Must-Have Fishing Boat Accessories
The most enjoyable way to go fishing is on a fishing boat. The river bank or the dock at a lake might work for some, but it seriously limits your potential catches to whatever swims near the shore. It’s much better to have the freedom to explore the length and breadth of a waterway and go where you know the fish are biting.
What makes fishing on a boat even better is making sure you have all the right accessories and upgrades. There are plenty of fishing boat accessories you can buy, but which ones are the best? Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, OR, is your Willamette Valley fishing boat dealer. Read on to learn more about the most important fishing boat accessories and upgrades you can equip on your craft.
Cooler
When it’s a hot, sunny day out on the river and you’re parched, you’ll surely appreciate having an ice-filled cooler stocked with canned or bottled drinks and cold snacks like sandwiches, cheese or fruit. You can stay out on the water longer if you’ve got some refreshments to keep you hydrated and energized, and a cooler will keep them nice and cold while you fish.
Rod Holders
Want to step away from the side of your fishing boat without removing your line from the water? Then you need some rod holders installed so you can place your rod in them and do whatever it is you need to do without disturbing your hook. This is also a great way to keep multiple lines in the water at once if you so desire.
Rod Lockers
If you want to make sure that your fishing rods are all rigged and ready to go at a moment’s notice, then you need a secure place to store them that will ensure they don’t break or get their lines tangled while stashed in a corner somewhere. Rod lockers help to keep your fishing rods organized and ready, and many can hold four or more at a time so you’ll have one for everyone you bring with you.
Depth Finder
You can’t find where the fish are if you don’t have a depth finder handy. Certain types of fish swim at different depths, so knowing how deep the water is beneath you will help you to locate the catches you want. Also, you can keep tabs on the depth in shallower areas to avoid running aground on a sandbar.
Livewell and/or Baitwell
Want to store your catches fresh and keep live bait on hand? A livewell will ensure your fish are swimming until you get to shore, which keeps them fresher. A baitwell does the same thing for your bait. Fish prefer live bait, so this is the best way to ensure you have it on hand. You’ll generally want at least a gallon of water for every one inch of fish you catch. Baitwells and livewells often come with macerators that will grind up any debris to help keep them cleaner and reduce maintenance needs, too.
T-Top
Don’t want to feel the blazing-hot sun on your head and shoulders while you fish? Wearing a hat is good, and sunscreen is always recommended, but if you want shade on your fishing boat, installing a T-top is the way to go. Your T-top can also shelter you from light rain, which is helpful here in the Pacific Northwest. Some T-top roofs even have overhead storage options to help you stay organized and keep your deck clear!
Visit our dealership in Clackamas, OR, today to check out our vast array of new and used fishing boats for sale. We are ABYC and NMEA certified and offer a selection of electronics and accessories to help you fully outfit your fishing boat. Portland Marine & Electronics proudly serves the greater Portland metropolitan area as well as our neighbors to the north in Vancouver, WA.