| You might be wondering, 'Do I need a boat to | | | | probably be comfortable enough for two to |
| fish for walleye? Can't I just catch the | | | | three anglers plus equipment. Longer ones |
| fish from the shore?' Of course you can, but | | | | can hold more. |
| if you've had experience with walleye before, | | | | |
| you know that they tend to change location | | | | Do you need a motor? |
| depending on the season and on where their | | | | |
| main food is located. | | | | Consider the size of the lake or reservoir |
| | | | you will be fishing. A medium to large body |
| Some of the best walleye catches are also | | | | of water will require that you use a boat |
| difficult to access from the shore. When | | | | with a motor so you can change locations |
| walleye congregate in deeper waters, why miss | | | | easily. Imagine paddling your way around a |
| out when you can be in on the action in the | | | | lake as big as Lake Erie just to find your |
| comfort of your own boat? Here are some | | | | walleye. |
| things you might want to consider when buying | | | | |
| or choosing a boat for walleye fishing: | | | | Which bottom? |
| | | | |
| Consider the frequency of your fishing trips. | | | | The way a fishing boat's bottom is shaped |
| | | | will impact how it performs in the water. A |
| If you fish a couple of times a year, you'll | | | | flat bottom, for example, is a good boat to |
| need a simple, no-frills boat. You might | | | | use if the water isn't choppy and you don't |
| also want to invest in something cheaper but | | | | need a lot of speed. For deeper waters, a |
| sturdy. | | | | V-bottom boat will work better because the |
| | | | shape cuts the water more efficiently, |
| Consider your fishing style. | | | | allowing you to move faster. If the lake |
| | | | you'll be fishing in is a bit large, consider |
| Walleye tend to make their appearance during | | | | a steeper V-bottom for more speed and a |
| the nighttime. If you'll be fishing mostly | | | | smoother ride. |
| for this fish, consider the creature comforts | | | | |
| and protection your boat can offer when | | | | Material and design |
| you'll be using it . | | | | |
| | | | Boats that are perfect for walleye fishing |
| Consider boat size | | | | come in a variety of layouts and styles. |
| | | | Simply choose which one will best fit your |
| The size of the boat matters, especially if | | | | needs. As for materials, choose boats made |
| you will be fishing with a companion or two. | | | | of fiberglass or aluminum. They're sturdy |
| You might also want to consider how well your | | | | and tough enough to see you through hundreds |
| boat will handle the passengers and | | | | of walleye fishing trips. |
| equipment. A 14-foot boat, for example, will | | | | |