HIT THE WATER!
One constant that has held us all together and given us hope for a brighter future through unprecedented times is our collective love of the water. As ice begins to fade across the northland and waters warm throughout the South, our attention turns once again to boats—especially new boats rolling into marinas—as well as the powerplants and accessories that make fishing from a new boat a true joy.
While the fundamental acts of fishing—presenting a lure and coaxing a strike—remain unchanged, the specific features and functions that we look for in a new boat may vary widely depending on where we fish and what we’re fishing for. Indeed, the boating needs of a halibut angler plying the waters of coastal Alaska will not match those of a crappie enthusiast in the low country of Louisiana.
Begin your boat selection process by considering how and where you plan to spend most of your time on the water. Expansive waters, like large Southern reservoirs or the Great Lakes, frequently call for longer boats to provide a smoother ride in rough conditions. If your adventures take you to skinny rivers or pothole lakes, then a shorter boat with a shallow draft is more appropriate.
How much gear are you willing to load (and unload) for every trip? Be sure that your boat has enough dry
