Best Fishing Boats

First you will want to ask yourself a few questions about what you consider a perfect fishing boat and where the boat will be used. If you are looking for freshwater fishing, in rivers, lakes and streams, then forget about the fancy, more expensive boats and think about an aluminum or fiberglass fishing boat, a runabout or even a canoe or kayak.

Bass Boats
The bass boat is a specialized design especially for bass fishermen. Bass boats are fast and low to the water. They usually have casting platforms in the bow and stern, and come with trolling motors. Because of their sleek, specialized design, you can expect a new or used bass boat to be a little more expensive.

Runabouts
With aluminum or fiberglass, or more rarely wooden, hulls, a small fishing boat, like a runabout or bow rider, is the perfect way to get out on a lake or river for a day's fishing. These small fishing boats usually have either an inboard or an outboard motor, and are between fifteen and thirty feet. They do not have cabins or amenities, these lightweight boats are meant to get you out to the center of the pond with your rod and reel, and to bring your catch back to shore.

Saltwater Fishing Boats Inshore and Offshore
If ocean fishing is your thing, then you are looking for a saltwater boat. Your first consideration is whether you like fishing inshore or offshore. If you are an inshore fisherman, then your choices are a bit less expensive.

Inshore Fishing Boats
If you like to fish in inshore saltwater areas for something like tarpin or redfish, then you will be fishing in shallower areas. This means that you will need a shallow draft boat, one that floats higher in the water, such as a flat boat or bay boat. These offshore day runners are generally under twenty-five feet in length, and will be lightweight fiberglass or aluminum with an outboard motor. They feature lots of deck space for casting and plenty of storage for fishing equipment.

Offshore Fishing Boats
If deep sea fishing is your passion, then you will need a heavy duty fishing boat designed to withstand the elements. These vessels are going to be more expensive because of the increased safety features and size. Often they have a cabin and dual, powerful outboard or inboard motors. An offshore fishing boat can be a luxury boat because they often come with high-end features like fishing machines or plush salons.

Canoes and Kayaks for Fishing
If you are a solitary fisher, and don't like the noise and pollution of gas motors to ruin your fishing experience (or if your favorite lake doesn't allow them), then a canoe or kayak might be the ideal fishing boat for you. A canoe is easy to transport, it usually doesn't require a trailer, and easy to put in from almost any spot. A swift, silent canoe is the perfect way to find that special, secluded fishing hole that nobody knows about but you.