When it comes to fishing, the top priority of many anglers is to secure a good boat. A saltwater fishing boat can be difficult to pick out, with the many options available to anglers, and while long-time fishermen with decades of experience tend to have their favorites, novices may need a little assistance to pick out a boat. A good way to start is by reviewing some of the most well known, competitive brands of boats to see what features you like and desire in your own vessel.

One manufacturer of the saltwater boats is Pro Sports Boats, which split to offer their boats under two separate names in 2006, the ProKat (a line of power catamarans) and SeaQuest (the line of monohulls). This new line of monohulls is taking a new look at the small and medium size saltwater fishing boat, using top of the line accessories while maintaining a price level that is inoffensive by minimizing standard features. You have a choice of bay boats, coastal boats, and center consoles ranging between 18 and 25 feet. There will also be the 3000 series, a line of boats that includes a center console, a cuddy cabin, and a sport cuddy model. The ProKat catamarans will offer a relaxing and familiar type of boat and name brand that lends itself to fishing for blue tuna, albacore, and much more.

Another excellent manufacturer of the saltwater boats is Brunswick Boat Group, headquartered out of Knoxville, Tennessee. This group produces all manner of pleasure and fishing boats, including popular name brands like Sea Ray, Bayliner, and Meridian that range up to 100 feet in length, as well as smaller vessels. The company offers a fine, luxurious saltwater fishing boat in the Baja series, which range from 20 to 44 feet in length. You’ll even find smaller, more affordable models, such as the Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Laguna, Palmetto, and more that reach up to 52 feet in length but can be found as small as 11 feet. For those who want a reasonable, average sized saltwater fishing boat, look into the Brunswick Crestliner, Triton, or Princecraft boats, which come in fishing, deck, and pontoon varieties ranging between 10 and 35 feet in length.

Depending on the type of fishing you intend to do, you may have varied opinions on the best type of boat to have, as well as the size that you need to have to accomplish your goal.

Because lakes are fed by creeks, rivers, and springs, it depends on the water stream when selecting between a rowboat and a motor boat. Ponds are best for rowing, because most of them are the result of rain runoff or modest springs, without the irregular shorelines of lakes that require more boating skills. Some ponds are fed by small streams, allowing the best catch and the pleasure of traditional fishing. Motor boats are more appreciated in lakes but particularly in rivers, although the selection is more often oriented to accessibility to certain areas when seeking the best catch. People who live near a body of water can enjoy practicing shore fishing, but most people fish from lakes and ponds, often requiring a boat.

Boat rentals are available in many national parks and other recreational fishing locations, including canoes, kayaks, motor boats and rowboats designed to be powered by oars. In fact, traditional boats had the oarlocks mounted on the gunwales, recalling rowing boats of ancient times; particularly those used during wars and known as galleys, often powered by slave paddlers. Actually, rowboats with gunwale-mounted oarlocks can be found, but they tend to be wide to get enough spread between the oarlocks using long oars. Another type of boats is called shells, usually with motors or pedals but also rowing can be the only propulsion. Shells often have sliding seats, to add leg power to the stroke.

When selecting a boat, one of the most important factors is the size, not too large or too small, at the point to limit the owner. If fishing is a quiet activity, the size of the catch may require space to move, including the gear needed during the activity, but you do not want too much space. If you are unsure of the size of the boat, the rental services can help you out.

At the rental you will be asked what you need the boat for and how many people will be aboard, and if you are going to get help from them, to determine if you will need a rowboat or a motor boat. Depending on how old, big and strong you are, in addition to the water you have chosen, the choice of the right boat can be different of your original expectations, when you are new to fishing.

There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

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