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