lot to like about the Lund 1875 Pro Guide. An angler who loves the amenities of a pro fishing boat but who wants to be able to tow it with a standard vehicle will find this is one multi-species rig that absolutely fits the bill.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.