Boat Fishing For Beginners
While fishing from the coast or the pier is all well and good, it can be somewhat less exciting than fishing from a boat. You’ll also have much more freedom if you can get out on the water and follow the tides to discover where the fish are biting, rather than being relegated to catching whatever swims near the shoreline.
But if you’ve never fished from a boat, you’ll want to make sure that you’re well-prepared for the task. Don’t take your brand-new center console boat out without fully stocking it with necessary supplies! This beginner’s guide to fishing comes to you courtesy of the folks at Riva Motorsports Miami. Come to us with any questions you might have when you’re finished reading!
Check The Weather
A sudden squall can ruin the best-laid plans, so make sure you’re not plotting your trip for a day that’s going to be rainy and windy. Check the weather well in advance and on the day of your planned departure. While a little cloud cover or light rain shouldn’t deter you, be mindful of approaching storms that may bring high winds, hail and lightning. Obviously, an approaching hurricane should send you indoors posthaste to batten down the hatches. It’s simply not worth risking your own safety or damaging your center console boat by heading out into inclement weather.
Dress The Part
Even on the hottest July day here in Miami, heading into the water means you’ll encounter cooler temperatures almost immediately. The further you get from shore, the cooler the surrounding air becomes. This is why you’ll want to have some layers on hand to wrap up in, even if it seems silly to wear long sleeves at the height of summer.
Layering up on clothing is the best way to keep yourself warm without becoming overheated, as you can remove or add layers as necessary for your own comfort. Make sure that you’re keeping your skin protected, either with clothing or with a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen. A life jacket for every passenger is another must-have, even for the most experienced swimmers. If you’re planning to head out into rainy weather, you’ll want waterproof gear to keep from getting soaked to the bone.
Pack Your Boat Sensibly
Center console boats have lots of storage space on board, which is a real boon to fishers everywhere! Pack your rods, bait, lures and tackle box, of course, but don’t forget all the other supplies that are necessary to your comfort and safety, like a first aid kit, pliers, sunscreen, water and food, nets, ropes, bug spray, sunscreen and towels. If your boat lacks a livewell, you may need a cooler to keep your catches iced while you continue fishing.
You should also have a laminated chart of the waters you’re heading into, a GPS, a compass, flares, a hand-crank radio, your phone with a charger, towels and warm clothing in case the temperatures drop more than you anticipated. Utilize your boat’s storage to the best of your ability to keep the deck clear for unimpeded movement. You may even wish to install rod holders on the sides of your craft if they’re not present to allow you to step away from the edge or keep multiple lines in the water at once.
With these fishing tips for beginners, your next on-the-water excursion should be fruitful and fun! Still seeking a boat to take you out onto the Atlantic for some fishing? Come on into our Miami showroom to check out our current selection of new and used center console boats for sale. Our staff can help direct you towards models that are ideal for coastal fishing purposes. Riva Motorsports Miami welcomes all our Florida customers coming from the cities of Kendall and Fort Lauderdale.