| We have so many choices today when it comes | | | | to look at the specs of aluminum thickness and |
| to choosing the right walleye boat. Aluminum and | | | | overall weight of the boat to eliminate frustration. |
| fiberglass models in different sizes and | | | | Also, a heavier boat keeps its "attitude" better |
| specifications abound. Having owned many | | | | when trolling cross wind. There's nothing more |
| different styles of boats I can give you some | | | | frustrating than getting blown off course on a |
| good ideas on what boat/motor combination will | | | | trolling pass and fighting your way to get back at |
| suit your needs. Not to mention, I spend an equal | | | | the right depth. When moving around on the lake |
| amount of time every year fishing every type of | | | | a heavier boat will displace the choppy water |
| water from rivers, big and small reservoirs, and all | | | | rather than the chop displacing you! A comfortable |
| sorts of natural lakes. A good walleye boat allows | | | | ride in choppy conditions means you won't be |
| an angler to safely fish the waters he's chosen | | | | afraid to move around and try different areas on |
| and it allows one to deploy any sort of | | | | a windy day. Finally, you'll find holding over that |
| presentation he sees fit. An unsuited walleye boat | | | | sweet spot is much easier with a heavier walleye |
| will limit your access to bigger lakes and it will | | | | boat. So we want to error on the side of buying |
| really limit what kind of control you have over | | | | a bigger heavier boat. |
| your presentation delivery. The main | | | | Fiberglass boats offer a smoother ride in rough |
| considerations for choosing a boat are the length, | | | | conditions with the sacrifice of durability. Anglers |
| width, weight, and material. Let's go over some | | | | fishing larger open bodies of water where little to |
| main ideas to help you make a wise purchase on | | | | no contact with obstructions is made, may find |
| your next walleye fishing boat. | | | | the higher price for a fiberglass boat is justified. |
| No matter where you fish or what your main | | | | You'll find fiberglass won't beat you up in rough |
| fishing style is you'll find it's wise to error on the | | | | conditions like aluminum can. Therefore if you |
| side of to big a walleye boat. Even if you spend | | | | have back problems or don't do well with being |
| the majority of your time on a little 1,000 acre | | | | bounced around a bit you may want to seriously |
| impound. A longer boat is safe and a wider boat | | | | consider fiberglass. Many anglers find themselves |
| keeps you dry. Many anglers have made the | | | | trading paint with trees or they beach the boat |
| mistake of buying a 16 foot boat only to find on | | | | on many outings for a quick swim, lunch time, or |
| the really windy days they have no control. Which | | | | camping excursions. These anglers tend to be |
| happens quite a bit. Because the times walleyes | | | | more rugged and a little rougher ride on the |
| are usually biting like wildfire you have a change in | | | | water isn't a problem. |
| seasons going on - this translates into windy, | | | | No matter what brand of walleye boat you buy |
| unstable weather. So, I would suggest jumping up | | | | this year, be sure to look at the length, width, |
| to a 17 foot boat if you're thinking about a 16 and | | | | weight (aluminum thickness) and whether you |
| go on up to 19 footer if you think an 18 would | | | | need fiberglass or not. A boat with ample specs in |
| "get you by." If you fish large lakes, then | | | | all of the above categories will make your days |
| obviously 20 foot plus boats will be logical. | | | | on the water more productive and enjoyable |
| Weight is very important consideration too. | | | | when you can deploy any presentation you want |
| Smaller high-sided, light weight aluminum boats will | | | | and work with any strength of wind. |
| get blown across the lake like a pop can. Be sure | | | | |