Useful Fishing Boat Features
If you’re looking to improve your fishing skills or spend more time angling, it’s time you got your own fishing boat. With a boat, you can also reach where the fish are, which isn’t always possible from the bank. There are other reasons to get a fishing boat, some of which include the helpful features they have, which can improve your skills, increase your catch or just provide a more relaxing and comfortable experience out on the water.
At Thayer’s Marine, we like to help our patrons get the best boats and accessories for their needs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of features you’ll want for your angling requirements. If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in Norwich, CT, get in touch with our sales department for more information. We’re here for all the fishing boat needs of our friends from Springfield, MA.
Cooler
A cooler might seem like a frivolous addition but wait till it’s 85°F and you’re on your boat ready to barter an arm and a leg for an ice-cold drink while you wait for the fish to bite. If you can bring along your favorite beverages and snacks it will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also let you stay out longer and catch more fish, which is the whole point of getting a fishing boat. If you have the space, you can get a second cooler to keep the fish in if you clean them as you catch them.
Rod Lockers
Every fishing trip will get easier if you always have your road ready to go. You can store your rod in a corner of your garage but that leads to tangled lines, broken tips and a general hassle which can annoy you before you set out. A good fishing boat should have a rod storage option that can typically hold five or more fishing poles rigged and ready for use. To save time and cut down on the headache, make sure your fishing boat is outfitted with the fishing rod storage that you need.
Depth Finder
It can be hard to find the right fishing spot on a wide lake without a depth finder. With this device, you can see how deep the water is and then use that information to determine what kind of fish are likely to be beneath you as well as whether you might soon run aground unless you change your course. You can even get depth finders for your rod to help you lower your line to the precise depth you want, saving you time and energy since some fish like to swim closer to the surface while others dart about in the depths.
Rod Holder
This is one of the most helpful and common fishing boat features for obvious reasons. Most good fishing boats have strategically placed rod holders already. However, if you’re trying to outfit another type of craft for good fishing, it’s not too hard to find aftermarket rod holders that can fit on the frame of your pontoon or into the structure of your jon boat to give you the same convenience that a full-fledged fishing boat enjoys.
Baitwell/Livewell
A must-have for trophy fishing, livewells and baitwells come in various sizes, usually around 20 gallons or more. These systems aerate and circulate the water that keep the catch fresh. A livewell should be about 1 gallon of water for 1” of fish so make sure the size matches the size of the fish you’ll be catching. A baitwell keeps the bait fresh and is typically smaller. Many newer bait and livewells come with built in macerators to grind up any debris like scales that get left behind, speeding your cleanup and reducing maintenance.
Anchor
An anchor is essential for fishing boats for two reasons. First, it helps you fish more efficiently as it lets you situate your boat in an area properly. Without it, your boat could start to drift with the waves and currents of the water. Second, it works as a safeguard in case your motor goes out. It’ll stop your fishing boat from drifting away while you wait for help to arrive. It’ll be easier to stay in place until a rescue boat reaches you.
T-Top
Fishing boats are typically open, which can leave anglers at the mercy of the elements. Being out on a hot day for hours on end can ruin your fishing experience. Getting a T-top for your boat will help you stay cool on hot days and keep you dry in case it starts to rain when you’re out. It’ll also give you a place to rest while your fishing rods are doing the work. Not to mention, there’s more potential for storage areas with T-top roofs, like overhead racks.
Emergency Kit
All boats should have an emergency kit. These convenient packages have many of the items you might need if you run into bad luck on the water. Most kits have items like a signal device such as a flare, a whistle, a mirror or some combination thereof. A good emergency kit will also come with a rescue rope, in case you lose your boat's onboard PFD, and a flashlight. Your emergency kit can also be used as a bailing device in case your fishing boat suddenly starts filling with water,
We hope you’ll find this guide helpful when selecting your fishing boat. If you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to check out fishing boats in Norwich, CT, contact Thayer’s Marine and have a chat with our helpful staff. If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in Springfield, MA, get in touch with our sales department to check out our inventory.