Whether you’re gliding across the Gulf or navigating the serene backwaters of Lake Guntersville, the significance of having a well-prepared fishing boat cannot be overstated. This guide is designed to walk you through the must-have fishing boat accessories for any angler, ensuring that your focus remains on the joy of fishing rather than the inconvenience of being unprepared.
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Must Have Boat Accessories for Any Angler
While we’ve broken this list down into categories depending on what type of boat you have, some accessories have utility across the board, and no self-respecting angler should leave shore without them. We consider the following to be non-negotiable on any boat.
An Anchor And A Spare, With Enough Chain And Enough Rope
Spot lock trolling motors are nice, but they’re no substitute for an anchor. The type and weight of anchor you use will depend on many factors, but it’s essential that you have at least a 7:1 ratio of anchor line (rode, if you’re a nautical nuthead) to depth. That means for a modest 10ft anchor depth, you need 70ft of rode. You’ll also need an anchor chain to connect your anchor to your line. The exact length depends on anchor type, anchoring conditions, and your boat size, but about a foot of chain per length of boat is a general guideline
Life Jackets (That You Actually Wear)
A life jacket stashed in a console or hatch is no good to anybody. No, they’re not sexy. But neither are funerals. Whether you opt for a fancy inflatable or just a svelte, angler-specific model with lots of breathable mesh and handy pockets, try on a few life jackets and pick one that you’ll actually wear out on the water.
Comfortable Boat Seats That Won’t Make You Sweat
Nine out of ten Great Days Outdoors editors agree that Millennium Boat Seats are the bee’s-knees, and the tenth one has been reassigned to the mail room. “Deluxe” high-back seats look comfortable on the shelf, but on a hot summer day on the Gulf Coast they turn into sweltering, swamp-butt central. Mesh breathes, and can easily be washed clean of fish slime and salt spray. Good, comfortable seats will drastically increase the enjoyment you and your guests get out of your fishing boat.
Boat First Aid Kit
Barbed hooks, sharp filet knives, slick floors, and bobbing boats don’t always mix well. In addition to Coast-Guard mandated emergency gear such as a fire extinguisher and signaling device, your boat’s emergency kit should include first aid gear necessary to self-treat the odd poke or slash. Keep any regularly-used medications on hand as well.
Bass Fishing Boat Accessories
Bass fishing is arguably even more American than baseball and the Boy Scouts. If you’re looking to “always be prepared” out on the lake, don’t leave the ramp without these essentials.
Quality Fish Scales
Eventually, you will catch “the big one.” When that happens, you’ll either need a scale or thick skin, since all of your buddies will accuse you of long-arming that fish. The more you protest, the less they’ll believe you. Get a scale, and while you’re at it get a tape measure. They still won’t believe you, but at least this way when they catch their big one you’ll have proof, and they probably won’t.
“The Brother-In-Law Box”
There are two types of anglers, those who know what the brother-in-law box is, and those who throw lures from the brother-in-law box. Every bass boat should have a box of cheap, weedless, “cast-and-retrieve” lures stashed under the console. This prevents you from having to do any more baby-sitting than is absolutely necessary with neophyte anglers. If you want to be kind, throw a spinning rod in the locker too. Or a snoopy rod, depending on how you feel about the guy.
Spare Polarized Sunglasses
“Two is one and one is none.” It’s not exactly a trip-ender for your favorite shades to get dropped in the drink or mashed under a size twelve clod-kicker, but squinting all day will hurt your head and raise your blood pressure. Keep a decent pair of polarized sunglasses stashed somewhere in a case where they’ll stay safe and clean until you or a guest need them. You’ll feel smarter than you probably are once you finally need them.
Crappie Fishing Boat Accessories
Whether you call them “crappy,” “croppie,” or “sac-a-lait,” you’ll agree after reading our list that no crappie fishing rig is complete without these accessories. If you call papermouths “perch,” you’ll enjoy the pictures.
Spider Fishing Rod Holder
Forward-facing-sonar is well-and-good, but sometimes it’s hard to beat carpet bombing fish with lots of baits at lots of depths. It’s just more fun trying to juggle six rods, especially when you’re on fish good and three of them are tip-down at any given time. A good rod holder like this one is a must-have on any crappie boat.
