No two boats are equal. Search the market for boats and you’ll find a wide variety of options with varying price points. Boat construction quality, features, size and other nuances differ from one vessel to another. However, the most expensive boat is not guaranteed to be the best for fishing, be it bass fishing, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.
Here’s an inside look at the best boats for maximizing your catch while having a blast on the water.
Planning on Bass Fishing? Check out These Boats
The best fishing boats for bass-catching are quick, nimble and provide elite performance on flat water. Nitro, Besscat and Alison lead the pack. In particular, Besscat and Alison bass boats are revered for their performance, hitting 100 mph in little time. Shell out around $50K and you can have your very own Nitro 10 that provides 225 horsepower while zooming along the water to new bass fishing destinations at 70+ mph. This low freeboard bass boat has minimal windage, meaning it can rest for hour after hour on a prime fishing spot thanks to its built-in trolling motor. Designed with storage space to accommodate several fishing rods, tackle boxes and bait wells, this flat-deck vessel provides the perfect combination of speed and extensive range.
Bass fishermen across the globe hold Tracker in high regard for good reason. The boat-maker has a sterling reputation as one of the best around, providing superior reliability for low cost. These rigid aluminum vessels hold strong thanks to their all-weld construction. Each Tracker consists of a trolling motor made by Minn Kota and electronics provided by Lowrance. Add in the elevated casting platforms along with extensive capacity for rod storage and spacious stowage and you have the perfect bass fishing boat.
Extend your best fishing boats search to Ranger Boats and you’ll find this modern bass fishing vessel is characterized by innovation, performance, reliability and safety. In particular, bass fishermen rave about the Ranger boat’s design, highlighted by a plethora of features that make the on-water experience highly enjoyable.
Skeeter Boats are comparable to the Ranger variety, featuring elevated and spacious casting decks, sizable storage spaces, the latest electronics and even dual windscreens. You can upgrade your Skeeter fishing boat with all sorts of options ranging from seats designed for performance to sound packages, a wide array of colors and more.
Boats for Freshwater Fishing
Take to the water for freshwater fishing in a Thunder Jet, Smokercraft or Lowe boat and you’ll be more than happy with your purchase. Smokercraft vessels are revered for their spacious interiors and extensive layouts. Smokercraft boats provide extensive utility, are easy to maintain and available as both console-steering and tiller forms.
Lowe freshwater fishing boats are spacious, comfy and chock-full of features ranging from live wells to rod holders, stowage beneath the seats and more. Engineered with ample power, these vessels enable you to pull tow tubes while exploring freshwater fishing destinations.
Thunder Jet is a freshwater fishing boat characterized by power, formidable hull sides/bottoms and elite durability. Take to the water with your Thunder Jet and you won’t worry about impediments, be it logs, rocks, etc. Welded box stringers along with rigid keel guards are added bonuses that make Thunder Jets some of the best freshwater fishing boats on the market.
Aluminum Fishing Boats
Lund aluminum fishing boats are comprised of reliable materials, featuring layouts that make optimal use of limited space. The process used to construct Lund vessels is highlighted by the use of closed-cell foam added to the hulls for optimal flotation and longevity. Give a Lund fishing boat a try and you’ll agree its handling is elite.
Alumacraft has emerged as one of the top boat-makers in the world primarily because the company’s vessels are available at a low price point and hold sturdy. Alumacraft vessels are single-piece hulls built with the industry’s best quality control. Each model is made with features specifically designed for fishermen including expansive live wells along with stowage boxes that lock to keep fishing rods secure.
Crestliner Boats are constructed with welded seams as opposed to riveted seams to enhance boat strength. Crestliner vessels have expansive lockers for storing fishing equipment, twin rod boxes, the latest electronics and more.
Boats for Deep-sea Fishing
Check out the deep-sea fishing options when searching through the best fishing boats and you’ll find Caymas is held in high regard. Caymas deep-sea vessels consist of a twin-step hull design that enhances boat speed and efficiency. The Caymas design also makes the ride experience that much smoother. Some Caymas boats have 300+ horses, providing speeds of 60 mph on up.
Check out the Caymas boat features and you’ll find the following niceties:
- Considerable space for rod storage
- Revered Lowrance electronics
- Sturdy rod holders
- Several seating spaces on a padded deck in the luxurious CX21 Pro model
Albemarle boats have been around for four decades largely because of their flawless design. The Albemarle brand consists of deep-sea fishing vessels featuring dual console deck designs, an expansive wraparound windshield, 56 gallon cockpit fish boxes and a 30 gallon transom live well.
Boating Magazine recently named Solace it Boat of the Year. One of the company’s models earned the NMMA Innovation Award at Miami’s International Boat Show. Solace Boats are made with durable yet light fiberglass, electric reel plugs, pressurized live wells and mounted helm seats for comfort.
Kayak Fishing Boats
Fishing kayaks are now equipped with electric motors for expanded distance and reliability. Kayaks can be safely positioned on roof racks and transported to locations without worry. Those of the motorized variety are optimal for freshwater and saltwater, providing easy access to small waterways that larger boats cannot traverse.
Check out the kayak fishing boat options and you’ll find the Jonny Boat Bass 100 is a suitable starter option. If you have more than $1,000 to spend, consider the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 360 or the Oldtown Sportsman Autopilot 120 that go for $4,000 to $5,000. The higher-end kayak fishing boats feature quiet electric trolling motors complete with GPS anchoring that keeps fishermen in position.
Kayaks with motors are operated with foot pedals tied to the rudder that ensure the hands can be used for fishing. These vessels have a distance range upwards of 20-25 miles. Peruse the market’s options and you’ll find kayak fishing boats have rod storage for three or more rods along with bait/tackle lockers and additional niceties.
Interested in Jet Ski Fishing? Check out These Personal Water Crafts
Hit the water with a jet ski designed for fishing and you’ll have the time of your life. Fishing jet skis provide considerable stability, especially when contrasted with leisure or performance alternatives. Most Sea Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda jet skis for fishing cost between $15,000 and $25,000. Take a jet ski for a ride on the water and you’ll coast along at 60 miles per hour thanks to the 170+ horses of power.
Some jet skis are built with swivel seats that are aft-mounted along with powered live wells with upwards of 50 or more liters. Fishing jet skis also feature sonar detection systems, flat screen displays, sound systems and more.
