Fishing Boat Buying Guide

How to Find the Right Fishing Boat for You

Fishing is one of the most popular – and exciting – activities you can take part in on the water. And while fishing from a dock or shore can be fun, fishing on a boat gives you access to better fishing spots and, ultimately, more fish.

Whether you’re new to fishing and looking for your first boat or are an experienced angler in the market for an upgrade, this guide will help you determine the best fishing boat for you.

What Makes a Boat a Fishing Boat?

If you're a casual fisher, you can really cast a line from almost any boat. But if you're serious about fishing, there are boats out there that are designed specifically with angling in mind.

So, what exactly makes a boat a fishing boat? Here are some of the most common fishing boat features that set them apart from other watercraft.

Live Wells

Live wells are special compartments fishing boats have where you can store your bait. They flush water through and oxygenate it to keep bait alive and fresh.

Rod Holders

Rod holders are specialized tubes built into fishing boats to hold fishing rods. They keep rods upright so you can relax and grab a drink while waiting for a bite, or can be used to store rods when they’re not in use.

Fish Boxes

Fish boxes are built-in compartments where you can store the fish you catch. They’re typically filled with ice to create a safe place to keep your catch fresh until you get back to shore.

Casting Decks

Casting decks are large, flat platforms some fishing boats have where you can stand and cast your lines. Casting decks are typically elevated and feature non-skid surfaces.

Outboard

Most fishing boats feature outboard engines that mount to the boat’s transom. Outboards allow you to trim the motor up in shallow water while still providing plenty of power.

Fishing Styles

If you've decided you want to buy a fishing boat but aren't sure what kind to choose, one of the biggest things you’ll need to consider is the kind of fishing you’ll be doing. While most fishing boats have similar features, certain boats are better for specific kinds of fishing.
Here are some of the most common types of fishing:

Saltwater Fishing

• Saltwater fishing is exactly what it sounds like – fishing in bodies of water made up of saltwater. That includes: Oceans, Seas, Gulfs, Bays, And more!

Saltwater Fishing Boats

If you’re looking to go after fish that live in saltwater like oceans and gulfs, you have a wide variety of options available. The exact type of boat will ultimately determine the features and design, but most saltwater fishing boats have a deeper V-shaped hull that helps the boat cut through larger, choppier waves often found in open waters.

Saltwater fishing boats are typically made with materials that can handle prolonged exposure to saltwater, but they often require more frequent maintenance and care to prevent corrosion. While they’re designed for oceans, seas, and other bodies of saltwater, these boats can handle lakes and other freshwater bodies safely.

Freshwater Fishing

This type of fishing happens in bodies of freshwater, including: Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Creeks, Ponds.

Freshwater Fishing Boats

Because they’re made for lakes, rivers, and other calm bodies of water, freshwater fishing boats usually have flatter bottoms or V-hulls that are shallower than those found on saltwater fishing boats. The design makes it easier for the boats to stay stable and drive through shallower waters.

While saltwater fishing boats can typically be used in freshwater, the same is not true for freshwater fishing boats. You shouldn’t take boats specifically designed for freshwater fishing into bodies of saltwater because they’re usually made with materials that aren’t as resistant to saltwater corrosion.

The good news is – because they’re not exposed to saltwater, freshwater fishing boats often require less intensive maintenance.

Offshore (Deep-Sea) Fishing

Offshore fishing, also known as deep-sea fishing, involves angling out on the open waters of the ocean, sea, or gulf, where larger fish typically dwell.

Offshore Fishing Boats

Offshore fishing boats are larger in size and designed to handle some of the most demanding conditions in the open ocean. These boats feature higher gunwales to keep you safe and dry, as well as a deep V-hull that can cut through waves and stabilize the boat in rough water.

Deep-sea fishing boats typically have larger fuel tanks to ensure you have enough capacity for adventures that take you far off the coast. Other common features include advanced fish-finding and navigational electronics.

