Your Fishing Boat Buying Guide

Fishing from a boat really opens up your opportunities for catching a wider variety of fish and being able to more accurately target where they’re swimming. However, fishing boats are a large purchase and you need to make sure you know what you want before you lay down your cash for one. Here are some things you should think about when you’re in the market for a fishing boat.

Where Will You Fish?

First, think about the bodies of water you intend to go fishing in. There’s a big difference between a quiet stream and a major river like the Mississippi, or a local pond compared to the Great Lakes. Choppier bodies of water will require you to have a larger boat that has a deep-V hull to help you navigate them, while shallow and small bodies of water are best traversed in a flat-bottom boat that won’t run aground.

What’s Your Budget?

Next, you should think about how much you can afford to spend on your boat. Don’t forget that you need to factor in additional costs besides the sticker price, including insurance, accessories, and safety equipment. You can always investigate used options to save yourself some money.

What Features Do You Want?

Finally, think about the features you need your boat to have. Do you want a livewell and/or a baitwell to keep your catches and bait fresh? Do you need swivel-seats to fish from? Rod holders on the edges of the boat? Knowing what you want in advance can help you to narrow down your options.

Stop by to see us at our dealership in New Haven, IN, today to view our current stock of new and used fishing boats for sale. Schnelker Marine & Powersports proudly serves the cities of Fort Wayne and Auburn, IN.