Hown Important Is It To Have A Boat Of Some Sort?

[CiMo]

I've always fished from shore woth the exception of a handfil of times I've been on a friends boat. I been thinking of getting something almost anything that floats for a fairly cheap price even if it means only being able to tie off to a tree and float out and about. Just thought I'd ask... seems most bass anglers pull up close to banks anyways... so I'm not sure and don't have the cash or means for a good boat. Thanks and cheers.

[Teal]

Plenty of fish are caught on the bank.

Try putting back 20 bucks per week. It adds up quick.

[Downeaster2010]

When most of us were young we didn't have money for a boat, but did get canoes to start fishing.  After a few years

we moved up to some form of boat.  You are going to have a lot more fun in a canoe or boat.

[Felix77]

Fishing from a boat adds another dimension to your fishing and that's navigating, boat control, fishing deeper water etc.  If you are up for those challenges then by all means get at least a canoe or kayak.  When you are not up for that you can always go back to hitting the banks from shore.

[Hanover_Yakker]

It can be a difference maker in finding quality fish over the course of your lifetime as an angler.  Some of the best places I have fished were inaccessible by bank fishing.  Not to say that there aren;t quality locations near you, but for me, the best waters are often a bit far for a bank fishing journey.

 

A boat of some form has its place in the fishing world, but your finances and means of supporting/maintaining the vessel of your choosing over the long haul are only assessable by you and you alone.  I took a step back and looked at my situation and quickly came to the realization that I could never afford a traditional boat, because of the following factors:

 

1. The initial cost of the entire setup also required the purchase of a trailer.

2. The trailer would necessitate a towing setup of some form that would possibly lead to another vehicle purchase.

3. Annual costs of property and registration fees plus insurance.

4. Annual costs of winterizing/maintenance.

5. No place to actually store the boat/trailer combo.

 

When i added all of those factors together, I went the non-powered route and purchased a kayak.  I've never looked back.

 

Don't get me wrong.  At some point I would love to have a Ranger Center Console to use in both fresh and salt, but that is a dream and one left alone at this juncture of my life.

[Fishing Rhino]

Why tie off to a tree?  There are these handy things called paddles/oars for moving the boat around, and anchors to hold it stationary in one area. 

 

If you want to reach areas that are not accessible from shore, a float of some sort is not important.  It's a necessity. 

[GeorgiaBassBros]

i know getting my kayak opened up a whole new world of fishing for me. best 300 bucks i ever spent

[Darren.]

There are ways to get in a "boat" on the cheap.

 

My first canoe was (still have it) a used 16' Grumman aluminum, picked it up for $75. Was advertised in someone's yard! Today there's Craigslist, etc. Deals can be found, tho you may have to be patient in order to find one.

 

Bought some wood paddles, life vests, inexpensive cartop carrier blocks, and so began my ability to get off the shore...

 

Since then I've moved on to kayaking. Still do shore-bound fishing from time to time, but I take my yak out whenever I can. Definitely opens up a new world as GeorgiaBassBros said.

[derekxec]

when i look at my boat i just see a hassle lol...you have to get the boat ready, tow it down to where youll fish put it in the water, fill it with 234132422 things you arent going to use, then you get to fish a bit then you have to get back to the truck, pull the boat out  etc etc etc....for me fishing shore is so much easier and you still catch fish lol

[Sam]

Bank fishing limits what  you can do.

 

Being in a watercraft opens the door to many options.

 

You will love fishing from a boat. You can hit so many spots from so many angles.

 

Save and get a boat and have some fun.

[Bladesmith,]

There are several companies that make a small craft (Bass Buggy, Bass Buster, Water Scamp, Pelican, etc) that are very stable in the water (unlike canoes and kayaks. They are inexpensive and easy for a beginner to manage. They can be outfitted with all kinds of accessories (electric trolling motors, depth finders,etc) as you can afford it. They are an excellent choice for a beginner boater to get on the water, both in terms of safety and affordability. You can often find one used and already outfitted for very reasonable. Once you have the ability to move around on the water, you will see a huge difference in your fishing experience.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Get a sit on top kayak. There are some good but not too expensive ones out there. Really opens up the fishing opportunities.

Great thing about a kayak vs a motorized boat is you pay for the kayak and a paddle and for the most part you're done spending.

[Marty]

The fact that you're asking indicates that you're thinking about expanding your horizons. Bank fishing can be productive but having a boat makes a large difference. I have a canoe and have had some great experiences while fishing from it (some lousy experiences too). As has been stated, you can pick up a used canoe or kayak for a small price. I was wishy-washy about buying my canoe for 15 years before I decided to go for it. I'd recommend you act more quickly, especially if you're getting up there in years.

[Mr_Scrogg]

As a bank fisherman, turned kayak fisherman, turned Im buying my first bass boat Monday I hope fisherman. NOTHING will beat a bass boat. But if you cant afford one and the expenses like Hannover mentioned, then look into Float tubes, Kayaks, and canoes. Cheaper options that have hardly any maintenance. Then start saving for a bass boat if you want. Some ppl love kayaks and never feel the need to change. Some , like me, craves more. Wants to have the bass boat for big reservoirs and for the family to enjoy.

Only you and your situation dictates your route.

[K_Mac]

Having my own boat is one of the major joys in my life. The cost of a boat can range from a few bucks for a used single-seater to 6 figures. Mine is much closer to the lower end, but it fits my budget and needs well. Buy what you can afford. Yes, it costs money and takes a little work to use and maintain properly. That is all a very small price to pay for the freedom to fish where, when, how, and with whom I want. I don't have a garage to store mine in and have to load and unload most everything for each trip. I have never considered that to be a burden though. I love fishing and having my own boat; giving up other non-essentials to have the time and money to fund my hobby (and my wife's) is not an option for me.

[retiredbosn]

Being in a watercraft opens the door to many options.

You will love fishing from a boat. You can hit so many spots from so many angles.

.

X2 on the angles, its key to success many days.