OutdoorHub Staff 10.22.24
Much like fishing, the boats represent a quiet elegance. For millennia, people have enjoyed the straightforwardness and peace of boat fishing. Boats excel in navigating rivers and reaching secluded waters where larger boats are impractical.
However, boats lack the comfort and amenities of bigger boats. Without proper outfitting, they may become uncomfortable over time. If you’re not cautious with smaller boats, you might capsize when reeling in a fish, and most boats don’t have space for much gear. Here are tips for outfitting your boat.
Safety
When going hunting, safety should always be your top priority. When equipping your boat, being ready for any situation is crucial. The coast guard mandates carrying these items:
- A life jacket for each person
- A fire extinguisher
- An audible signaling device
- A visual signaling device
- A type IV flotation device
Additionally, there are several other essentials you should bring for practical reasons. It’s wise to pack a spare set of dry clothes, including underwear, socks, and an outer layer, all stored in a dry bag.
Since getting wet on a boat is common, having dry clothes will help prevent hypothermia if you get soaked. A complete first aid kit is essential for obvious reasons. You should also carry a survival kit with extra food, a waterproof fire-starting solution, a multi-tool, a space blanket, and paracord.
Think About Waterproofing Choices
You must learn paddling and balancing techniques if you’re new to canoeing. Expect to tip over a few times while you’re still learning. Even those with advanced skills must be cautious in harsh weather and strong winds. Always wear a personal flotation device when canoeing.
The risk of capsizing is another reason to equip your fishing canoe with waterproof gear. Invest in waterproof bags and cases, especially if you plan to bring valuables. You can also store a knife, live bait, and fishing line in these. After capsizing on a chilly day, an extra set of clothes in a waterproof bag will be appreciated.
Waterproof cases can be bought from fishing equipment stores, with options for every need, including cameras, first-aid kits, cell phones, and iPods. However, heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags can suffice if you’re on a budget or in a bind. You can also get T-tops for your canoe to provide partial or full shade depending on the weather. Stryker boating parts are great for outfitting your boat with T-tops and other accessories.
Enhance Stability Using Anchors and Motors
Canoes can be tricky when fishing due to their vulnerability to wind and tipping. In a two-person canoe, one person can paddle while the other handles the fish. If you’re solo, it’s important to stay low and centered. To simplify things, consider equipping your canoe with an anchor or motor, which is also useful in fast-moving rivers.
Many anchor systems are available, but you can easily create one yourself. A DIY option involves using ash wood with anchor hardware attached to the stern handle. For square-back canoes, installing a small motor is an option. While motors make noise that could scare fish, they can be used to maintain control during a catch.
Fasten Items to Your Boat
Carabiners and bungee cords are useful for attaching items to a boat’s inside and outside. Some boat fishers prefer water bottles with screw caps and loop tops for easy clipping to a carabiner. Keeping an extra paddle or two in the boat is crucial. While some find paddle leashes annoying due to potential tangles with fly lines, installing enough paddle clips for all paddles is recommended.
Securing items to your boat prevents them from falling out and reduces noise, as gear rolling around can scare fish away. When deciding where to secure items, consider weight balance to ensure optimal performance and maneuverability for your canoe.
A holder is essential to keep your rod secure and accessible when a fish bites while you’re in the water. It also prevents line tangles. You can opt for either a permanent rod holder or an adjustable one that clamps to the side of the boat.
Water Detectors
Bilge alarms can be simple water detectors that trigger an alarm when water is detected in the bilge. You need to decide how to install it. One option is to place the detector above the automatic pump’s level, meaning it will only sound when the water rises above the bilge pump, indicating the pump is overwhelmed. While this might be suitable for very wet boats, it can be a bit alarming.
Alternatively, you can set it to detect any water in the bilge by placing it below the level at which the bilge pump activates. This way, the alarm will sound whenever water enters the bilge. Your preference might depend on the type of boat you have.
Endnote
Outfitting a boat can be either rewarding or challenging. The tips provided can enhance the process and better your boating experience. Before visiting marine supply stores, make a list of all the products you require.
This article is brought to you by Stryker T-Tops
