Did you know that in 2017, over 49 million Americans spent time enjoying recreational fishing?
Fishing is a rewarding hobby that can help you learn new skills, encourage you to meet new people, and help you get in touch with nature.
Keep reading to discover how you can choose the right small fishing boat for you and for your next weekend fishing expedition.
Things To Consider Before Buying Or Getting A Fishing Boat Rental
The first thing you need to think about before buying or renting a boat for your fishing trip is where you’ll be fishing. This is important because there are different types of boats designed for freshwater, saltwater, deep lakes, shallow lakes, etc.
Saltwater boats often have closed cooling systems and flushing systems, which ensure that the salt water doesn’t break or damage the boat. Similarly, if you plan to fish in deep water or shallow water, these boats need to be different too.
Another thing you need to think about before getting or buying a boat is how many people will accompany you. Fishing trips can be a great bonding experience for friends and family, but you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room on your boat.
You should also consider how long your trip will take and how long your future trips will take. If your trips will take all day or longer, then you should think about getting a boat with shelter and key amenities that you’ll need.
The final thing to think about is whether you want a boat with built-in fishing features. For example, some boats come with tackle storage, built-in cold storage, and comfortable seats.
Before getting renting or buying a boat, make sure you understand what it is your fishing trip requires and thus which boat you’ll need.
What Are The Best Small Fishing Boats?
There is a whole range of fishing boats that might suit your needs. Some are more basic than others and are thus cheaper, while some come with a variety of fishing features and are more expensive.
The key thing to do is to get a boat that is fit for purpose and your fishing trips. For example, if you only want to do some fishing for a few hours on a shallow lake then you might choose a cheaper boat like a canoe or kayak. However, if you plan to be out all day in deep water, then you might choose a Rigid Inflatable Boat.
Canoe And Kayaks
A canoe is a lightweight boat that is ideal for short fishing trips in shallow waters. Canoes are narrow and are pointed at the bow and stern. Canoes are best suited for inshore fishing, particularly in protected waters. Canoes are usually between 12 and 16 feet and are either made of wood, aluminum, fiberglass or molded plastic. They are propelled forward by hand with a single-bladed paddle (using either one or two oars).
A kayak is similar to a canoe in that they are narrow and are also pointed at the bow and the stern. Kayaks are ideal for inshore fishing and are often between 8 and 16 feet. Similar to canoes, they are made from either wood, aluminum, fiberglass or molded plastic. To move a kayak, the individual uses a double-bladed paddle.
Canoes often have more space and can accommodate more people, while kayaks are smaller and can have up to two people in them.
Jon Boat
A Jon Boat has a flat bottom with the bow and stern squared off. Jon Boats usually have a bench or several benches, which makes them ideal for fishing. Jon Boats can be anywhere between eight and 24 feet long. Jon Boats are often made using aluminum and are best for inshore fishing on protected waters. They come with oars and a single outboard or electric trolling motor.
Rigid Inflatable Boat
Some fishing enthusiasts prefer to get an inflatable fishing boat because they can be used in a range of fishing waters. This means that you can go to different lakes and bodies of water whenever you want. Inflatable fishing boats are safe for fishing which helps to keep your costs low and mobility high.
Rigid inflatable boats have inflatable tube sides and a rigid deck and hull (which are often made from fiberglass or aluminum). Often they are used as a tender for bigger boats, but they can also be rigged for fishing. Rigid inflatable boats can be 6 to 0ver 30 feet long, so there can be plenty of space on them. A single or multiple outboards control the boat to ensure you get to where you need to be.
Power Catamaran
If you want a larger boat with more power, then you might think about getting a Power Catamaran. These boats have a twin deep-V hull sponsons, that are joint by a wide deck. Power Catamaran boats benefit from plenty of space, a cockpit, a console or cabin, and a softer ride.
These boats are great for nearshore and offshore fishing, however, some can also be used for inshore waters too. Power Catamaran uses twin outboards, which ensure such a smooth ride. They are between 25 and 40 feet long and often are made from either fiberglass or aluminum.
Still don’t know what type of boat you want? Compare boats and learn more about the difference between flat bottom boats and deep V boats, to see which one is better for you.
Find Your Perfect Small Fishing Boat Now
Follow our guide on how to choose a small fishing boat for your next weekend trip. Remember to think about the requirements of your boat and your needs, before buying or renting one.
If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you have a read of some of our other blogs, which are all about the great outdoors and adventures.
