 Review by
Richard SumrallAccording 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.
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.
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"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.
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] |
