Fishing is sport, passion and fun fused together and it is the reason why once anybody gets used to it, it is or life. Fishing from the banks is fun but there is nothing more satisfying than being able to fish from a boat. Be it on the lake, a river, ocean or bays, the fun of fishing doubles many fold if there is an engine in the picture. But one trick here is- you have to have the right kind of a boat for a successful fishing experience.

There are offshore saltwater, inshore saltwater, bass boats and freshwater boats. Here is an overview of the different types of saltwater fishing boats most commonly used.

If you are going fishing in the saltwater, you would most definitely need a much larger boat with live bait wells, electronics, plenty of storage, engine power suitable for the fishing environment. Shallows or flats, offshore or inshore fishing boats are designed accordingly.

Bay boats are for anglers who prefer to venture but in sheltered bays and inlets.

The flat boat was introduced in 1782. It has a rectangular flat bottom and has square ends. These resemble bass boats but made for fishing shallow saltwater estuaries and bays. For hardcore fishermen, there are Jon Boats. It has a flat transom, bench seating, trolling motors and other amenities.

When it comes to offshore fishing boats- these are fast and big, built for speed and deep sea waters. Walkaround boats have platforms encircling the entire boat for the fishermen to move to any part of the boat while trying to land a fish; justifying its name. The one distinct feature of Center Console Boats is its helm station right in the center of the boat rather than on the traditional right hand side. There would also be an accessible walkway around the entire length of the boat, making bow access way easier.

There is also some newer class of boats for angler who wants to engage in water sports like fish and ski boats.

Before you are buying a boat, make sure that you have taken into consideration all the aspects of the boat. The features, the specifications, the fishing boat review, the purchase price, the boat operating cost, boat maintenance cost etc. And since you are opting for a saltwater fishing boat, you would definitely need to take better care of your vessel. If not cleaned and maintained properly, the salt could really prove harmful for the vessel.

Also it is advisable to purchase your boat from renowned boat builders and makers; this way you do not have to worry about the quality of the vessel.  Always test the boat by taking it for a test drive. This is somewhat give you an idea about the controls and functions and if you are comfortable maneuvering the boat. You might want to do a little homework online, get to know the boat before you actually make a purchase. Check out the different boating magazines, some of which are also available online! Good luck.

Article contributed by John Anderson

Deep sea fishing is often referred to as ground fishing, whereby the aim is to fish close to the seabed. Species such as cod are bottom feeders, which mean that they scavenge for food along the seabed, and so ground fishing is the most productive technique to use. Cod will take a variety of baits, including artificial lures, baited feathers, sand eels, squid, mussels or crab. Other baits may also work depending on the mood of the fish and the food sources that are typically available in the area.

Like many other saltwater species, cod can typically be found near disturbances on the seabed. Rough ground, ledges, wrecks and other obstacles are all excellent places to find cod, and it is well worth seeking out these locations before you head out. It is possible to catch cod on clearer ground, though you are much more likely to come across the odd group rather than a constant supply of fish.

Deep sea fishing requires moderately heavy duty equipment, which you will be thankful for if you are lucky enough to end up with a forty pound cod on the end of your line. Many deep sea anglers recommend using a six to eight foot fifty pound class rod coupled with a similarly weighted line. Though the majority of your catches will be safely under this limit, you never quite know what is on the other end of your line.

Cod are an excellent starting point for those looking to try deep sea fishing. Their scavenging nature ensures that they will accept a wide range of bait, and with the odd fifty pound monster lurking off the coast of Maine, are far from a small catch. The added incentive of being an excellent meal make cod an attractive target for any would-be deep sea fisherman, and with so many chartered trips running throughout the fishing season, there is no excuse not to get out there and give it a try.

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