A Big Cooler
Livewells work fine for keeping a limit of crappie fresh…usually. Lots of ice in a thick-walled cooler is more dependable than most livewell aerators, and it also keeps your drinks cold.
Frabill EZ Checker
Sure, you’ve caught so many crappie that you know exactly what a ten-incher looks like. You won’t admit it, but you’ve also got a piece of electrical tape around your rod shaft at the ten inch mark, just in case. But you know who doesn’t know the difference between an eater and a ticket? The dude in the stern seat. This is where the Frabill EZ Checker comes in handy.
Jon Boat Accessories
If you’re a card-carrying member of the Redneck Yacht Club, then you know that jon boats don’t have the space for useless doo-dads. Less is more in these small craft. That said, there are a few accessories that don’t take up that much deck space but add a lot of utility to your tin can.
A Paddle
Unless you think you can fit twin 9.9s on the back of that 48” transom, you need a paddle. I’m personally a fan of a collapsible push pole with a duck foot and paddle attachment, like this one. That way you have emergency backup propulsion in shallow or deep water.
The Best Live Bait Cooler In The World
Jon boats usually don’t come with baitwells or live wells. If you like to slip cork for crappie, freeline shiners for bass, or bait jugs with live bluegill for BIG cats, just bite the bullet and get an Engels bait cooler with their new, lithium aerator pump. Honestly? Just get two. One for bait, and one for beverages.
An Umbrella
Because poor people get hot too, ya know? On boats too small for a bimini top, a chair pedestal mounted umbrella like the one Millennium Marine offers is a game-changer on brutally sunny days.
Fishing Pontoon Boat Accessories
Fishing from a pontoon boat is great. If you don’t catch lots of fish, nobody judges you too hard, because you’re fishing from a pontoon boat. But if you do catch lots of fish, then heck yeah! You’re that dude who catches all those fish from a pontoon boat. Can’t lose.
A Good Tackle Bag
Pontoon boats have lots of storage space under their bench seats, but it’s usually not optimized for fishing gear. Stuff a good tackle bag inside that compartment so you can bust it out and sneak in a little fishing whenever the kids aren’t muddying up the water around you.
Sonar Monitor Mount
You’ll most likely be on your own when it comes to figuring out how to mount a sonar up front by your trolling motor (you do have a trolling motor on the deck, right?) This mount gets your monitor up where you can see it and just above kicking height. It looks almost factory as well, thanks to its low rise base plate that fits flush with most decks.
Pontoon Rail Mount Rod Holder
If you’re a bait soakin’ catfisherman, a pontoon boat with lots of rail mounted rod holders full of stout rods wearing baitclicker reels can be a legitimate meat wagon. Even if you’re not a serious catfisherman, rod holders provide an easy, low-effort solution to getting a baited hook in the water and out of the way of company.
Center Console Fishing Boat Accessories
Center console fishing boat accessories are vital for maximizing functionality and convenience on the water. From versatile rod holders to efficient storage solutions, these additions enhance both the practicality and enjoyment of your boating experience.
Shallow Water Anchor
A shallow water anchor is a game-changer for anglers who frequent the flats and shallows. It allows you to quietly and quickly stop your boat in shallow water without disturbing the fish. A quick deploy and retract system means you’re always ready to hold your position with precision and without the noise or hassle of a traditional anchor.
Spot Lock Trolling Motor
Spot lock trolling motors revolutionize boat positioning with their built-in GPS anchoring system, letting you lock onto your fishing spot with the push of a button. It’s like having an electronic anchor, allowing for more time fishing and less time maneuvering the boat, making it a must-have for serious anglers.
Marine Bean Bags
Marine bean bags offer unparalleled comfort during long hours on the water. These durable, weather-resistant bags conform to your body, providing support and reducing fatigue during choppy rides. They’re not just a luxury; they’re a practical addition for anyone looking to enhance their on-water experience.
