Helpful Features for Fishing Boats

There’s no doubt that a fishing boat can help you increase your catches by taking you exactly where the fish are. To get even more out of your craft, there are a number of accessories and features that can make your task easier and make sure you have a hassle-free time on the water! As your local fishing boat dealer in Edmonton, AB, Barry Jay’s and Rainbow Marine has compiled this list of features you might appreciate. If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in  Sherwood or Spruce Grove, contact our sales team for further assistance!

Rod Lockers

It makes things much easier to be able to access your rod readily. Some people choose to store their rods in some corner of their house but this can lead to tangled lines, broken tips and other frustrating problems that delay your expeditions. A solution is a rod storage option on the fishing boat, typically holding four or more fishing poles rigged and ready to go. Save time, cut down on the headache, and make sure your fishing boat is outfitted with the fishing rod storage that you need.

Depth Finder

It can be hard to figure out where exactly to cast your lines without the help of a depth finder. This device shows you how deep the water is so you can then calculate where the fish are likely to be. Certain fish prefer shallow water while others dive deeper down. You can even get depth finders for your rod to help you lower your line to the precise depth you want, saving you time and energy. It is also useful for letting you determine if there’s any chance of your running aground so you can change course if required. 

Rod Holders

This one is considered essential by anglers of all skill levels because it lets you keep your hands free. Often, your fishing boat model will come with some road holders strategically placed. If you’re using another type of vessel for fishing, you can get some aftermarket holders fitted to the frame of your pontoon or into the structure of your jon to give you the same convenience that a full fledged fishing boat enjoys.

Baitwell/Livewell

Livewells and baitwells come in a variety of sizes, typically around 20 gallons or more. These systems are made to circulate and aerate water to keep your catch fresh while you fish on. The recommended size for a livewell is about 1 gallon of water per 1” of fish, so if you’re out angling for some big bass you want to make sure your fishing boat is equipped with a livewell to match. 

A baitwell circulates water to keep your bait fresh while you fish. However, baitwells are typically smaller. Many newer bait and livewells come with built in macerators to grind up any debris like scales that get left behind, speeding your cleaning process and reducing maintenance. 

Anchor

An anchor is a good addition for two main reasons. Firstly, you can use it to make your angling more efficient. Once you have situated yourself in the right location on the water, you can drop the anchor to ensure that the craft doesn’t drift away from the spot. An anchor keeps your fishing boat steady in your ideal position.

The second way an anchor helps out is when your motor goes off. This can sometimes happen and you can use the anchor to keep you from drifting off while you wait for help to arrive. If you need to be pulled out by a larger boat, the anchor will keep you in place so it’s easy for the rescue crew to find you.

T-Top

Consider getting a T-Top roof for your craft if it doesn’t already have one. It’ll keep you nice and cool on hot days and keep you dry if it starts to rain. It’ll at least give you a place to rest while your fishing rods are doing the work. Not to mention, there’s more potential for storage areas with T-Top roofs, like overhead racks. 

We hope this list helps you decide which accessory will be best for you! If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in Edmonton, AB, get in touch with us at Barry Jay’s and Rainbow Marine to see our wide selection of models! We’re proud to be the chosen fishing boat dealer of our friends from Sherwood and Spruce Grove!