| You and your family are heading out early in the | | | | end of an offshore saltwater boat is a bluewater |
| morning for a day of fishing in your brand new | | | | or convertible that comes complete with luxury |
| fishing boat. You hit that highway that leads to | | | | quarters and elaborate salons. These boats should |
| the lake, excited voices echoing throughout your | | | | be equipped with inboard diesel engines that have |
| SUV. Your wife and kids are just as delighted with | | | | maximum power. |
| the new boat as you are and are discussing the | | | | Inshore Saltwater Boats |
| whopper they hope to catch. You arrive at the | | | | If you're planning to fish for tarpin, bonefish, trout |
| lake, launch the runabout that contains the entire | | | | and snook or redfish on tropical flats, a light boat |
| family's fishing gear and in no time at all, you are | | | | will take you a long way. This type of boat should |
| skimming across the water, every family | | | | always be less than a 25-footer and powered by |
| member safely encased in a lifejacket. You just | | | | a single outboard motor. The best type of vessel |
| know that this is going to be a great family outing | | | | for inshore saltwater fishing is a basic bay boat or |
| and everyone loves the new fishing boat. | | | | flat boat. Both types of boats offer a spacious |
| A fishing boat can be anything between a canoe | | | | deck for casting and float well in shallow water. |
| where you dangle basic bait over the side in a | | | | Float Tubes |
| river or stream to a powerful cabin cruiser or | | | | Float tubes are devices that allow fly anglers who |
| yacht. Basically, all you need to get out onto the | | | | don't own a boat easy access to get out onto |
| water is a vessel that is seaworthy. There are a | | | | the water. They are excellent for fishing ponds, |
| large variety of fishing boats available on today's | | | | lakes and mountain streams. Essentially a float |
| market. You can buy them at boat shows, fishing | | | | tube is a floatation device that is equipped with a |
| shows or dealerships. Let's look at some different | | | | seat. The angler sits in the seat while wearing fins |
| types of fishing boats. | | | | and kicks his way around while partially |
| Freshwater Fishing Boats | | | | submerged. Fly fishing from float tubes can be |
| If you enjoy fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes | | | | difficult, especially for those who are using them |
| and streams, leave the big, powerful boats for | | | | for the first time. It definitely takes time to hone |
| someone else. Choose a fiberglass or aluminum | | | | your fly casting skills from a float tube. |
| boat that is lightweight and easy to transport. A | | | | There are two basic types of float tubes - |
| bowrider, runabout, walleye boat or a boat with a | | | | traditional and pontoon. Traditional float tubes are |
| small or dual console will meet all of your | | | | usually round and have an opening in the front or |
| freshwater fishing needs. These boats are perfect | | | | middle. Basically, these are an inner tube with |
| for family outings. | | | | built-in features for fly fishing. These float tubes |
| Bass Boats | | | | can take a lot of time to maneuver because they |
| Bass boats ride low in the water and are usually | | | | are round in shape and cause a lot of water |
| very colorful and extremely fast. They can be | | | | resistance. |
| aluminum or fiberglass and most often they are | | | | The newer pontoon float tubes are much easier |
| equipped with platforms in both the bow and | | | | to use. These are equipped with two pontoons, or |
| stern for easy casting. If you've always dreamed | | | | air chambers, one on each side of the fisherman. |
| of owning the perfect bass boat, be sure to buy | | | | Pontoon float tubes have less water resistance |
| one that has a trolling motor mounted on the | | | | and offer far less drag than traditional ones |
| bow. These boats are mainly used for sport | | | | because the pontoons are V-shaped and move |
| fishing and tournament fishing. | | | | through the water almost effortlessly. |
| Offshore Saltwater Boats | | | | If you are thinking of purchasing a fishing boat, |
| If you enjoy heading out on the open sea for a | | | | shop around, talk to anglers who own their own |
| day of saltwater fishing that includes huge fish and | | | | boats and do your research to help you decide |
| heavy tackle, you will need a heavy boat that is | | | | which type of boat you'd like to have. If you still |
| dependable and can be relied on in all situations | | | | can't make a choice, talk to a boat fishing guide or |
| and weather. Anything less than a cuddy cabin or | | | | the owner of a fishing charter service. They will |
| center console that's equipped with either twin or | | | | be glad to give you tips on how to choose the |
| single outboard motors will not fit the bill. The high | | | | perfect boat for you. |