Caddycan
The Caddycan™ Portable Boat Trash Can is a versatile solution for boaters and adventurers, designed to securely store trash or gear, preventing it from scattering around. Its convenience and efficiency make it an essential addition to any trip, ensuring a cleaner and more organized environment.
Jump Pack
A portable, rechargeable jump pack is a compact, powerful tool for emergency starts or electronic charges. It’s an essential safety item for any boat, ensuring that you can start your engine or charge devices even when the main battery fails, providing peace of mind during long trips.
Portable Bilge Pump
A portable bilge pump is a lifesaver in water-logged situations. Lightweight and efficient, it can quickly remove unwanted water from your boat, preventing potential hazards and keeping your vessel afloat in emergency situations.
Spotlight
A good spotlight is crucial for night fishing or early morning trips, enhancing safety and visibility. It helps in navigating through dark waters, spotting buoys, and illuminating the deck during night-time fishing operations, making it an indispensable tool for any angler.
Rod Holder Cutting Board
A rod holder cutting board combines convenience with functionality, providing a stable surface to cut bait or filet fish while keeping your rods secure. It’s a space-saving solution that enhances efficiency on the boat.
Boga Grips
Boga Grips are essential fishing boat accessories used for handling toothy fish safely and accurately weighing your catch. They provide a secure grip on the fish, reducing injury to both the angler and the catch, and are a must-have for practicing catch and release responsibly.
Wireless Kill Switch
A wireless kill switch enhances safety by ensuring the boat’s engine turns off if you fall overboard. It’s a critical safety device that can prevent accidents, making it an essential addition to any boat.
Pop Up Cleats
Pop up style cleats offer a sleek, efficient way to secure your boat without the risk of tripping over protruding hardware. They retract flush with the deck when not in use, providing a clean look and reducing the chance of snagging lines or gear.
SiriusXM Weather
SiriusXM Weather provides real-time weather updates directly to your boat’s display, ensuring you’re always aware of changing conditions. This advanced warning system can be crucial for avoiding dangerous weather situations while on the water.
Hilton’s Realtime Navigator
Hilton’s Realtime Navigator is an advanced tool for offshore anglers, offering real-time oceanographic data and satellite imagery to pinpoint the best fishing locations. It’s invaluable for finding temperature breaks, weed lines, and other fish-attracting conditions.
Garmin InReach/SpotX
The Garmin InReach / SpotX devices are critical for staying connected in remote fishing locations. They offer satellite messaging and SOS capabilities, ensuring that you can call for help and communicate with the outside world, even from the most isolated spots.
Magnalure Magnetic Tool Holder
This innovative magnetic wrap features a Velcro closure, wrapping around your seat pedestal to securely hold lures, hooks, snips, and other fishing tools. Its magnetic design effortlessly captures your accessories, ensuring they’re always within reach and securely attached, preventing loss overboard.
Fish Bag Cooler
A fish bag cooler is essential for keeping your catch fresh throughout the day, especially in warm climates. These coolers are designed to fit in tight spaces on boats and provide efficient cooling to preserve your catch until you return to shore.
A Half-Serrated Bait Knife
A half-serrated knife is versatile for cutting lines, bait, and cheesecake. Its serrated edge is perfect for sawing through tough materials, while the straight edge ensures clean cuts, making it a handy tool for any angler.
Boomerang Tool
The Boomerang tool is a compact, retractable device that can hold onto scissors, pliers, or other small tools, ensuring they’re always within reach and secure from falling overboard.
Salts Gone
Salts Gone is a product designed to protect your boat from the corrosive effects of saltwater. Regular use can prolong the life of your boat and its accessories by removing harmful salt deposits that can cause damage over time.
A Good Drybox
A drybox is critical for protecting electronics, valuables, and personal items from water damage. Durable and waterproof, it’s an essential piece of gear to ensure your belongings stay dry and safe while you focus on fishing.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, equipping yourself with these fishing boat accessories will not only make your fishing trips more productive but also safer and more enjoyable. From ensuring your boat is properly accessorized for a catch to guaranteeing the comfort and safety of everyone on board, these essentials are your first step towards a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure.
