Freshwater Family Fishing Boats: What Are My Options?

Premier Watersports May 8, 2021 - Boating Tips 1,714 Views

Wish to go fishing with your family?

The majority follow this routine and have below-average fishing experience.

The routine is to reach the nearest lake, look for a ‘boat for sale ’ sign, hire any boat, and off to the waters.

But, how can you have a great fishing experience with your family?

One of the most important steps is to hire an appropriate boat for freshwater fishing. A one-size-fits-all approach is not how a boat needs to be chosen. Boats meant for cruising cannot be an ideal alternative for fishing with family.

Certain boats for sale are designed specifically for families to engage in freshwater fishing.

Knowing the options beforehand will help you in multiple ways. For starters, you can spend less time choosing between various boats and more time fishing. Also, no dealer can lure you into hiring an incompetent, yet expensive boat.

Now, let’s look at your options for fishing in freshwater with your family?

• Pontoon boats

These are the most common boats you see when you visit a lake. Although they are not the best suited for freshwater fishing, everyone loves a good-old pontoon.

The comfort is unparalleled and it is perfect for a casual family ride. Pontoon boats are spacious enough for both seating and fishing. The wide deck of pontoon boats for sale is a boon. Along with the twin-tube hull, the stability of the boat is exceptional.

Since the boat does not rock as much, you can move around to fish without worry. If you are having kids on the boat, it is also a great time to teach them the art. Pontoon boats usually have fences around the deck to secure the kids onboard.

Nowadays, fishing-specific pontoons are being built regularly. These have additional stability and deck space. And for freshwater fishing, these variants are more than ideal for your family.

If you are running short on time, just hire a pontoon. They are a true all-rounder to cruise down the lake while fishing.

You might not win a race with a pontoon, but your family would love the experience.

• Yamaha boats

A crowd’s favorite — Yamaha boats are great for freshwater fishing. It is a compact boat, spacious enough to accommodate your family. Yamaha boats are generally luxurious. They tend to provide a cruising experience while riding. With cushions, dual lounges, and at times, a cocktail table, your family is in for a treat.

Yamaha boats are powerful enough to be stable in choppy waters. With a huge fuel capacity, the range of these boats is unrivaled. Also, Yamaha boats are surprisingly big. From accommodating your family to having several fishing rods on board, these boats are huge.

They usually have an open casting deck. This can be a potential danger with kids around, so keep an extra eye out. On the flip side, an open casting deck with no obstruction has a couple of benefits. Casting and bringing the fish onboard becomes easier.

Most Yamaha boats have cruise control which assists in maintaining speed and stability. And with their jet pumps, they make fishing around shallow bays possible.

So, if your family loves adventure or luxury, Yamaha boats cater to both. No ‘boat for sale’ board fails to have a Yamaha in their fleet. Hence, grab one and enjoy a luxurious ride.

• Starcraft boats

If your family loves adventure, here is the perfect boat for you. Starcraft is not your ordinary fishing boat which you can hire and go fishing. The boats you hire near the bay area are modified for the average person to use and ride.

And this is where starcraft boats carve their niche. They are powered by four-stroke engines which are robust. With a horsepower of around 90, your family is in for an adventure.

Starcraft boats are overpowered for freshwater fishing. Hence, substantial experience is needed before taking the boat into the water.

Compared to Yamaha and pontoon, Starcraft boats have less space. Generally, starcraft boats can accommodate up to 10 people. However, this is compensated for by the immense accessibility it provides. With a starcraft boat, your family can fish at ease, standing on any point of the boat.

Likewise, their powerful pumps help the bait stay alive for longer periods.

As mentioned, starcraft boats are ideal for an adventurous ride. It is also stable enough to operate in rough waters. Hence, if you have experience in fishing, a starcraft boat shall be a great addition.

Tips to choose the perfect boat for freshwater fishing:

• Size

Boats come in a plethora of sizes and they can easily leave you confused. Smaller boats (under 17 feet) can be good for fishing but not ideal for a family setup.

Bowriders and dual consoles that range from 25 to 30 feet are the best for family rides. However, for fishing, they are too big and expensive.

So, stick to the middle ground with boats of 17 to 25 feet. They are great for fishing while also being spacious enough for good family time.

• Features

There are certain features which would be ideal for fishing with family. Sufficient built-in rod holders are a must when you go to the waters with your family. The available storage on the boat is a vital factor too. Other features like fuel capacity, fish boxes, hull design need special consideration.

• Budget

This is an easy factor to consider while hiring or purchasing a fishing boat. Without a budget in mind, you can end up disappointed with your purchase.

Also, talk to a local professional for better insights. They have first-hand experience dealing with fishing boats. The familiar experience holds you in better stead while choosing the right boat.

• Quality

Boats are prone to off-season rusting and degradation. Look for rust patches and other signs of damage before choosing a boat.

And if you are purchasing a boat, there are several steps to follow while storing the boat during the off-season.

Conclusion:

Now, you know the best options for freshwater fishing. Likewise, you understand the qualities to look out for in a boat. To further ease your process of choosing a boat, a reliable boat dealer is needed. And we have the best here — Premier Watersports. From top-quality boats to accessories, they have everything you need for a comfortable time in the water.