Essential Fishing Boat Features

Owning a fishing boat opens up a whole new world of possibility when it comes to how much you can catch and where you can catch it. Instead of being relegated to whatever fish happen to swim by the dock or the riverbank, you can venture out onto open water to find the really big catches you dream of. 

While your fishing boat comes with many great features already, there are always things you can add to it that will make fishing more productive, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board. Your local fishing boat dealer is Richardson's Boat Yard, and we have locations in Windham and Standish, Maine, to serve our marine customers. Here’s our list of the most essential fishing boat features that you’ll want to invest in before your next trip out on the water.

Rod Holders

A rod is integral to the fishing experience, but sometimes it can be a pain to stand or sit and hold the rod in the water for a long time, waiting for a bite. If you need to step away from the side of your boat, but want to keep your bait in the water, invest in some rod holders that anchor to the sides of your boat and keep your rod exactly where you need it to be. If you want to troll or fish with multiple lines in the water at once, rod holders will let you do this easily so you can turn your hands to other tasks, like tying lures, skinning catches or even just having a drink and socializing with your fishing compatriots.

Depth Finders

Certain fish swim at certain depths, but you’ll never be able to tell from the water’s surface exactly where those depths might be. A depth finder lets you pinpoint the depth of the water you’re in so you can net the catches you want. Depth finders also help you to know whether the water is deep enough for your boat to sail through without running aground, which is useful for boats with a deep draft or V hull that will easily get lodged in sandbars or debris otherwise.

Anchor

An anchor plants your boat in one spot so you can thoroughly fish it before moving on to the next area. Without one, your boat will drift in the waves far from where you want it to be, even with the engine turned off. You’ll be able to haul your anchor back in quickly and easily to move on to another spot.

T-Top

Fishing out in the hot sun without any cover can lead to exhaustion, eye fatigue and sunburns. Avoid this by giving yourself and your passengers a place to seek shade. T-Tops install easily and give you cover from light rains and hot sun, which is great when you’re out on the water for hours at a time. You’ll also be able to protect your console from getting too waterlogged or sun-damaged with a T-Top.

Livewell

When you take your boat out for an all-day trip, that means hours and hours of your catches sitting and spoiling if you don’t have a livewell. If you want to keep your fish alive and swimming while you fish, a livewell can do this for you. Livewells come in many shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that perfectly suits the boat you’re on.

Still need a fishing boat to equip for your next excursion? Our dealership has a huge selection of fishing boats for sale. We carry aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats as well as some used fishing boats in great condition. Richardson’s Boat Yard serves the whole Portland area as well as the city of Auburn, Maine, with our locations in Windham and Standish.