5 Things You Should Have On Your Boat

From Fish Finders to Trolling Motors: How to Navigate New Technology to Keep Your Edge in the Fishing Game

In today’s world, fishing has become very advanced when it comes to technology. And if you've been in the game for awhile, it can be hard to know which new tech is actually worth it. So from boats to fish finders to trolling motors and anchors, I am going to go over a few things that you will probably want on your boat but don’t necessarily need on your boat... but might help keep your edge sharp in today's fishing game.

LUND boat

1. Let's Talk About Boats

The first thing I want to talk about is: The boat! The price of boats has skyrocketed in the last few years (just like everything else). When looking for a boat, make sure you consider what you need it for and how you'll use it, be it fishing, tubing with the family or just cruising and fishing once in a while. Some boats are strictly for fishing, like bass boats; and there are fish and ski boats, pontoon boats, deck boats and just your plain old 14 ft aluminum. Pick the boat that you will keep and use for a long time. It is an investment.

Garmin screen

2. Fish Finders

Now, let’s talk about electronics! The selection of electronics for fishing is far beyond what I ever imagined that it would become when I started fishing. Fish finders with downward imaging, forward-facing imaging, 360-degree imaging…it is the next level in fishing! When you can see the fish 100 yards out in front of the boat and cast to it and then watch it take the bait it is absolutely astounding. You can pay a lot of money for these units so if this is something that you are looking for, make sure you do your homework before you purchase.

Lund boat trolling motor

3. Trolling Motors

Trolling motors are the next thing I would like to talk about. The trolling motors nowadays will almost go as fast as a 9.9 Mercury. They will chop through weeds like you're cutting salad up with a sharp knife. They have location and GPS built right into them, so if you find a great fishing spot and you want to stay there, you just hit the spot lock button and it will keep you right on that spot no matter the wind speed. There is no doubt that trolling catches fish, especially when it comes to species like walleye, trout, and salmon. When you’re fishing for these species, you’re typically fishing offshore away from the bank, focusing on large expanses of water, key depths, and structures. When trolling, you want to always keep track of where your bites are coming from, so with location and GPS built in, a trolling motor is a big help to keep those bites happening.

4. Batteries Of Choice

Batteries are another item where technology is changing things up fast. The batteries for these trolling motors and fish finders have come a long way. But with all this new technology, there is a cost and that is that these new items draw a lot of power. You are better off spending the money on Lithium batteries. They cost more but they will last longer, and when you're on the water all day you want your stuff to keep running.

Power Pole Anchor

5. Power Anchors

The last thing I want to talk about is power anchors! No more throwing out a brick tied to a rope, those days are gone. The anchors now are hydraulic and work off batteries. With Power Poles, you can anchor on a spot up to 12 feet deep with a push of a button and when you want to move on you just push the button again. 

It is amazing to think how far along boating and fishing have come. The next time you purchase your fishing boat, think about all of these products and see if any are right for you.  

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Guided Lake Trout Fishing

Bob Izumi and JP Bushey hit Georgian Bay for big lake trout.

Waking Up Bass

Add This Crankbait Presentation to Your Bag of Fishing Tricks

Slow Death Revisited

This technique is used to slow down the walleye bite transitioning from spring to summer.

10 Tips for Ice Fishing Safety

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe day on the hard water

Summer Fishing Patterns for Multi-Species

Bob Izumi discusses tips for different species and how to catch them when summer temperatures soar.

Epic Ice in Northwestern Ontario

An ice fishing report from the Northwest shows it could shape up to be one of the best ice fishing seasons ever.

Multi-Species Magic

Cedar Point Resort on Cedar Lake is a drive-in camp with the fabulous fishing of a remote fly-in.

Fishing for Muskie on the French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

The Lake of Many Bays

Fly-in Fishing at Pine Portage Lodge

Trophy Pike & Ribs

Fishing at Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Big Smallmouth Bass

Fly Fishing at Branch's Seine River Lodge

Go Junk Fishing

Can't Find the Pattern? Do This Instead!

Walleye Fishing at Waterfalls Lodge

Waterfalls Lodge offers a wide variety of angling opportunities.

Lady Evelyn Lake

Get to Know This Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Pat’s Muskie Academy

Nik learns the art of trolling for giant muskie on the French River and Lake Nipissing

Chapleau Lodge: More Than Just Fishing

This great lodge is also one of Canada’s best commercial diving schools.

Smoked Fish: A Do-It-Yourself Delicacy

Catching and eating fish from the cold, clear waters is one of the perks of living in Northern Ontario.

Land a Lake Nipigon World Class Trophy Brook Trout

Looking for a trip of a lifetime that offers world class trophy Brook Trout here in Ontario?

Algonquin Brook Trout

A Fishing and Canoe Trip on Algonquin's Upper Nipissing River

Late Season Panfish

Catch panfish on hardwater with these tips and tricks.