Saturday, March 24, 2012

Rigging a Small Boat for Reservoir Fishing

You don't need a big boat to have a good time on a big lake.  Even a 12 or 14 foot jon gives you a lot of fishing options.  Here are some thoughts on how to rig it.

Here are the main things you will probably want to add to your boat:  electric trolling motor, depth finder, seating, fish box or live well, and rod holders. There are also lots of incidentals, like cup holders, places to store/hold small items, etc., but you want to get the big pieces situated first.  I would also consider an anchor and handheld VHF radio to be "must-haves".

Next you need to figure out where on the boat to install or place each item.  It's a good idea to leave things flexible until you take the boat out for quite a few times.  For example, you will probably need to make changes to balance the boat fore and aft, and/or port to starboard.  Battery placement, for example, can really alter the way a small boat sits and rides in the water.  Remember, the battery can be placed at some distance from the fish finder and trolling motor, just use heavy gauge wire to run power where you need it.  You also will find you like things organized a certain way based on how you move in the boat and the type of fishing you do.

Weight is a big issue in a small boat.  Every piece of gear is significant and needs to be evaluated for its "weight to value" ratio.  For example, in my own boat I opted to use a cushion for a seat.  It's harder on my back, not having the support of a real seat, but I was willing to make that trade off to save weight.

If the beam is wide enough, you may want to build a casting deck for the front.  I have one on mine and love it.  It's actually a good safety enhancement as it gives me a larger flat surface to walk on, rather than stepping over things.  It also gives you covered storage underneath.  But if the boat is too narrow, you won't feel very stable standing on it, so get used to the boat's stability before you decide.

Liquid laundry detergent bottles can be very handy. Cut off the top (but leave the handle attached) and you can use it to hold small items, as a bailer, trash bucket, etc.  The handle gives you a way to lash it to the boat.  A plastic frosting container screwed down to a flat surface makes a perfect cup holder.

Another option is to rig it for small lakes and ponds. In that case, you may only need a trolling motor, a couple of seats, and the safety basics.

Following are some comments about specific pieces of equipment:

Trolling motor - Even if you don't plan to do bass fishing, you will still want to move around a little once you arrive at your favorite fishing spot.  It's also a backup to get you to the nearest shore in case the main motor fails (don't count on it getting you all the way back to the dock).  A front-mounted trolling motor is preferable, but more expensive, and the extra weight up front will have to be balanced out.

Rod holders - If you will mostly be casting artificials, then you mainly need something that will store the rods in transit.  On the other hand, if you will be putting out multiple lines for crappie or catfish, your needs are different.  Many commercial options available, although PVC pipe offers possibilities limited only by your imagination and ingenuity. And it's cheap.

Anchor - Just make sure it's appropriately sized and you have plenty of line.  I think your anchor line length is supposed to be five times the water depth where you want to anchor.

Handheld VHF radio - Yes, carry a cell phone as well, but a VHF radio could get you quick assistance from another nearby boater in case of emergency.

Here's a list of some other supplies I like to carry.  I'm sure I've left off quite a few, but it's a start.

Docking lines, fore and aft (can also use to lengthen your anchor line in a pinch)
Camera
Handheld GPS
First aid supplies
Extra cap and sunglasses
Compass
Parachute cord
Toolbox, including various fasteners/hardware
Extra spark plug and fuel filter
Snacks
Drinking water
Change of clothes (cold weather only)
Rain gear

I also carry the following emergency items in case I get stranded overnight:
Emergency food supply
Sheet of plastic for tarp or ground cloth
Extra non-perishable food
Extra drinking water (or water purification supplies)
Matches
Flashlight/extra batteries
Radio or mp3 player (to combat boredom)

Most importantly, read up on boating safety, or even better take an approved safety course.

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