Tips and Tidbits
Choose the Perfect Fishing Boat
Buying a boat can dramatically expand your angling horizons and open up a world of recreational opportunities for your family. But, as with any major investment, you should be diligent in your shopping approach. To hone in on the boat that perfectly matches your fishing interests, ask yourself these five key questions:
- What type of fish species do you like to catch most often? Fishing boats are designed to operate safely and effectively in different types of water where certain fish live. For example, the walleye angler might jig in large lakes that can be deep and wavy, so having a stable, high-sided hull is important; the saltwater flats angler might chase redfish in very skinny water, so having a boat with a shallow draft is key; and a bass angler might need a versatile boat that rides comfortably in different rivers, lakes and ponds.
- Where are you going to fish? If you do 99 percent of your fishing on a certain lake or river, get a boat that works best for that water, and for the fish species that live there. Look around and ask other anglers what boats are proven performers in that place - odds are the answers will be very clear. If you plan on fishing in different spots for different species, you’ll want an all-around boat you can launch and put on a trailer easily.
- What gear are you most comfortable fishing with? For instance, someone who likes to troll for lake trout in deep water will want a boat that can accommodate downriggers. The fly fisher needs a flat open space at the bow of the boat, where anglers can stand and cast, and loose line won’t catch on seats, latches or cleats. The bass angler also wants a casting platform, and he/she wants a boat designed to handle a trolling motor. If you fish with bait or in tournaments, you’ll need a live well on your boat.
- Who are you going fishing with? If it’s just you and your buddy, you might want a specialized boat that’s dialed into the fishing you like most; a three-person skiff, for example. If you envision evening cruises around the lake with the neighbors, or pulling the kids on a tube, you’ll want a larger recreational boat. You never want to overload a boat, so it’s better to guess high in this regard. It’s usually smarter to fish out of a recreational boat than it is to make that specialized fishing boat do things it really wasn’t designed to do.
- What type of engine do you really need? All engines-inboards, outboards, two-strokes, four-strokes have their own advantages by way of power, speed, fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance and so forth. You never want to overpower your boat, but to get optimal performance, you may want to match your boat with an engine that has a horsepower rating at or near the maximum the boat is designed to handle.
When you answer these questions (and also factor in where and how you plan to dock, store and maintain your boat), you can start looking for options with different hull designs, engines and other accents that best fit your budget.
Here’s another hint: The many consumer boat shows that take place in winter months are the perfect places to see different models, and more importantly, ask some qualified boat experts specific questions about your needs and interests. Moreover, if you are on the verge of buying a boat, some of the best deals anywhere can be found at these shows. Check out boatshows.com for a schedule of events.
And for more help in selecting the boat that’s right for you and your family, visit: www.takemefishing.org/boating/the-boat-for-you/home.
