Planning Your Day Out On the Water
A fishing excursion is an exciting time. Head out on the open waters and pit your skills against nature. Enjoy scenic vistas and an escape from the grind of modern life. Take your catch of the day home to make a delicious meal.
To enjoy a successful trip on a fishing boat, you’ll need to do a little bit of planning. We put together the following guide to planning your day on the water below. For everything related to boats, visit Rallye Motoplex. We proudly serve those in Moncton, Charlottetown, Bathurst, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
Health
Getting sick is one of the quickest ways to ruin a pontoon outing. You’ll want to take proactive steps to keep your health in tip-top shape. The first culprit is the heat. The harsh rays of the sun can get amplified by reflecting off of the water. Protect your eyes with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Lather up the sunscreen and re-apply as needed. Bring along a lip balm with high SPF to prevent chapped lips. You’ll also want to bring plenty of water as the heat easily dehydrates you.
The second culprit is the cold. When you head out on a fishing boat, you plan to be on the water for a while. There can be temperature changes in this time. Once the clouds come out and the wind picks up, the air feels chilly fast. Kids will feel this even more. Bring along a light jacket for each passenger in case the weather dips. Try to bring along waterproof clothing just in case it starts to drizzle.
The third culprit is your passenger’s stomachs. No one wants to deal with hangry people! Bring along plenty of snacks to tie people over until a meal. You’ll also want to pack motion sickness pills in case anyone gets seasick while riding boats.
Safety
A pontoon boat is one of the safest boats out there. But you are still heading out into nature and she can be unforgiving. Boats should include the following safety supplies: a waterproof map and compass in case your cell phone navigation loses service, a first aid kit for minor health issues, a flare and flag for signaling help, and a life ring and rope to help those who fall overboard. Passengers should all wear life jackets - no exception!
Always check the weather before a fishing boat excursion and stay home if there is expected storms, winds, or rain. Tell someone on shore your intended path and expected return time. If something happens and you aren’t able to send out for help, they’ll be able to direct the rescue crew to the right spot.
Fishing
Preparing a fishing boat requires more gear than a typical pontoon excursion. Pack your pontoon with the essentials like a tackle box, needle nose pliers, a net, and bait. If possible, use live bait. It’ll work much better than artificial ones. Always handle bait with clean hands. Fish have a sharp sense of smell and your scent can discourage them from venturing closer. A livewell is a quality investment to make as it will keep your fish alive and fresh until you are ready to go home.
You’ll also want to plan out some ideal spots in advance. Think about the type of fish you seek. Some lurk in the depths of the water while others stick close to shore. Learn what depths your ideal catch lives in and use depth finders to find the best spots.
We hope you found our guide helpful! You can enjoy a successful outing in your fishing boat with a little planning. If you have any questions, or want to look at boats for sale, visit Rallye Motoplex. We offer a range of new and used boats, such as pontoon boats. It’s easy to find one that’s within your budget and meets your boating needs. We proudly serve those in Moncton, Charlottetown, and Bathurst, New Brunswick as well as Halifax, Nova Scotia.