Bass fishing from a boat can produce some of the biggest bass you will ever catch. Knowing the lake you are fishing in is the biggest key to success, along with selecting the proper gear and using the right techniques.
Best rod and reel for bass fishing in a boat
When fishing for bass in a boat, there is no single best rod and reel combo. Most bass anglers have multiple rods to select from, each fine-tuned for the technique they are using. At a minimum, you will want a good bait caster along with a good spinning reel. The rods will range between 6’6” to 7’6” with medium to medium-heavy power and fast action.
You can read more about which reel to use for specific tasks here! Also, what rods to use for specific tasks here!
How to find bass when on a boat
Once you are on your boat looking at endless miles of shoreline and open water it can be hard to decide where the best spot will be. Modern technology such as fish finders with contour maps built-in, or even a physical depth map of the lake can help crack the code.
You can find spots that will hold bass by locating sharp breaks that go from shallow to deep water, humps, underwater points, and other structure that are on the bottom of the lake.
Weed beds, docks, submerged stumps, rocks, and other such cover are usually good places to start. Bass are predatory and ambush their prey, you will not find them normally cruising and schooling in open water.
Figuring out the pattern of bass on your local lake will crack the code to where they will be and when. Check out these guides to fishing in the spring, summer, fall, and winter!
What lures to use on a boat
Depending on the time of year bass will be feeding on different forage. Learning the spawning times of the forage for your local lake will give you clues as to which patterns and colors you should use.
The style of bait you should be using will be dependent on the time of year, current water and weather conditions, and time of day. There is no one best lure for any situation, practice and patience is the only way to learn the body of water you fish.
Fishing etiquette on a boat
When fishing from a boat it is important to follow all safety laws and regulations. Having all the proper safety equipment is a must.
When fishing from a boat it is important to give other boaters space. If another angler is fishing a shoreline do not try to cut them off and fish the same area. You can always come back at a later time, or work the shoreline in the opposite direction. Doing this avoids conflicts on the water which is not a good thing for anyone involved.
Be aware of others using the water for other water sports such as swimming or tubing. Hopefully, they show the same respect and do not decide to do their activity of choice where you are already fishing. Seeing a person in the water is not easy, so always be aware of your surroundings.
We all started somewhere and most boaters understand, but a busy Saturday morning is not the time to learn how to back a boat in. Practice in an empty parking lot and once the time comes take it slow and do not rush, panicking at the ramp is a sure way to have things get out of control fast.
We have an article covering etiquette on the water more extensively here. Most of the topics are not law but are a mutual respect we should have for one another
Tips for bass fishing on a boat
Use electronics: Use a fish finder to locate underwater structures, drop-offs, and underwater cover, where bass may be hiding.
Cast near cover: Cast your line near underwater cover such as weed beds, logs, rocks, and other structures where bass are likely to be hiding.
Vary retrieve speed: Experiment with different retrieve speeds and techniques to find what the fish are biting on.
Pay attention to the weather: Bass have different patterns depending on the weather and time of year. Also, be aware of approaching storms or other hazardous weather when on a boat
Pay attention to the bottom: Pay attention to the types of bottom substrates, and underwater structures such as humps, breaks, and points
Keep your line tight: Keeping your line tight will help you feel the bite and set the hook more effectively.
Be patient: Bass fishing often requires patience, so be prepared to spend some time on the water to have a successful fishing trip.
Final Thoughts
Following the basic tips above will help you get a head start when bass fishing from a boat. As with everything time and practice will help elevate your success when fishing. Learning the water you fish, and how bass reacts to weather changes, seasons, and water conditions all come with time. If you put in the effort and have some patience soon enough you will be pulling in trophy bass that a pro would be proud of!
