Choosing the Right Fishing Boat

If you want to up your fishing game and stop sticking to the docks, you’ll need a fishing boat. For centuries, people have used boats to help them get to deeper waters, where bigger fish are biting. Whether you’re fishing for work or for sport, a good-quality fishing boat with the proper features will help you enjoy the activity that much more.

But how do you choose the perfect fishing boat for your needs? We’ve got the answers! L&M Marine, LLC, is proud to be your Alabama fishing boat dealer. We’re located in Stapleton, so pay us a visit if you have any questions after reading this guide to choosing the right fishing boat.

Freshwater or Saltwater?

Consider, first, the bodies of water you wish to fish in. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are different endeavors, requiring different features to be present on your chosen craft. Deep freshwater fishing will require you to have a lightweight boat with a quiet motor that won’t create too much drag. Shallower freshwater areas need a shallow draft, so a flat-bottom boat is best, one equipped with an outboard motor.

Saltwater, by contrast, will generally be very deep all the time, and much choppier than most bodies of freshwater. A deep-V hulled boat is necessary and aluminum is an ideal construction material for smaller crafts, due to its corrosion resistance and lightweight durability. Tumultuous waters will face you in the open ocean, which will necessitate a larger vessel with features for comfort like a fully enclosed cabin.

Storage Needs

Depending on how many people you take and how long you plan to go out for, your fishing boat storage needs will vary considerably. Boats designed for saltwater fishing are roomier and larger by virtue of needing to be sturdy enough to cope with choppy water and high tides. So you’ll probably find more storage aboard these vessels compared to their smaller counterparts made for freshwater lakes and rivers. You’ll probably want to have extra room for a guest to join you every so often, whatever size of boat you choose, so account for that during your search.

Amenities

Fishing boats, whether designed for fresh or saltwater, come with various amenities designed to make fishing more comfortable and more productive. Baitwells will keep live bait fresh and ready for your hook, while livewells keep your catches alive until you get to shore. Rod holders anchored to the sides of the craft will allow you to keep multiple lines in the water or to step away from your line without having to withdraw it temporarily. Fish finders can help you to locate where your ideal catches are biting. GPS units will help you to more accurately navigate the region.

Engines

Fishing boats are equipped with a few different engine types.  Bigger and more powerful engines are necessary for choppier waters and for going longer distances. Quieter and smaller motors may be more desirable in smaller bodies of water. Outboard motors are a good option due to their affordability and ease of maintenance. Many fishing boats have inboard engines, either as their primary source of power or as an adjunct to an outboard. 

We hope this guide helps you to locate the perfect fishing boat for your needs. Stop by our Stapleton dealership today to take a look at our full stock of new and used fishing boats for sale. Our staff will be more than happy to help you in your search by answering any questions you have. L&M Marine, LLC, proudly serves our customers in Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama.