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'Pro Tactics: The Fishing Boat'

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[March 25, 2009]  "Pro Tactics: The Fishing Boat: Use the Secrets of the Pros to Select and Outfit Your Boat." David A. Rose, Lyons Press, 2009, 131 pages.

Review by
Richard Sumrall

According to David A. Rose, "the trailerable fishing boat represents the single largest investment anglers can make in pursuit of their sport." Rose should know; in addition to being a professional fishing guide, he is also a freelance writer and speaker on fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.

In his new book, "Pro Tactics: The Fishing Boat," Rose reveals the secrets to buying and rigging a boat for enjoying the pleasures of catching fish. The book's 14 chapters cover every aspect of the fishing boat and include choices in styles, power sources, accessories, location systems, storage, comfort, safety and touring. Here's a sample:

"Boats: Basics, Selecting and Purchasing"

Purchasing a fishing boat is based on two critical factors: the kind of water you will be fishing and the techniques you will be using. Different boats are constructed for fishing on rivers, lakes, saltwater bodies or marshes. Techniques can also differ; anglers can have preferences toward casting, trolling, drifting or any combination.

Misc

Once you have decided on your fishing preference, your next issue is the budget. Costs can quickly escalate when you consider the boat, trailer, motor, accessories and insurance.

Once you have finalized your budget, it is time to think about the boat's shape and composition. The boat's hull and the materials of which it is constructed should be chosen to complement your style of fishing. There are three basic hull shapes -- flat bottom, which is slower in the water but perfect for shallow areas; V-hull, providing stability combined with a smooth ride and superior control; and deep V-hull, requiring a powerful motor for a comfortable ride in rough water.

The composition of the hull is as important as its shape. Hulls are constructed from three materials -- fiberglass, aluminum or wood. Fiberglass boats are heavy; this makes for a smoother ride in rough water. Because of their weight these boats need more horsepower and are generally more expensive. Aluminum hulls are very durable and can handle the abuse of beaching. This makes them perfect for the rugged backcountry style of fishing found in the Midwest. A word of caution -- since aluminum hulls come in different grades, what you pay for is what you are going to get. Wood hulls have great charm and old-fashioned appeal and usually exhibit the expert craftsmanship of days gone by. Today's anglers tend to avoid wood hulls due to the problems of durability and maintenance. Oddly enough, Rose points out that wood boats should be frequently used or they will dry out and develop porous leaks.

Another consideration is the layout of the boat's interior and its steering setup. For anglers who prefer steering with a wheel rather than a tiller, there are three console choices -- single, dual or walk-through. Single consoles offer the most room but protect only the driver. While dual consoles protect the driver and passenger, they are not suitable for boats of less than 18 feet in length. Walk-through consoles offer superior protection from the elements and are best for people who spend a great deal of time on the water.

[to top of second column]

"The Walleye Boat"

The walleye is one of the most popular sports fish in the Midwest. According to Rose, the walleye boat is actually a "multi-species" boat that offers the angler tremendous versatility. Although outboard motors remain the most popular way to power a walleye boat, steering by wheel or tiller remains a choice with each individual user. Walleye boats, like all other boats, are rated for maximum horsepower in ratio to the length. Typically the 20-foot-plus boats can accommodate 225-300 hp outboards and can push speeds up to 60 mph.

Depending on your budget, walleye boats can be accessorized with rod holders, sonar, GPS, small kicker motors for trolling, marker buoys, splashguards or high-back padded chairs.

"Trailers and Touring"

When it comes to towing your boat, Rose is blunt and to the point: "Rarely do I guarantee anything, but I will step out on a limb and say that over time, without a doubt, towing your boat with a substandard trailer will do more damage than anything else during its lifetime -- guaranteed." Substandard trailers give the boat a rough ride, and the thin, bending frame places too much torque on the hull. The constant jarring from the pavement tends to damage components such as windshields, seat pedestals and expensive accessories. Rose recommends a quality, heavy-duty trailer to protect your investment and ensure a smooth launch into and out of the water.

Anglers can choose between two trailer styles -- the roller or the bunk. Roller trailers are easiest to get the boat in and out of the water, but they are not recommended for heavier boats or long-distance travel. Bunk trailers offer exceptional support to the hull but can make shallow water launches difficult. Your choice of a trailer will depend on the size of your boat, where you launch and the travel distance to the launch site.

Repair

Accessories are not limited to boats; there are important accessories to consider for the trailer. Spare tires and tire carriers, tie-downs, transom savers, trailer brakes, and guide winches are among the most important accessories. Tie-downs can reduce vibrations and shifting; transom savers can stabilize the motor; and winches safely launch the boat into and out of the water. One neglected but important accessory -- a high-quality boat cover. Covers protect the boat's interior during travel and help improve your gas mileage.

"Pro Tactics: The Fishing Boat" is an expertly written book and is recommended to anyone who is considering the purchase of a fishing boat or wants to gain a better understanding of their operation and maintenance.

[Text from file received from Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

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