When buying a boat to go fishing in, there are many different styles of boat you can choose from. Just what are your best choices? This post explores 7 of the best types of boats for fishing enthusiasts.
Bay boats
Bay boats are specifically designed for shallow waters, making them an excellent choice for lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas. They have a streamlined hull that allows for excellent manoeuvrability and minimal draft, allowing them access to areas of water where other boats may struggle. Most bay boats also have a center console design, offering deck space all around the boat for 360-degree fishing.
V-hull center console boats
Speaking of center console boats, there is also the option of V-hull center console boats. Bay boats are designed for shallow waters, while V-hull center console boats are designed for offshore fishing in choppy waters. They are a popular option for anglers who want to venture out into the deep sea. Some are marketed specifically at fishermen and may even come with features like rod holders, fish finders, and live bait tanks.
Pontoons
Pontoons are known for their superior stability, due to their flat bottom and dual cylindrical tube design, allowing them to stay still on the water without disturbing fish. They’re also very spacious vessels with plenty of seating, making them ideal for family fishing trips. They’re not the fastest boats on the water, but they’re excellent for leisurely cruising. This selection of Premier pontoon boats offers a few different styles.
Catamarans
A more luxurious option to consider is a catamaran. These are yachts with two parallel hulls joined by a deck, offering similar stability to a pontoon and ample deck space for friends and family. Whereas pontoons are better for lakes and rivers, catamarans are able to handle the choppy waters of the sea and have living quarters, making it possible to go on multi-day fishing trips.
Sportfishing boats
Sportfishing boats are for those who take fishing seriously, as well as those who are looking for a thrill ride. Many come with advanced fishing equipment like outriggers and fish boxes. These vessels are also capable of going very fast and have large tanks for exploring large areas of open water. They may boast many of the luxuries of a catamaran, but they don’t have the same stability. Expect to pay upwards of $50,000 for one of these boats (and several million dollars for a really plush one).
Jon boats
At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have everyone’s favorite budget boat – the jon boat. These small flat-bottomed boats are made from lightweight aluminium and can be easily transported by car and taken to locations around the country. They offer decent stability in shallow waters and rivers and can be easily customized with features like fish finders, rod holders, and swivel seats. Maximum capacity is usually only three or five people. However, they are very affordable boats – they’re cheap to buy, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain.
Fishing kayaks
The most basic fishing boat you can buy is a fishing kayak. These are manually paddled, allowing for a silent approach, while also serving as great exercise. Fishing kayaks are also small enough to get into waters where most other boats can’t go. Unlike a traditional kayak, a fishing kayak typically comes with rod holders and storage compartments for bait and catches. They are cheap to buy and very portable.
