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