There are few experiences that are more enjoyable than to wake up before the crack of dawn, get on a fishing boat, find a quiet and secluded spot, and throw out a line while the rest of the world is still in bed.
If you’ve never done this, you won’t know exactly how relaxing and enjoyable fishing can be. Owning a fishing boat is a great amenity that far more people dream of than enjoy.
If you have a boat, that’s great, but there are several additions and upgrades every fisherman should consider getting as well.
Upgrade the Motor
Every fisherman has to have a good electric boat motor. Often, the motor that comes with a boat is a generic one (or old, if you buy a boat from someone) that might serve its purpose, but it isn’t necessarily top of the line.
Even if it’s a decent motor, it may serve as a general-purpose tool that may not perform well under certain particular circumstances. Sometimes, the boat might not even come with a motor.
Rather than going with the limited inventory the boat dealer might have, holding off and researching the appropriate motor for your boat and needs online may be well worth your time.
Invest in Amenities or Upgrades
Most fishing boats are going to feature a few basic amenities, but again, these will likely be generic. Plenty of items may be added to a fishing vessel to make it more enjoyable and a better match for your personality and desires.
Some easy upgrades include laying down a soft surface as flooring, adding cup holders, an upgraded chair, and making space for a permanent cooler. These small add-ons might not seem like game changers, but when they all come together, that can transform a generic fishing boat into a personal vessel that fits your style.
Fish Finder
There was a time when fish finders were regarded as a form of cheating, or simply taking away from the experience. Some anglers may still prefer the experience of going to a new fishing ground with no help and hoping for the best, it’s difficult to deny that fish finders may make the experience better.
Something many fishermen might not know is that you no longer have to empty your bank account to own a quality fish finder. A quality fish-finder system may be purchased for about $100.
Fish finders are also a nice addition to any boat because, if nothing else, even if you are the worst fisherman in the world, it will make you look like you know what you’re doing, and at least get you to a spot where the fish are.
First Aid/Survival Gear
Boat owners tend to like to explore and discover new coves, fishing holes, and places to relax alone. Although it may seem impossible, there are cases where it is possible to become utterly lost.
Beaver Lake, a large body of water that straddles the border between Arkansas and Missouri, contains more than 300 coves and inlets. Some of these coves lead to other coves, so it can be easier than you might think to get lost.
Another common experience is to suffer an injury while fishing. It can be a dangerous sport, since many fish have teeth or sharp barbels, and of course you have to handle long hooks and knives, which pose their own threat.
In all these situations, it’s a smart idea to have permanent first aid and survival gear available. Every year, people die while fishing because they were not prepared to address an injury or accident, especially when they’re alone in a secluded portion of a lake or river.
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