Recreational boat fishing

Fly fishingfrom adinghy

Recreational fishermen usuallyfisheither from aboator from ashorelineorriver bank.When fishing from a boat, orfishing vessel,mostfishing techniquescan be used, fromnetstofish traps,but some form ofanglingis by far the most common. Compared to fishing from the land, fishing from a boat allows more access to different fishing grounds and different species of fish.

Inshore

Inshore boatfishing is fishing from a boat in easy sight of land and in water less than about 30 metres deep. The boat can be as small as adinghy.It can be arow boat,arunabout,aninflatableor a smallcabin cruiser.Inshore boats are typically small enough to be carried on a trailer, and are much more affordable than offshore fishing boats. In recent timesfishing from a kayakhas become popular.

Anglers either use an uptiderodbetween 9 and 10 feet in length to cast from the boat or a shorter downtide rod between 6 and 8 feet.Linesare usually between 18 pounds and 50 pounds breaking strain dependent on the species of fish being targeted.Reelsare usually multipliers, although fixed spool reels are being used more and more.Baitsare similar to those used forbeachandrock fishingexcept they are often larger since larger fish are targeted. The species will include all the beach species, but now also include big conger eels and small sharks like tope and smoothhound.

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  Menomineesspearfishingsalmonat night by torchlight and canoe onFox River
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  Fishingdingyin Switzerland
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  Fishing from a boat on theDoubs,France
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  An angler in afloat tubeplays apike.

Offshore

Deep sea fishing from a boat in theGulf of Mexico

Offshore boat fishing, sometimes calleddeep seaoropen waterfishing, is fishing in deep water (more than 30 metres) and at some distance from land. It is dangerous compared to shallow water or lake fishing. More knowledge is needed about weather patterns, navigation and safety precautions, and this is not an activity for beginners.

Offshore boatsare generally much larger than inshore boats, and may need to be moored in a marina. They are sturdily constructed so they can brave the weather and water conditions encountered in open waters. Though they differ in design and purpose and prices vary widely they are generally expensive to build and maintain. Most offshore recreational fishermen charter boats rather than own them. It is often a pastime of the affluent, and there is a demand for charter boats equipped and catered to luxurious excess.

Offshore game fish, likemarlinandtuna,can be very large and heavy tackle is needed. Fishing is usually done withsea rods,such as downtide rods, withlinesof 30 to 50 pounds andmultiplier reels.Baits are the same as for inshore fishing and include squid and whole mackerel as well as artificial lures such as perks. Fishing takes place over reefs and wrecks for very large cod, ling and congers.

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  Smallsport fishing boat
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  Larger charter boat inBermuda
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  On the bridge of a sport fishing boat inLong Island Sound

See also

• Fishing vessel
• Traditional fishing boats

References

• Gibson, Barry (2001)Inshore Salt Water Fishing.Creative Publishing.ISBN0-86573-132-2
• Newman, Bob (1994)Inshore Fishing: The Carolina Coast.Down Home Press.ISBN978-1-878086-27-3