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