Marine engineers have spent decades perfecting fishing boats for just about every type of fishing imaginable. From sportfishermen capable of traveling long distances in rough seas to high-speed bass boats that will always be the first to reach the fish, there’s a lot to be said for a well-designed fishing boat. For better or worse though, not everyone wants a fishing boat. If you only fish occasionally and have a different type of boat like a pontoon boat, wakeboarding boat, sailboat, or even a yacht, fear not, you can catch fish off of it too. In this article we will take a look at some tips any boat owner can follow to make the most of the boat they have when it comes to catching fish.

Clear The Deck

A clear unobstructed deck is a key to fishing. Even if you can’t clear the entire deck, it’s important to have a designated area, usually in the stern, where fishermen can move around unobstructed. The last thing you want to worry about while fighting the fish of a lifetime is tripping on something. In addition to a clear deck,, it’s important to remove any potential restrictions to casting that could snag lines and cause problems during a hot bite. Believe it or not there are plenty of sailors who successfully fish off sailboats, despite the obvious clutter from their masts and rigging, and the key to their success is designating an area that is clear for landing fish.

Stay On Top Of Your Boat’s Maintenance

Whether you do your own maintenance or use a local boat repair shop, any voyage starts with a well maintained boat. For fishing trips this is especially important as there are a number of systems aboard that will help you make the most of your fishing trip. Engine maintenance is always key but for fishing making sure things like your boat’s GPS and depth finder work properly is also very important. If your boat has live wells for holding live bait and fish in, it’s also important to make sure they are working too if you will be using them. Any other systems aboard that you usually use while fishing should be double-checked, especially if you haven’t used your boat for fishing in some time.

Consider Adding Fishing Accessories

If you’re a boat owner that doesn’t regularly fish but wants to occasionally, the world of fishing-related accessories for your boat might seem daunting. However, there are some basic and relatively inexpensive accessories that will make your life a lot easier. Adding a couple rod holds to your boat’s rails or gunwales will make fishing a lot easier. A good anchor that can hold your boat in any conditions should already be aboard for safety purposes but will make staying on your fishing spots even easier. If you’re looking to spend a little more, a multifunction display with a good fish finder in it can make a world of difference when it comes to location fish. Likewise, a trolling motor setup can make stealthy navigation and position holding near fish easy.

Regardless of what type of boat you have, you can catch fish aboard it. And with a few of the modifications mentioned above, your chances of success will skyrocket. Get out on the water, see what works for you and your boat, and let us know how you do!