What is the best part of boating? Opinions often differ on this. But one activity that many boating enthusiasts enjoy is fishing. If you aren’t prepared to go out in the open ocean to fish, opt for a little trip to the freshwater areas instead.
Why do you need a boat? Why can’t you do it from the shore? The reason is simple; being on the water gives you better mobility than being on the shore. Moreover, it also makes it easier to avoid the crowd that gathers on the shore.
But before you plan your trip to the inland rivers, lakes or streams to fish, you need to find the right boat for it. The question is – how do you make a choice? It is easy to get confused; and a little advice and assistance is always a good thing.
Let’s try to help you find the right type of boat for your freshwater fishing trip.
Is it just for you or a group of anglers?
When you are starting out, a smaller watercraft can be a better option. Small aluminium dinghies are ideal. They are easy to manoeuvre, lightweight to carry and tow, and offer access to narrow water bodies.
But such a vessel won’t do if you plan to take your family out on a relaxing freshwater fishing trip or your friends on a bass fishing tournaments, you need bigger boats designed specifically for the purpose – an inboard cruiser or a bass boat.
Do you plan to store it in your garage or book a marina for it?
This is one oft-forgotten point. If you don’t want to add to the expenses, it is a better idea to choose a smaller flat boat, ideal for shallow waters. You can store it in your shed or garage.
This won’t be the right fit if you plan to buy a big boat for your weekend fishing trips. A deck boat with a fishing platform can hardly fit into a garage! For this, you need to book a marina to keep it. But remember, this may add to the expenses.
How much do you intend to spend?
The price of the freshwater fishing vessel depends on its size, type, capacity, power and features. Whether it’s a new boat or a used one also affects the price. And the price alone isn’t the only investment.
You have to consider the taxes, insurance, and storage facility costs. You also have to fit the boat with the features and amenities you need. And you may need to give it a fresh coat of paint or decorate it with your favourite adornments.
Which power option is suitable for a freshwater fishing boat?
Small outboard engines are good for the simple no frills boats you take to navigate the streams and creeks. To make lure casting work, opt for a vessel powered by electric outboard motor.
Such a motor is also suitable for trolling, an effective way to catch the trout. And it also gives you the best opportunity to control your boat with only a push of a button. Some even have an autopilot feature, so you can sit back while you fish.
What kind of storage do you need in the boat?
An inflatable watercraft can be right for a novice. But it doesn’t offer much dry storage. In such a circumstance, it is best to buy a couple of dry bags to keep your valuables, electronics and other essentials.
When you select a medium-sized bowrider or a large-sized pontoon boat for your freshwater fishing excursions, you need not fret about storage. It offers ample space to store your fishing rods and other supplies.
Now that you have an idea about which boat works for your trip, you are ready for it.
But before you go out, you need to have a good idea about the sweet water fish species in the Australian waters. Opportunities abound; the wild bass in the coastal streams, the trout in the southern water bodies, and the cod in the Murray-Darling basin.
Why is freshwater fishing a good idea? Australian inland water bodies are replete with native and introduced species. Restocking efforts have resulted in large numbers of perch, cod, bass, trout, and so on in the waters.
The best part is that you can use a variety of techniques to catch fish in the sweet waters of Australia. Whether you are apt at bait, fly or lure fishing, you can use any of them to participate and enjoy this activity.
And before you go fishing, make sure you get your general boating licence.
