Top 10 Types of Fishing Boats Available in 2020

In the era of “Too many fishing boats, too few fish” it is confusing how to find the best fishing boats as per needs. As far as investment is consulted, it needs high investment to buy/maintain/storage of fishing boats. Therefore, before buying fishing boats it is suggestible to gather enough information about it. Here we bring you the top 10 fishing boat types available in 2020.

But before proceeding for that, there is a question in most of people’s minds that why Fishing boats??? Can’t we use normal boats?

ü  The Answer is a BIG NO

Why fishing boats:

•  These boats are built exclusively for fishing; fishing boats in different sizes are used on both salt and freshwater bodies. The immediate qualities of these boats include stability, strength, and durability to survive the fishing ventures across various kinds of waterways.
•   Fishing boats can be both manned and un-manned types. In these boats we can also avail features such as a front bow, rod lockers, a trolling motor system, an outboard power, and live wells
•  There is also a difference in fishing in Lakes- Rivers & fishing in the offshore environment. Compared to the boats meant for lakes and rivers, the boats fishing in the offshore environment will be taller in size and strong-built to withstand saltwater and harsher conditions. 

 So hopefully now you understood the point that why fishing boats are needed. So here is List of all the time favorite top 10 fishing boats.

 

1). All-purpose fishing boats:

All-purpose fishing boats not only let you enjoy fishing in many different ways for many different species of fish, but they’re also so versatile that they can be used for many other aquatic activities.

Major Attributes:

·         5-Passenger Max

·         15-20 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing • Saltwater Fishing

Models to consider:

-        Glastron GT180                                                             - Bayliner 160 Bowrider

-        Lowe L1852MT                                                              - Lund 1650 Angler SS

 

2). Aluminum fishing Boats:

Aluminum fishing boats weigh less and are highly durable.  These boats designed with slim profiles, and consist of 2-3 anglers on board. Ideal for anglers who want to work the shallows, navigate through rock- and stump-strewn waters, or launch from a primitive or remote landing.

Major Attributes:

·         8-passenger max

·         8-24 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing • Saltwater Fishing

 Models to consider:

-        Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport                                     - Legend XTR Series, Crestliner

-        Commander elite                                                          - Lowe FM 1800 SC

-        Prince craft Platinum SE 227

 

3). Bass Boats:  

Bass boats are typically designed for highly specialized use in freshwater fishing situations such as lakes, rivers, and streams. The modern bass boat features swivel chairs that permit the angler to cast to any position around the boat.

Major Attributes:

·         5-Passenger max

·         16-25ft long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing 

Models to consider:

-        BASSCAT PUMA FTD                                      - Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk

-        Lund 1875 Crossover XS                                              - NITRO Z21

-        Tracker Pro Team 190 TX

4). Bay boats/Flat Boats:

Bay boats and flats boats are the same focused to hard-to-reach fishing spots in shallow water. Bay boats can’t get quite as shallow as flats boats can and they can’t be pushed with a push-pole (for a super-stealthy approach) like a flats fishing boat but on the other hand, they’re usually larger, have a sharper V in their hulls, and can be run into open water when sea conditions are appropriate.

Major Attributes:

·         8-Passenger Max

·         17-25 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing • Saltwater Fishing

 Models to consider:

- Maverik 17 HPX- VII.                                                                 - Yellowfin 17CE

- Hewes Redfisher 18                                                                  - Xplore X7

- East Cape Evo

5). Central Console:

Center console boats are perhaps the most versatile and user friendly of all boat types. As the name implies, the helm is located on a console in the middle of the boat. This makes for great mobility – you have excellent visibility and you’re free to move around the boat with virtually no risk of getting your fishing lines tangled.

Major Attributes:

·         7-Passenger Max

·         18-65 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing • Saltwater Fishing

 Models to consider:

-        Boston Whaler 250 Outrage                           - Chris-craft Catalina 27

-        Cobia 262 CC                                                 - Pursuit C260

-        Regular 23

 

6). Fish & Ski:

If you want to have a nice skiing experience but also love fishing activities, a fish & ski boat is what you want. Combine features to support both angling and watersports in one.

Major Attributes:

·         5-Passenger Max

·         15-22 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing 

 

 Models to consider:

-        Triton Allure 2020                                          - Nitro 2020Sport series

-        Lund Crossover series                                    - 2021 Chaparral SSI

-        Crown line crossover series

 

 7).Catamarans:

Catamarans have two hulls and are usually used for offshore fishing. The two hulls provide greater stability in choppy weather conditions, and more fuel efficiency compared to regular mono-hulled vessels.

Major Attributes:

·         8-passenger max

·         16-30 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Saltwater fishing

 Models to consider:

-        Seawind 1600                                                 - XSQUISITE X5

-        KNYSNA 500SE                                              - Balance 526

-        SEAWIND 1260         

 

8). Pontoon Boats:

Pontoon boats have been a favorite way to enjoy the mixture of sun and water since the fifties. Pontoon boats are different because of two main features: the presence of the pontoons and the large, flat upper deck. They're also increasingly customizable, making them great for watersports, luxury excursions, fishing, and everything in between

Major Attributes:

·         15-Passenger max

·         16-30 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Freshwater Fishing 

 Models to consider:

- Harris Solstice DC 250                                                              - Premier Escalante

- Playcraft Infinity 2900                                                              - Grand Tahoe

- Barletta L23QCSS

 

9). Sportfishing yacht: 

Sportfishing yachts are the ultimate fishing machines for plying the open ocean—regardless of whether you’re talking about the world’s largest sportfishing yacht or a bluewater battlewagon that’s sized more for day use.

Major Attributes:

·         12-Passenger max

·         26-100 ft. long

·         Not Trailerable

·         Saltwater fishing

   Models to consider:

-        Mea Culpa, Mary P                                        - Hatters GT70

-        Lanakai,                                                          - Sea Force IX 94.5

 10). Walkaround:

Walkaround boats are often considered a hybrid between a center console boat and a walk around cuddy. Due to their unique design, walkaround boats are the perfect boat for a wide variety of purposes.

Major Attributes:

·         7-Passenger Max

·         10-30 ft. long

·         Trailerable

·         Saltwater fishing

 Models to consider:

-        Boston Whaler 405 conquest                                      - Intrepid 345 Valor

-        Tiara Sport 34 LS                                                       - Grady- White gulfstream 232

-        Henriques 42 Charter