Fishing Boat Must-Haves
What Do I Need on a Fishing Boat?
Say hi to the high seas! Recreational fishers contributed $7.9 billion to the economy of Canada in 2019. You can make money and enjoy delicious meals by fishing.
But many people decline to try fishing out. They ask themselves, "What do I need on a fishing boat?" To answer that question, you have to answer several others.
What are some essential fishing boat accessories that you need? What are the best pieces of fishing gear, and how do they help you fish? What fishing supplies do you need to make fishing comfortable?
Get the facts and you can become an able and comfortable fisher in no time. Here is your quick guide.
Anchor
An anchor will keep your boat in place while you are fishing. If you lose power to your motor, you can cast your anchor to prevent your boat from hitting rocks or sandbars as you try to restart it.
Your anchor should be big and heavy enough to stop your boat. But it shouldn't be too bulky or cumbersome on your boat before you cast it. Look at a few different anchors and try to figure out how you can fit one on your vessel.
Live Well
A live well is a tank that stays on your fishing boat. It contains a few gallons of water, keeping your fish alive until you get to the shore. Boats like the 2022 Montego Bay FC8520 2PT DLX have built-in wells.
You should find a tank that accommodates multiple fish. You need roughly one gallon of water for each inch of fish. The water temperatures should be cold, and you can use ice as a coolant on a hot day.
Depth Finder
A depth finder is a digital tool that maps the bottom of the body of water you are fishing in. It lets you see where deep parts of the water are so you can cast your line to the appropriate length.
You should attach a depth finder to each rod and bring plenty of fish bait with you. This lets you chum the water at a shallow depth and attract fish toward your boat.
Rod Holders
Rod holders keep your fishing rods in place while you are away from them. You should keep multiple rods in the water to increase your chances of catching fish.
Keep in mind that there are a few kinds of rod holders. You can install flush-mounted holders on your gunwale by drilling holes into it and fitting them inside. Removable holders can be slid in and out of place on any vertical surface on your vessel.
T-Top Roof
A T-top roof will provide shade for you during a hot and sunny day. The top should not be too low so you can sit comfortably without hitting your head.
You can buy a boat with a top on it, or you can install a top on an old boat. If you're going to install a top, you should avoid using stainless steel, as it is very heavy and expensive.
Spare Clothing
You should expect to get cold or wet whenever you go boating. You should bring a spare set of clothes so you can change or put layers on when the temperatures drop.
At a minimum, you should bring a spare jacket and a pair of pants. Many people get their pants wet while casting lines or walking around on deck.
Lifejacket
Canadian law requires you to have a lifejacket or a personal flotation device onboard for every person. Even if you are in a kayak or a human-powered vessel, you must have one. You can wear the lifejacket while you are on the ship, or you can store it in a compartment that you can access easily.
You should try out a jacket before you buy it. It should fit comfortably around your torso, and you should find it easy to put it on and take it off. Try to find one with bright colours and reflective surfaces so you are easy to spot in the water.
Cable Ties
Cable ties are good all-around tools. You can use a tie to keep a rod in its holder or to secure an object to the floor of your boat. You can tie a few wires together so they don't become caught on other objects or release sparks.
Try to buy a package of ties in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Black or brown ties may be hard to see, while yellow and red ones are very visible. Put the container in a place where you can access it.
First-Aid Kit
You may get injured in several ways while you are going fishing. You can trip and fall on the floor, and you can get a fishing hook stuck in your arm or hand.
You should have a first-aid kit that you can use to treat various injuries. For trip and fall injuries, you should have ice packs, bandages, and splints. For cuts, you should have rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.
Signal Horn and Flares
A signal horn can summon the attention of first responders and other boats. If your radio is broken, you can use it to communicate in Morse code to other boats as well. Keep at least one horn on your boat.
Flares also summon the attention of others, especially if you fall into the water. Buy bright flares that are visible from long distances, and make sure to replace the ones you've bought previously. They can expire after a year or so.
Rope
Rope is another all-purpose tool for tying objects down and hauling in catches. You should keep a few reels of rope on your boat, each with a different size and width.
So What Do I Need on a Fishing Boat?
Many people ask the question, "What do I need on a fishing boat?" You need to modify your boat, attaching an anchor and a live well to it. You also need a T-top roof so you can relax in the shade.
To increase your safety, you need a life jacket, signal horn, and flares. If you want to stay comfortable, you need spare clothing and a first-aid kit. Cable ties and rope are great tools for any fishing expedition.
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