Offshore fishing boats are available in various styles, including center-console, dual-console, open, or walkaround.

Open offshores feature an open cockpit, an enclosed cabin, and a wraparound windshield surrounding the helm deck. These boats may also have an upper helm station above the boat’s hardtop.

Walkaround offshore boats often have a smaller forward cabin but feature recessed side decks that provide easier access around the whole boat when you're trying to land a bigger catch.

We’ll go into center console vs. dual console later in this guide!

Inshore Fishing

• Inshore fishing is any fishing that takes place in shallower waters or closer to shore. This can include estuaries and shallow, enclosed bays or areas close to beaches.

Inshore Fishing Boats

Inshore fishing boats

• are typically smaller and more agile than offshore boats. The more compact design makes it easier for these boats to navigate shallower waters and maneuver around mangroves, seagrass, docks, and other structures.

• Since inshore fishing usually involves calmer waters, inshore boats have flatter bottoms or a less pronounced V-hull that provides better stability and a much lower risk of running aground.

Inshore Fishing

• Inshore fishing is any fishing that takes place in shallower waters or closer to shore. This can include estuaries and shallow, enclosed bays or areas close to beaches.

Inshore Fishing Boats

Inshore fishing boats

• are typically smaller and more agile than offshore boats. The more compact design makes it easier for these boats to navigate shallower waters and maneuver around mangroves, seagrass, docks, and other structures.

• Since inshore fishing usually involves calmer waters, inshore boats have flatter bottoms or a less pronounced V-hull that provides better stability and a much lower risk of running aground.

Different Types of Fishing Boats

Center Console Fishing Boats

• Center consoles are the most common (and popular) type of fishing boat. Center console boats get their name from their design, which features a single helm console at the middle of the boat surrounded by side decks.

All-Around Fishing

• The center console design is popular among serious saltwater anglers because it provides unobstructed access all around the boat when they have a fish on the line. That means if you’re at the back of the boat and the fish you hooked starts pulling toward the front, you can easily run that way up the side deck.

Smooth Ride

• Most center console boats have a deeper V-hull that allows them to cut through choppier waters smoothly, meaning you get a more pleasant ride.

Good for More Than Just Fishing

While center consoles are popular fishing boats, they’re versatile, family-friendly vessels that can just as easily be used for cruising and watersports.

Explore Center Console Fishing Boats for Sale

Dual Console Fishing Boats

While center consoles remain the most commonly used fishing boat, dual console boats are becoming increasingly popular, especially for freshwater fishing on lakes or offshore fishing. Whereas center console boats have a single helm directly in the middle of the boat, dual consoles have two – one on the right and another on the left – separated by an open space.

Drier Ride

Dual console boats have a windshield that wraps around the two helms, protecting you from wind, waves, and spraying water. The walk-through windshield also provides access to the bow or cabin of the boat.

More Storage Space

Dual console boats also offer more storage space and seating, making them a convenient and comfortable option for longer fishing trips.

Maximum Versatility

While center consoles can be used for more than just fishing, dual consoles are truly versatile boats known for their crossover abilities. In addition to fishing, dual console boats can be used for socializing on the dock, lounging at the sandbar, cruising offshore, watersports, and more.

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Power Catamarans & Fishing Yachts

• Power catamarans combine performance and luxury on the water. They feature two hulls that are connected by the bridge deck where you steer and control the boat.

• While these boats are available in a range of styles and sizes, most power catamarans used for fishing are on the smaller side.

Powerful Fishing Vessel

• If you’re looking for a high-powered fishing boat, it's hard to beat a power catamaran. These boats feature at least one large engine on each hull that can reach high speeds, providing unparalleled performance.

Enhanced Stability

• Thanks to their twin hulls, power catamarans can handle rough seas better than boats with just one hull. The twin hulls also provide better stability when the boat is stationary, giving you an ideal fishing platform.

