The accessories rigged on my boat will give any angler leaps-and-bounds advantages over the fish.
Who me, lucky? You bet!
I’ve been able to create a career out of fishing for walleyes in tournaments, as well teaching others how to catch fish of all species. It’s an occupation that now expands well over three decades in a profession that has seen a lot of changes, all better, throughout the years.
Boats, as well the equipment found on and within them, included.
There’s no doubt in my mind the gear I have rigged my boat with would give any angler an advantage a thousand times greater over any fish. But it’s got to be the right gear for the job, rigged right and used correctly.
It’s all in the alloy
First of all is the very boat I fish from: a Lund Pro-V.
I have been fishing from within the gunwales of Lund aluminum boats since my career began. Each and every one has impressed me to no end. From every rivet and rib being placed precisely where it needs so as to be able to take on whatever rough water may come, to the amazing amount of storage and a fisherman-friendly lay out, you can tell every Lund boat is designed and made my anglers at heart.
Next, when rigging any boat with an outboard motor, you ALWAYS want the main one to be as close to the maximum horse power the vessel is rated for. This allows you to get up on plane fast, and then idol down for a smooth ride. A larger outboard also saves on gas because you don’t have to have the motor maxed out to stay on plane.
The kicker motor, on the other hand, is an essential tool for trolling. With it I can move along at speeds slower than 1 MPH, and up to as fast as needed. Overall, a 9.9-hp 4-stroke is sufficient for most any fishing boat as it will cover the trolling-speed gamut, as well hold the speed you find triggers fish into striking.
Under control
Mounted to both the dash and bow of my boat are Lowrance sonar/GPS units with large screens. The one on the dash is within easy sight when I am traveling to and from likely fishing spots, as well when trolling with my kicker motor. The one on the bow is trouble-free to read when I am casting crankbaits, jigging or bottom-bouncing. Both have card readers, in which I always have an SD card filled with Navionics high-definition mapping in.
Also at the bow is an electric trolling motor, as well one at the transom. I have two because boat control is, by far, the most crucial aspect of catching fish. Electric trolling motors are the perfect device for powering a boat into perfect position.
But no matter how powerful the electric trolling motor is, it’s only going to be as commanding and long lasting as the battery is it’s wired to. By far, I have found Optima deep-cycle batteries last the longest between charges of any I have ever used.
I also use an Optima cranking battery for starting my outboards and running my electronics. Since using Optima batteries, I have never had to worry about being “that guy” at the launch who was wishing he was out fishing rather than putting the boat back on the trailer because his boat’s battery failed.
The smaller the details the bigger results
Okay, I’ll admit it… I‘m getting older. Thus, being comfortable is key to helping me enjoy my day on the water.
It’s this very reason I have Smooth Move Seat Mounts installed under the chairs in my boat. Smooth Moves Seat Mounts are spring loaded and take the shock out from of every wave my deep-V hull slices through. And not only do these mounts keep me as comfortable as can be while on the water, but have allowed me to preserve my fishing career by keeping my back, legs and neck injury free, which many of my professional fishing counterparts are now suffering through from their years on the water and waves without them.
But there’s more to being content while fishing than just comfy seats. Not having to hang on to a rod while trolling, for example, makes fishing much easier, as well allows me to use more rods at one time.
A high-quality rod holder that can accommodate spinning, baitcasting and trolling rods of all shapes and sizes is a must. Ones that come with an extension arm for bringing my rods up within easy reach are a bonus. And when it comes to rod holders, I have them mounted all over my boat as no matter the technique, there’s a specific spot in the boat where each rod works best.
Keep your cool
I have gone through a lot of coolers over the years, from bouncing around on the floor of my boat in rough water, to just the damaging effects from the summer sun’s intense rays.
For me, coolers are more than just a pace to keep food and drinks cold (you wouldn’t want to get food poisoning), they are also fundamental for keeping live bait in my Frabill containers as lively as possible.
It’s incredibly important to keep leaches and night crawlers cold at all times. Just a few minutes in direct sunlight can kill bait, which makes it worthless for catching fish.
Another way of keeping chilled is by keeping your cool when mishaps happen. And believe me, mishaps can happen anywhere, and at any time. This is the very reason I have my boat’s insurance policy with Worldwide Marine Underwriters.
Not only does Worldwide Marine have the best insurance policies for your boat, but they also cover the contents within the boat, as well great liability coverage for those fishing with you.
Last but not least, keeping your cool on the water not only means having the best equipment for your fishing boat, but making sure it’s rigged correctly.
Anytime I have accessories added to my boat, I have the mechanics at Matteson Marine, on Gun Lake in Shelbyville, Michigan, do the hole drilling and wrench cranking. This is because I do not want any accessory to come loose or worse yet, fall off while on the water. And that’s why I have the professionals rig my right boat rather than do it myself, and Matteson Marine has been my go-to for everything boat related since my career began.
Rig it right
Whether you are buying a new boat, inheriting grandpa’s old vessel or upgrading the equipment on one you already own, make sure you rig it right. All in all, fishing is supposed to be fun. And having the right gear in the right place can make all the difference between catching fish and just fishing. Always make sure to have someone mechanically inclined do it correctly, and then insure it well.
All in all, fishing is supposed to be fun. And having the right gear in the right place can make all the difference between catching fish and just fishing. Always make sure to have someone mechanically inclined do it correctly, and then insure it well.
Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament pro, and, instructor with the Fishing Vacation/ Schools found throughout the Midwest. For more information on Mark, the schools and all the equipment listed above, check out his website at markmartins.net.Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament professional and an instructor with the Fishing Vacation/Schools (fishingvacationschool.com), who lives in Michigan’s SW Lower Peninsula. Check out his website at markmartins.net.