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