Fishing Boat Must-Haves

While it’s perfectly possible to fish from the riverbank or a dock, you won’t have much choice of fish and you may not even catch anything in the shallow water. If you really want to get a big catch or a large quantity of fish, you’re going to need a fishing boat. Some fishing boats are very simple affairs that let you simply float on the water, but others are much more well-appointed, with plenty of great features that make fishing more relaxing, more enjoyable and more fruitful. At Dunfords of Havelock in Ontario, we know how important it is that your fishing trips be pleasant, so we’ve compiled this list of fishing boat must-have accessories to get you off on the right foot.

Anchor

While it’s important that your boat is able to propel itself across the water, it’s equally vital that you be able to stop it and hold it in place when you get to where the fish are biting. A small anchor will help you stay in one place when the wind has other ideas. You can also use an anchor to help you troll within a narrow area. Anchors also come in handy when you lose power to your motor as they prevent you from running aground or hitting rocks or other obstacles while you restart your motor.

Livewell

If you want to keep your catches fresh and swimming all day, you’ll want a spacious livewell to drop them into. You’ll need about a gallon of water for every inch of fish inside them to keep the fish alive in the aerated environment. This keeps your fish from spoiling so you don’t have to head back to shore as soon as you’ve caught something.

Depth Finder

Certain fish enjoy swimming in certain depths, and to locate those depths, you’ll want a depth finder. If you get a depth finder for each rod, you’ll be able to figure out where to place your bait and adjust it accordingly until the fish start to bite. This will make your fishing experience more enjoyable and productive, saving you the frustration of keeping your hook in the water with no bites.

Rod Holders

Rod holders are indispensable on a fishing trip, as they let you keep your rod in the water while you step away from the side of the boat to grab a drink or use the head. You can even keep multiple rods in the water this way, which is very effective for trolling, as it increases your chances of catching fish. Rod holders mean you aren’t limited to having one line in the water at a time, and you aren’t stuck in place for hours holding the line yourself.

T-Top Roof

If you’re out on the water on a hot day, you’ll want to find respite from the sun and the heat. A T-top style roof will provide you and your fishing companions with a shady place to rest and avoid getting too much sun. You can get a sunburn on the water even when it’s cloudy outside, so it’s important to take shelter and to wear sunscreen when you’re not under your T-top. These roofs also often provide storage space for your gear so you can stash it up out of the way when it’s not in use!

Now that you know what to equip on your fishing boat, you may be in the market for a newer or bigger boat to increase your catches and have room for more amenities. Visit our Havelock showroom to see the great fishing boats we carry, along with other new and used boats for sale. Dunfords of Havelock serves the Ontario cities of Peterborough, Kingston, Belleville and Kawartha.