There are fishermen who like to stand on shore or in swallows and wait for certain kinds of fish to come looking for their hook. But you can’t expect the fish to always come to you, some times you just have to get off your duff and go after them. You have to get in a boat, canoe, or kayak and go to where the fish are.

But what kind of boat do you need? That depends on where you are fishing, how many are going with you, and just how much creature comfort you require.

For most fresh water fishing, there’s a wide range of sizes and types of boats that can be used. However, many of them are relatively small. The same applies to fresh water rivers and streams, where a boat of between 20 and 30 feet, made of either aluminum or fiberglass, is enough. There’s nothing wrong with a rowboat or a simple dory.

For large lakes and salt water fishing bigger boats may be need for many reasons, including safety. In such places, you can make use of a boat that can comfortably accommodate your whole family. Houseboats, cabin cruisers, even larger sail boats are useful in larger and more challenging waters.

It is absolutely essential for you to have a large saltwater boat if you intend to fish on the sea. Such boats have lots of attractions, their size is just one aspect. They are both practical and convenient owing to their special rigging and platforms.

For ocean fishing, a 45-foot boat is considered rather small. However, the larger models of around 60 feet are relatively more costly but you will get real value for your money. They are designed in a streamlined manner to afford faster cruising. Another great advantage is the fact that they are well suited for different types of fishing. It’s a good idea to talk to a pro about how these boats should be rigged for different types of fish.

Some of these boats are spacious enough to have well furnished kitchens and even sleeping quarters. They also have lots of power to match their size. The 60-foot ones can have motors of 1550 HP.

Large or small saltwater boats are fitted with a variety of modern gear like sonar, weather radios, and emergency equipment. These ensure that you reach the fish you want and be well prepared for weather changes.

If you can get to a boat show in a larger city, you can talk directly to manufacturer’s representatives and seasoned pros about the kind of boat you need. Many of us find boat shows almost as much fun as fishing itself.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules from Amazon before you leave the dock. You need to know the rules even on smaller bodies of water.

While fishing boats are pretty neat by themselves, keep in mind that they are a means to an end. So, don’t be carried away and forget your primary goal – fishing!

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