Fishing Boat Buying Guide

What Makes a Boat a Fishing Boat?

If you're a casual fisher, you can really cast a line from almost any boat. But if you're serious about fishing, there are boats out there that are designed specifically with angling in mind.

So, what exactly makes a boat a fishing boat? Here are some of the most common fishing boat features that set them apart from other watercraft.

Live Wells

Live wells are special compartments fishing boats have where you can store your bait. They flush water through and oxygenate it to keep bait alive and fresh.

Rod Holders

Rod holders are specialized tubes built into fishing boats to hold fishing rods. They keep rods upright so you can relax and grab a drink while waiting for a bite, or can be used to store rods when they’re not in use.

Fish Boxes

Fish boxes are built-in compartments where you can store the fish you catch. They’re typically filled with ice to create a safe place to keep your catch fresh until you get back to shore.

Casting Decks

Casting decks are large, flat platforms some fishing boats have where you can stand and cast your lines. Casting decks are typically elevated and feature non-skid surfaces.

Outboard

Most fishing boats feature outboard engines that mount to the boat’s transom. Outboards allow you to trim the motor up in shallow water while still providing plenty of power.

Fishing Styles

If you've decided you want to buy a fishing boat but aren't sure what kind to choose, one of the biggest things you’ll need to consider is the kind of fishing you’ll be doing. While most fishing boats have similar features, certain boats are better for specific kinds of fishing.
Here are some of the most common types of fishing:

Offshore (Deep-Sea) Fishing

Offshore fishing, also known as deep-sea fishing, involves angling out on the open waters of the ocean, sea, or gulf, where larger fish typically dwell.

Offshore Fishing Boats

Offshore fishing boats are larger in size and designed to handle some of the most demanding conditions in the open ocean. These boats feature higher gunwales to keep you safe and dry, as well as a deep V-hull that can cut through waves and stabilize the boat in rough water.

Deep-sea fishing boats typically have larger fuel tanks to ensure you have enough capacity for adventures that take you far off the coast. Other common features include advanced fish-finding and navigational electronics.

Offshore fishing boats are available in various styles, including center-console, dual-console, open, or walkaround.

Open offshores feature an open cockpit, an enclosed cabin, and a wraparound windshield surrounding the helm deck. These boats may also have an upper helm station above the boat’s hardtop.

Walkaround offshore boats often have a smaller forward cabin but feature recessed side decks that provide easier access around the whole boat when you're trying to land a bigger catch.

We’ll go into center console vs. dual console later in this guide!

Different Types of Fishing Boats

Center Console Fishing Boats

Center consoles are the most common (and popular) type of fishing boat. Center console boats get their name from their design, which features a single helm console at the middle of the boat surrounded by side decks.

All-Around Fishing

The center console design is popular among serious saltwater anglers because it provides unobstructed access all around the boat when they have a fish on the line. That means if you’re at the back of the boat and the fish you hooked starts pulling toward the front, you can easily run that way up the side deck.

Smooth Ride

Most center console boats have a deeper V-hull that allows them to cut through choppier waters smoothly, meaning you get a more pleasant ride.

Good for More Than Just Fishing

While center consoles are popular fishing boats, they’re versatile, family-friendly vessels that can just as easily be used for cruising and watersports.

Explore Center Console Fishing Boats for Sale

Dual Console Fishing Boats

While center consoles remain the most commonly used fishing boat, dual console boats are becoming increasingly popular, especially for freshwater fishing on lakes or offshore fishing. Whereas center console boats have a single helm directly in the middle of the boat, dual consoles have two – one on the right and another on the left – separated by an open space. 

Drier Ride

Dual console boats have a windshield that wraps around the two helms, protecting you from wind, waves, and spraying water. The walk-through windshield also provides access to the bow or cabin of the boat. 

More Storage Space

Dual console boats also offer more storage space and seating, making them a convenient and comfortable option for longer fishing trips.

Maximum Versatility

While center consoles can be used for more than just fishing, dual consoles are truly versatile boats known for their crossover abilities. In addition to fishing, dual console boats can be used for socializing on the dock, lounging at the sandbar, cruising offshore, watersports, and more.

Explore Dual Console Fishing Boats for Sale

Power Catamarans & Fishing Yachts

Power catamarans combine performance and luxury on the water. They feature two hulls that are connected by the bridge deck where you steer and control the boat.
While these boats are available in a range of styles and sizes, most power catamarans used for fishing are on the smaller side.

Powerful Fishing Vessel

If you’re looking for a high-powered fishing boat, it's hard to beat a power catamaran. These boats feature at least one large engine on each hull that can reach high speeds, providing unparalleled performance.

Enhanced Stability

Thanks to their twin hulls, power catamarans can handle rough seas better than boats with just one hull. The twin hulls also provide better stability when the boat is stationary, giving you an ideal fishing platform.

Luxury on the Water

Power catamarans are luxurious ships with plenty of space, both on the deck and in the cabin. If you’re interested in taking extended fishing trips, these boats have ample room to store gear and are large enough to keep you comfortable on the water for days at a time.

