How to fish from a boat
If you’re looking for some fishing tips for fishing from a boat on rivers or bays then we think we have you covered. First, Go Fishing as they say, fishing is considered often one the most mentally relaxing hobbies or sports depending on your objectives you can have. In our busy and often overwhelming life, the rod and reel are a great getaway from the daily grind.
The next thing is determining the best fishing pole or gear for your location. This can be done using online tools or visiting your local bait and tackle shop who often knows exactly what is best for the local waters. The last thing you want to do is grab that fish on the line and have the rod break as you begin the process of reeling the bad boy in.
I am often asked what is the best place on the boat to actually fish from? When your at anchor the back of the boat or Stern as it is called is likely the best place for you.
Match your lure color to the watercolor. You never know exactly what color lures the fish will prefer on any given day so you should always try changing color when you’re not catching, but as a general rule of thumb, start out by choosing lures that match the water’s color.
In Clearwater, reach for white or pearl fishing lures.
In green water, lime or chartreuse is usually a top pick.
And in tannic-stained water, root-beer is often going to prove productive.
Choose lure shapes and sizes and consider how it might appeal to the school of fish. When predators are feeding on a school of small, thin fish like anchovies, a small, thin spoon that’s the same shape and size as those baitfish will often prove deadly — but a five-inch lure with a wide-body may well go untouched.
Profile and length are usually the key features in this regard, because your quarry may well be focused on the shape and size of the prevailing bait and ignore other offerings.
If you prefer to move as you fish or as it is called TROLLING, slowly troll while you tow lures behind the boat), before deploying the lines hold your lures next to the boat and watch them to be sure they’re swimming in a lifelike manner. If they look lethargic, try speeding up a bit.
Conversely, if they seem spastic pull the throttle back a notch. This will help you set the most effective boat speed, while also ensuring that you don’t accidentally set out a lure that’s fouled, damaged, or not swimming properly.
The 2nd most common question asked of us What is the best time to go fishing. Yes, we would love to say Anytime if all you have is to escape when you can but for the best fishing you need to wake up early. Set off on your boating tour just before dawn as often the best time is near dawn. Fish early, and fish late. Many species of fish bite best right at dawn and dusk, in ambient sunlight. During the mid-day hours cloud cover can make for better fishing, and in direct sunlight (especially during the heat of summer) look for areas with shade. Fish often seek out shade when it’s hot and sunny and become more active during the cool hours of the day, just as you or I might. If you are going out in to the ocean or bay then you may want to study currents and how currents affect fishing.
Real drag, or the catch. Use a scale to set your reel’s drag. The drag allows a fish to take line instead of pulling against it until it breaks, and having it set properly is critical. Truth be told most people just give a tug on the line until it “feels right.” That’s a poor substitute for tying your line to a hand scale and setting the drag to one-third of the line’s rated breaking strength, which is generally considered the ideal.
Safety when fishing is important.
Follow these tips to enjoy a safe fishing experience:
Wear a life jacket.
Do not fish alone on a boat.
File a float plan or notify family and friends of your agenda (where)
Remember that a neat boat is a safe boat.
Keep hooks and lures in tackle boxes.
Have a Radio
Ensure you have proper safety equipment on board.
I hope these basic fishing tips were helpful to you. Now go enjoy your boat and fishing from your stern from Power Boat.