Luxury on the Water

Power catamarans are luxurious ships with plenty of space, both on the deck and in the cabin. If you’re interested in taking extended fishing trips, these boats have ample room to store gear and are large enough to keep you comfortable on the water for days at a time.

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Bay Boats

If you’re looking for a boat that’s ideal for inshore fishing but is capable of venturing a little further offshore, a bay boat may be the right choice for you. While bay boats have shallow drafts, they typically have a slight V-shaped hull that allows them to cut through rougher waters than a flat-bottomed boat.

Low-Profile Design

Bay boats are low-profile by design and can easily adapt to different water depths. The shallow draft of these boats makes it possible to handle water as low as 10 feet, while the V-hull also provides access to deeper, choppier waters found farther offshore.

Easy to Maintain

Because bay boats have a very low-profile design and are typically center consoles, they don’t require a ton of extensive maintenance. If you’re looking for minimal cleanup after fishing trips, these are good “hose and go” boats.

Versatile Fishing Options

Bay boats are ideal fishing vessels because they offer access to different types of fishing in a variety of areas. You can enjoy a relaxing day of shallow-water fishing close to shore or venture offshore to find bigger fish in deeper waters.

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Pontoon & Tritoon Fishing Boats

Pontoons are known as “party barges,” but these versatile, family-friendly boats are also perfect for casual inshore fishing trips.

Instead of a typical V-shaped or flat-bottom hull, pontoon boats have two tubes on the bottom of the boat – or three, if it’s a tritoon. This design makes pontoons beginner-friendly boats that are easy to drive and extremely stable.

Plenty of Space

• One of the biggest benefits of pontoon fishing boats is how much room there is for passengers, coolers, personal belongings, and fishing gear. Pontoons vary in size, with some models capable of seating more than a dozen people, so these are great boats if you’re looking to fish in a group or have a family-friendly boat.

Maximum Comfort

Pontoon boats are designed for leisure, with seating that gives you a comfortable place to relax while waiting for fish to bite. There’s also a variety of shade options available for pontoons, including bimini tops, to provide shelter from the sun on long fishing trips.

Highly Customizable

Pontoons are versatile boats that can be customized based on the activities you’re looking to take part in on the water. If you’re looking for a pontoon specifically for fishing, there are models available with built-in rod holders, fishing chairs, bait wells, and more.

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Additional Boat Types:

Bowriders

Bowriders are versatile, family-friendly boats that can be used for cruising, watersports, and casual fishing. They feature comfortable seating and an open bow that provides you with a convenient area to spot fish and cast your line.

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Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruiser boats are perfect if you’re looking for a boat you can comfortably stay in on extended fishing trips. With an enclosed cabin below deck, these boats offer sleeping accommodations for those nights or weekends you’d rather stay on the water and wake up early to start angling.

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Cuddy Cabins:

Cuddy cabin boats also offer space for sleeping below deck. Unlike cabin cruisers, which are designed for comfort during extended stays, cuddy cabins are smaller and better suited for shorter trips for one or two people. These boats can be taken both inshore and offshore.

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Deck Boats

Deck boats have a wide, open bow with plenty of seating if you’re looking for a boat where you can entertain and socialize when you’re not fishing. That open bow also provides a convenient spot for you to cast your line. Deck boats are also equipped with hulls that offer enhanced stability on the water.

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Wake and Ski

Wake and ski boats are fast, sporty boats designed for tow sports like tubing, waterskiing, and more. The powerful engines on these boats make them versatile and ideal for a wide range of activities, including fishing.

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Jet Boats

Jet boats are compact boats designed to maximize your time on the water. These high-performance boats are equipped with a propulsion system that makes them easy to handle and maneuver, even in shallow waters where you may want to cast a line.

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Fishing Boat Brands

Just like there are plenty of fishing boat types to choose from, there are also a lot of different fishing boat brands to consider when you’re shopping around.

If you’re not familiar with boat manufacturers, or aren’t sure which ones offer fishing boats, here’s a breakdown of some of the top brands available:

Boston Whaler