Tips for Fishing From a Boat

5 Fantastic Tips For Fishing From A Boat

The activity of bass boat fishing is a lot different compared to the methodical, patient and slow shore fishing method. A bass boat fisherman is able to cover an entire shoreline as well as offshore structures and other places that bass are likely to hide out in, while using only a couple of casts to try each one out. A bass boat fisherman can scour the lake in search of strikes, and quickly locate the best structures and then either anchor or drift to the ideal place.

Boat Safety

It is important to be a considerate and safe boater to make sure that you and any passengers you have with you enjoy the ride. Whenever you are out on the water, be sure to motor carefully and slowly, while leaving plenty of room for other boaters. You should be especially careful in areas where others are casting and in no wake zones. Bullfrog Marina, a Delta Marina advise storing all clothing, tackle and other gear under the deck before setting out. Pedestal seats should also be lowered to ensure good visibility. Make sure all passengers are wearing coastguard-approved life jackets, and least when you are underway, and at all times ideally. Take a boating safety course if there is one available in your local area to learn safe motoring rules.

Avoid Scaring the Fish

Don’t scare the fish. According to the Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide, an electronic trolling motor should be used and kept at a constant speed so that the bass are not scared off. In clear water, use long casts since if you get too close it can scare your quarry off. Unless there is a very strong current or rough conditions, avoid dropping your anchor, since that may startle the fish. Use a drift net instead so that your boat stays oriented properly.

Intelligent Positioning

Use the right positioning based on the terrain that you are fishing in. For example, if you are going to cast over a deeply submerged structure, position your boat right over it and then fish directly down from there. If you are going to be fishing next to a non-submerged vertical structure, get your boat positioned right next to it and then fish directly down, while aiming for the same depth that the fish are swimming in. If it is a bank you are fishing, position your boat at the right distance so that you can slice-cast towards it. If you will be fishing in a heavy current then use rear and front anchors and then cast upstream, to allow the current to return the rig to you.

Stealth Fishing

When you are going trophy bass fishing, use a stealthier, smaller boat. OEX Kayak Fishing claims that a kayak will let you check out likely bass spots more thoroughly without having to be afraid of scaring them with a boat motor. In addition, kayaks can beach nearly silent when taking a shore approach to a specific spot, or for negotiating very shallow waters when

pursuing the illusive big bass that like to hide close to shore structures.

Casting Tips

Shorter and smoother. When you are in boat, you have the ability to manoeuvre close to, or sometimes directly over the fish you are attempting to catch. That eliminates the need for forceful, long casts. Your casts should be kept smooth and do your best to make the least amount of noise as possible.
Standing vs. sittings. Consider the kind of boat you’re using to fish from. Vessels such as pontoon boats let you move about their stable decks easily. However, in smaller boats such as small rafts and canoes you need to make you remain seated.
From the front. Let beginner anglers cast from the front part of the boat. That will let you keep your eye on them easily and know when they need help with taking photos, unhooking or rigging. The front part of the boat might also have fewer obstructions, which makes target casting easier.
Be aware of others around you. All anglers need to maintain awareness of other people on the boat. When casting make sure you have plenty of space so that you don’t hit your fellow boaters or to avoid getting hooking lures tangled.
Adjust your technique. If you’re in a tight space, like on a tandem kayak, it will be a lot safer to use the side arm casting technique instead of the traditional overhead cast. Also, the technique will make it easier for the bait to stay on the hook, rather than flying off with a more forceful cast.

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