How to Find the Right Fishing Boat

If you love fishing, you should know that having the right boat can make a big difference in your results. Having the right boat will help you get to the best fishing grounds and it will allow you to have the right gear to catch your prey when you get there. It will also ensure that your whole crew is comfortable, whether you’re just bringing the dog or the whole family is joining.

This short guide contains a few considerations that you should think about to find the right fishing boat. Read on to learn more, and for a more hands-on approach, stop by New Jersey Outboards. We’re located in New Jersey and proudly serve the areas of New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Different Boats for Different Environments

Boats are usually designed for specific marine environments so it’s important to consider what body of water you’ll be using the boat in. Boats meant for the ocean, especially areas farther off the coast, will tend to have a deep hull that keeps the boat steady in large surf. For lakes and rivers, the hull will be much shallower. These boats can usually get away with having smaller props and less powerful engines. If you’re going to be in shallow waters, like mud flats or bayous, you’ll want a flat bottom boat with a surface driver or longtail engine.

Some boats are designed to ride in either saltwater or freshwater. Make sure your boat is built to handle the salinity level of whatever body of water you go in because salt can be corrosive to parts on freshwater boats.

Room for Company

A major factor in a boat has to do with how many people it can safely carry. One can certainly get a bigger boat than they need, but if you’re planning on taking the whole family on the trip, you’ll want to make sure your boat is big enough. When bringing your family, especially if you have younger kids, you’ll probably want to have more amenities available including an enclosed cabin. A small galley is helpful when you’re out on the water for the whole day with the family. If you’re more of a solitary fisherman, you can scale down on size. Just make sure the boat will be suitable for the body of water you fish in.

Amenities

The better the amenities, the more utility you’ll get out of your boat. Baitwells and livewells are helpful when you’re fishing because they help keep plenty of fresh bait around and allow you to keep the fish you catch fresher. You’ll also want fishing rod holders for everyone on the trip, and maybe a few more if you plan on taking multiple rods. Fish finders and other electronic devices are a nice upgrade that can give you the edge on other fishers.

Engine

The deeper the water and bigger the surf, the more powerful the engine you’ll need. Outboard engines are a great option because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, and very powerful. On the other hand, inboard engines can be a good option too, depending on the boat. If you need some real power, a dual engine system will be your best bet.

If you want to find the best fishing boat for your needs, seeing different models in person is the best approach. Stop by New Jersey Outboards today to see the top models from America’s most trusted brands. We’re located in New Jersey and we proudly serve the areas of New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.