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Bay Boats

If you’re looking for a boat that’s ideal for inshore fishing but is capable of venturing a little further offshore, a bay boat may be the right choice for you. While bay boats have shallow drafts, they typically have a slight V-shaped hull that allows them to cut through rougher waters than a flat-bottomed boat.

Low-Profile Design

Bay boats are low-profile by design and can easily adapt to different water depths. The shallow draft of these boats makes it possible to handle water as low as 10 feet, while the V-hull also provides access to deeper, choppier waters found farther offshore.

Easy to Maintain

Because bay boats have a very low-profile design and are typically center consoles, they don’t require a ton of extensive maintenance. If you’re looking for minimal cleanup after fishing trips, these are good “hose and go” boats.

Versatile Fishing Options

Bay boats are ideal fishing vessels because they offer access to different types of fishing in a variety of areas. You can enjoy a relaxing day of shallow-water fishing close to shore or venture offshore to find bigger fish in deeper waters.

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Pontoon & Tritoon Fishing Boats

Pontoons are known as “party barges,” but these versatile, family-friendly boats are also perfect for casual inshore fishing trips.

Instead of a typical V-shaped or flat-bottom hull, pontoon boats have two tubes on the bottom of the boat – or three, if it’s a tritoon. This design makes pontoons beginner-friendly boats that are easy to drive and extremely stable.

Plenty of Space

One of the biggest benefits of pontoon fishing boats is how much room there is for passengers, coolers, personal belongings, and fishing gear. Pontoons vary in size, with some models capable of seating more than a dozen people, so these are great boats if you’re looking to fish in a group or have a family-friendly boat.

Maximum Comfort

Pontoon boats are designed for leisure, with seating that gives you a comfortable place to relax while waiting for fish to bite. There’s also a variety of shade options available for pontoons, including bimini tops, to provide shelter from the sun on long fishing trips.

Highly Customizable

Pontoons are versatile boats that can be customized based on the activities you’re looking to take part in on the water. If you’re looking for a pontoon specifically for fishing, there are models available with built-in rod holders, fishing chairs, bait wells, and more.

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Additional Boat Types:

Bowriders

Bowriders are versatile, family-friendly boats that can be used for cruising, watersports, and casual fishing. They feature comfortable seating and an open bow that provides you with a convenient area to spot fish and cast your line.

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Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruiser boats are perfect if you’re looking for a boat you can comfortably stay in on extended fishing trips. With an enclosed cabin below deck, these boats offer sleeping accommodations for those nights or weekends you’d rather stay on the water and wake up early to start angling.

Explore Cabin Cruisers for Sale

Cuddy Cabins:

Cuddy cabin boats also offer space for sleeping below deck. Unlike cabin cruisers, which are designed for comfort during extended stays, cuddy cabins are smaller and better suited for shorter trips for one or two people. These boats can be taken both inshore and offshore.

Explore Cuddy Cabin Boats for Sale

Deck Boats

Deck boats have a wide, open bow with plenty of seating if you’re looking for a boat where you can entertain and socialize when you’re not fishing. That open bow also provides a convenient spot for you to cast your line. Deck boats are also equipped with hulls that offer enhanced stability on the water.

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Wake and Ski

Wake and ski boats are fast, sporty boats designed for tow sports like tubing, waterskiing, and more. The powerful engines on these boats make them versatile and ideal for a wide range of activities, including fishing. 

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Jet Boats

Jet boats are compact boats designed to maximize your time on the water. These high-performance boats are equipped with a propulsion system that makes them easy to handle and maneuver, even in shallow waters where you may want to cast a line.

Explore Jet Boats for Sale

Fishing Boat Brands

Just like there are plenty of fishing boat types to choose from, there are also a lot of different fishing boat brands to consider when you’re shopping around.

If you’re not familiar with boat manufacturers, or aren’t sure which ones offer fishing boats, here’s a breakdown of some of the top brands available:

How to Find the Right Fishing Boat for You

Now that you’re aware of all the fishing boat options that are available, you may be wondering how you’ll ever decide which boat type, brand, or model to choose. To narrow down your options and help you figure out which boat is right for you, start by asking yourself these questions:

What Kind of Fishing Will You Be Doing?

This is the most important thing you should consider before you decide because the kind of water you’ll put your boat in and the style of fishing you’ll be doing will help determine the best boat for your needs and lifestyle.

For example, do you live by freshwater lakes you want to fish in? Do you have access to the ocean, gulf, or other saltwater? Remember that while saltwater boats can handle freshwater, boats that are designed to go in freshwater cannot go in saltwater.

Beyond what kind of water you’re fishing in, where in that water will you be fishing? If you want to get out on the open water, you’ll need to look at larger boats with deep V-hulls designed to handle offshore conditions and choppier waves. If you plan on staying in shallower waters and fishing closer to shore, you can check out more compact boats with flatter hulls that provide stability in calm water.

