| Take fishing to another level - in a boat. But what | | | | convertible with luxury quarters, and maybe even |
| kind of boat and where to fish? That is the | | | | an elegant living area. Bigger boats generally have |
| question! Find out about the various ways you and | | | | powerful inboard diesel engines as standard. |
| your family can enjoy boat fishing. | | | | Inshore Saltwater Boats |
| Boat Fishing | | | | If your tastes run to tarpin, snook, trout, bonefish |
| If you're keen to find a fun family activity, then | | | | or redfish, then you will want a boat suitable for |
| give boat fishing a try. There's nothing better than | | | | inshore saltwater fishing. It's best to have a light |
| heading off on your boat with the wife and kids, | | | | boat that is smaller than a 25-footer. All you need |
| talking about the fish you plan to catch that day. | | | | is a single outboard motor. You're likely to be in |
| It's important to realize, though, that there are | | | | shallow water at least some of the time, so |
| lots of different types of boat fishing, and each | | | | something like a flat or baby boat works well. |
| one has specialized boat requirements. You can do | | | | These have a spacious deck you can use for |
| everything from dangle some bait on a string | | | | casting, and are still float well in shallow water. |
| over the side of a canoe, right through to | | | | Bass Boats |
| high-tech rods and a powerful cabin cruiser. It just | | | | This type of boat is generally suitable for |
| needs to be seaworthy - the rest is up to you! | | | | tournament and sport fishing. They're colorful, |
| But if you're keen to buy a boat, you need to do | | | | fast, and ride low in the water. It's preferable if |
| some homework first. It can be very confusing | | | | the bass boat has a trolling motor mounted on |
| walking into a boat show or dealership and seeing | | | | the bow. Generally they have a platform at both |
| so many choices. You need to think about what | | | | the bow and stern ends, which makes casting |
| you're planning to do with the boat before you | | | | much easier. You can choose from aluminum or |
| can decide which one to buy. Here are some | | | | fiberglass. |
| popular boat fishing choices. | | | | Float Tubes |
| Freshwater Boats | | | | These don't really qualify as boats, but fly anglers |
| If you enjoy fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers or | | | | find them very handy for fishing in mountain |
| streams, then you don't need a massive boat. | | | | streams, ponds and lakes. A float tube is simply a |
| Instead, choose an aluminum or fiberglass boat. | | | | flotation device containing a seat. The angler is |
| Make sure it's easy to transport and lightweight. | | | | partially submerged when seated in the float tube, |
| Popular choices include bow riders, runabouts or | | | | and uses fins on his feet to navigate around on |
| walley boats, with either a small or dual console. | | | | the water. They're tricky to handle, and |
| These boats are fine for family freshwater boat | | | | fly-casting requires lots of practice. You can |
| fishing outings. | | | | choose between round float tubes, which are |
| Offshore Saltwater Boats | | | | similar to an inner tube, and pontoon float tubes, |
| Fishing out on the open sea is the most common | | | | which have an air chamber either side of the |
| thing people think of when you mention boat | | | | fisherman. The pontoons are slightly eiasier to |
| fishing. Most people enjoy fishing offshore | | | | maneuver, as their v-shaped design reduces the |
| because they get the chance to catch huge fish | | | | amount of water resistance. |
| and use heavy tackle. It's important to have a | | | | It's always a good idea to speak to experienced |
| dependable, heavy boat for this type of fishing. | | | | anglers who either have their own boat or use |
| You'll encounter plenty of different weather and | | | | one regularly. They can give you lots of help in |
| situations on the open sea, so you need to be | | | | deciding which type of boat is right for you. Read |
| able to rely on your boat. You can choose twin or | | | | magazines, guides, and talk to your local boat |
| single outboard motors, and you definitely need a | | | | charter service. Fishermen generally love to talk |
| cuddy cabin or a center console. If you want to | | | | about boats, and you can learn a lot to help you |
| spend a bit more, you can start to look at the | | | | select the perfect fishing boat for your needs. |
| more luxurious boats, including a bluewater or | | | | |