Having the perfect fishing boat is every fishing enthusiast’s dream. No one wants to be confined to the shores on a fishing trip. You want the liberty to have the whole experience, not limited by your line or the few fish lurking around the water bank. A fishing boat gives you this liberty, the ability to change up your position easily, and access new depths of the water with more types of fish.

However, before you finally get yourself a fishing boat, below are some of the key considerations you need to make in order to find the best fishing boat for you in Ontario. 

Your Type of Fishing – Saltwater or Freshwater

Your type of fishing will determine the kind of boat you need. If freshwater fishing is your style, where you seek out fish like bass and catfish that lurk in shallow waters, you will need to be careful of the logs and rocks found in the same areas. Since it is impossible to completely avoid hitting these large objects, you need a sturdy boat that can withstand a few scrapes – an aluminum boat is perfect for this. If you are after skittish fish such as steelhead or salmon, place emphasis on having a quiet motor; otherwise, a surface or long-tail drive motor works.

For those who gravitate towards saltwater fishing, you need to be prepared for the inevitable rough waters. For this, you will need a top-of-the-line aluminum boat that can take a beating from mother nature. 

Also, consider whether you want to use the boat for other things like towing your kids in an inner tube or cruising around the bay. If so, multi-purpose boats like pontoon boats will give you this versatility. 

The Size of Your Crew

Ultimately, you want your fishing boat to be comfortable for you and your crew. If you like to do solo ventures, a smaller boat such as a center console boat will save you money and offer great practicality. If you want to take friends with you, you will need a bigger boat, either medium or larger. A larger boat, though expensive, provides more space as well as additional amenities like a kitchen, toilet, bedroom, and luxuries too. 

Your Budget

This is the most important consideration for most people. Remember that there’s more to the cost of a boat than its initial price. Include operational costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance, storage, gear, parts, and slip rental as you plan your budget. Think long-term and not just about the list price. How much can you invest into the boat?

Protect Your Fishing Boat with Comprehensive Boat and Marine Insurance

Once you have your hands on your perfect fishing boat, you need to ensure that it is well-protected in case anything happens.

At Northstar Marine Insurance, our boat insurance policy is designed to cover all your needs as a recreational boater so that you can enjoy your fishing ventures without any worry. Contact us online or call 1 (866) 717-9295 or 1 (705) 719-7919 to receive a quote today.