You should also consider the level of fishing you’re looking to do on your boat. Are you a serious angler looking for a ship that can handle intense fish-fighting? Certain boat types and models are designed to accommodate serious fishing and going after large, powerful fish. But if leisurely fishing is more your style, you may want to look at a boat designed more for comfort that still has space for you to cast a line when you want.

Do You Want a Center Console or a Dual Console?

Center-console boats have historically been the go-to for serious anglers, but the popularity of dual consoles has increased in recent years. Each style has its advantages, so you’ll have to decide which design works best for you.

If you’re serious about fishing, and that’s what you plan on doing most with your boat, you may be more comfortable with a center console. While they are family-friendly and can be used for leisurely cruising, these boats are really designed with fishing in mind. They give you the best range of motion when you have a fish on the line because you can move with the fish around the entire boat unobstructed.

Dual-console boats can still be used for serious fishing, but keep in mind that it won’t be as easy to make your way around the boat and follow a fish if you have one hooked on your line. If that’s not a problem for you, dual consoles have their own benefits you can enjoy – like a wraparound windshield to protect you from wind and water, and additional storage space. Dual consoles are also typically considered more family-friendly because they have more seating options.

Are You Only Using the Boat for Fishing?

In addition to thinking about how serious you are about fishing, it’s important to consider whether you’re planning to use your boat primarily for fishing or want an all-purpose boat that you can also use for fishing. If you want a dedicated fishing boat, there are models available that can accommodate that. But if you’re looking for a boat that you can use for a combination of fishing, cruising, watersports, family fun, and more – you may want to look beyond boats that are designed solely for fishing.

Remember that there are options beyond “traditional” fishing boats. For example, if you’re looking for a luxurious boat you can take on extended adventures and spend weekends on, you could consider a power catamaran or a cabin cruiser.

If you’re interested in exploring your local waterways and towing your kids on a tube or a wakeboard, you may want to look at a runabout or a wake and ski boat designed for watersports.

You may also want a boat that you can use to entertain friends and family when you’re not out fishing. If that’s the case, you could consider a deck boat or a pontoon that provides ample space.

The type of boat you should look at will just depend on what exactly you want to use it for.

Other Specs to Consider

Once you narrow down the type of boat you want, you should get more specific and look at the specs of different models that are available. Here are some common specs you’ll want to pay attention to:

• Size - The length of a boat is measured from the outside of the bow to the outside of the stern – and typically does not include swim platforms or attachments. The beam width is the distance between the port and the starboard, measured at the widest part of the boat. These are important measurements to know because they’ll impact how easy it is to trailer, dock, or store your boat.
• Fuel Capacity - A boat’s fuel capacity is good information to have, especially if you’re looking to do some offshore fishing or take extended trips. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look at a boat with a higher fuel capacity so you don’t have to worry about running out of gas while you’re out on the open water.
• Capacity - Before buying a boat, you should also consider how many passengers it can safely carry. If you only plan on taking your boat out for solo or small-group fishing trips, you can get away with a smaller capacity. But if you have a big family or a lot of fishing friends you want to take out on the water with you, make sure you look at a boat that can safely carry everyone

What’s In Your Budget?

Once you’ve narrowed down your options and know what kind of fishing boat is best for you, it's important to consider what's in your budget.

If you have a particular boat in mind that’s out of your budget, consider looking at similar models from past years. You may be able to save some money by purchasing an older model instead of the latest.

Another way to save money? Buy a boat that’s pre-owned or used instead of one that’s new.

At MarineMax, we also offer competitive boat financing options with hassle-free short-term or long-term packages.

Why Buy a Fishing Boat from MarineMax?

If you’re ready to buy a fishing boat, we’re ready to help you. At MarineMax, we’re more than just a premium boat retailer – we’re a team of boating enthusiasts who truly love helping people get out on the water.

Knowledgeable Fishing Experts

Our team at MarineMax is made up of experts who have years of experience boating on different waterways. That means they have extensive knowledge to share on a wide variety of boating topics, including fishing!

Our MarineMax captains have covered plenty of fishing topics on our “Boating Tips” video series, including fishing etiquette, how to take your kids fishing, reel maintenance, and sharing their top fishing tips!

Premium Boat-Buying Experience

When you buy a boat with MarineMax, your journey with us doesn’t end at the sale. You’re joining our family and getting access to exclusive perks, services, and resources.

In addition to sales, we also offer a wide range of services and amenities, including:

• Boat maintenance and repair to ensure your boat stays running properly
• Parts and accessories to enhance your time on the water
• Marinas with floating docks, fuel, and storage space
• Financing options to get you in the boat of your dreams
• Insurance to protect your investment
• Boat trade-in evaluations and brokerage services

Our team also loves sharing their knowledge through classes, connecting you with other boaters at exclusive events, and helping you expand your horizons with exciting Getaways!®

Ready to Get on the Water in Your Perfect Fishing Boat?

Explore our inventory of fishing boats for sale or get in touch with our team!