During seminars and appearances, we field many questions on the ‘right’ boat and what features are needed. Walleye anglers truly depend on their boats to help present baits precisely. Success can depend on ease of handling and responsiveness. Walleye anglers and their boats are like cowboys and their horses.
A good one is a must to do the job right.
When it comes to the right boat, another issue is safety. Walleye anglers are often far out on big waters (especially in spring and fall) when weather can be extreme. Safe handling in rough water can, literally, mean the difference between life and death. Experiences like that tend to create lasting bonds between angler and boat.
In case there is any doubt, we are Ranger fans, and proud of it. We both recall a time on Lake Erie when we were in 8-foot rollers surrounded by lonely miles of mid-40 degree F water temperatures, knowing death by hypothermia could be one malfunction (or mistake) away.
The Ranger 690, forerunner to today’s 600 series, got us to the fish and back again safely. That’s just one instance of many where it has convinced us that having a Ranger made the difference. (Today, Ted uses a Ranger 621 and Scott a 681.)
But, there are many boats on the market that will do the job. Winter, the season of outdoor shows, is near. Many of you soon will be window shopping for new boats. Therefore, this is a good time to talk about what great walleye boats have in common and what choices must be made to find the best boat to suit your method of fishing.
The time to think about what you need in a boat is before you buy.
Boat Buying Considerations
The first basic question that must be answered is: should the hull be fiberglass or aluminum? Many believe fiberglass yields a softer, drier ride. Some prefer aluminum because of durability. On the other hand, scratches in fiberglass can be repaired so they virtually disappear. In the final analysis, that decision will be based on personal preference.
Next, take space into account. The interior of the boat has to have a lot of floor space, particularly toward the back. So many times, walleye fishermen are in trolling situations and working from the stern. Elbow room is critical to bring a fish boatside and net it. Big front decks are terrific for jigging and casting.
Where to steer? Here’s a question that is bound to spark debate. Console steering or tiller? A console is easier to turn and control when traveling long distances from launch sites to fish and back again. But, if you are concerned solely about precision boat control in heavy waves, a tiller might be best. Some people cut expenses with tiller boats by getting outboards that serve double-duty as main power sources while idling down to become trolling motors. Console boats demand a second, smaller gasoline kicker motor for that purpose.How much outboard is enough? We find it best to use the biggest horsepower outboard that the U.S. Coast Guard recommends for the craft. The boat is designed to run best at that rating, and we’ve all been in situations when the extra power has helped get us out of tight spots. Dealers tell us resale value is highest when the boat carries the most powerful outboard allowed.
When it comes to outboard power, there are two main types of engines – 2 cycle and 4 stroke technology. Many of the 2 cycle outboards today are direct fuel injected and are very conservative on gas. They do require a separate oil reservoir which requires monitoring and refilling, versus 4 strokes engines which have a crankcase filled with oil that needs to be changed every so many hours similar to an automobile. We have to mention the new Mercury Verado 4 stroke as it is incredibly quiet, smooth, and powerful.
People generally use a 10- to 15-horsepower motor as a kicker. Adequate fuel is a must for both main fuel tanks and the kicker.
Don’t under-power your bow-mounted trolling motor either. Get the largest you can afford. Make sure the shaft is long enough to stay in the water in high waves. Minn Kota recently introduced a new model, called the Terrova, which has auto pilot built in and an easy-to-use foot pedal. New technology is linking the trolling motor guidance systems to sonars. A transom-mounted trolling motor is good option to consider for live-bait rigging.
Every fisherman needs ‘eyes’ in the water to view structure and find baitfish plus have a way to return to hot spots far from shoreline landmarks. There are many good sonar units on the market. We prefer Humminbirds for their high resolution color screen and ability to pinpoint targets below the surface plus a unique side-imaging option. Combine it with global positioning system unit and you can get your bearings with an exactness that increases your fishing success and safety. Three or four marine batteries should power the onboard systems. Consider an onboard battery charger for convenience.
Livewells must be big enough to accommodate big fish and provide adequate oxygen. That’s critical for weekend fishermen so they can release fish in good shape, as well as for tournament anglers, who must deliver healthy fish to the weigh-in scales. Livewells should also have both aeration and recirculation. When you’re on the move, you normally can’t pump water into the well. Recirculation lets you block off the overflows and add an onboard oxygen system that can help keep fish alive on the hottest days of the year. Fish take less of a pounding when livewells are located toward the back of the boat. An aerated baitwell is an added plus.
Don’t forget rod holders placed toward the bow, the middle and stern of the boat. Before permanently mounting them, check locations with the rods in place to be sure handles don’t interfere with access to storage compartments and livewells.
Next comes storage. Because of the many techniques walleye anglers useâ jigging, Lindy rigging, lead-core trolling, trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncers on monofilament or super linesâ lots of different gear is needed. If it’s not on board, you can’t use it. Rod lockers should be large, capable of holding several long rods without creating a tangled mess. Make certain there’s ample general storage, too, for life jackets, tackle, rain gear, anchors and other needs.Double up on bilge pumps for safety. You can find yourself in serious trouble in rough water if a bilge pump goes out and you take on water too far from shore. A dependable marine band radio is a must also.
This article was meant to serve only as a checklist for potential buyers. It was not intended to end the debate over which type of boat is âbest’ for any given angler. But, we can all agree on one thing: a well thought out walleye boat is a thing of beauty and efficiency.By: Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson
