Experience A Charter Boat for Fishing

I love going on vacation to Florida. I have been vacationing to Florida at least once each year since I was a little kid. My parents, siblings and I would pile into our family station wagon and make the long drive from Wisconsin to Florida every summer. We would stop at camp grounds along the way to spending at least two weeks as close to the ocean as we could find a place to stay.

I remember spending endless hours on the beach shores looking out on all the large boats that passed me by. I wanted to be on one of those charter boats more than anything else. As an adult, I have continued to vacation to Florida with my own family and our friends. We go to a condo every spring for two weeks and we love it. I never tire of Florida vacations because they are absolutely beautiful. I love walking with my daughters along the water and playing football with my sons along the beach.

My absolute favorite thing to do each year on vacation, however, is spend a day fishing on a charter boat. My childhood dream has been coming true each year for the past twenty years. In fact, I think I have been fishing on a deep sea charter boat nearly thirty times since I first dreamed about doing it. I have been on the charter boat with my father, my father-in-law, my wife, our children and several of my closest friends at different times in the past twenty years. I just cannot get enough of fishing on the charter boat in what seems like the middle of a huge ocean.

If you're looking to vacation to Florida any time soon, then I suggest you make your way to the Gulf of Mexico and get yourself on a charter boat fishing excursion as soon as possible. You'll absolutely love the feeling of spending a day at sea and of catching the biggest fish you can possibly catch.

A charter boat fishing experience is truly one of the best parts of a Florida vacation, so don't go without taking at least a day for this. Do a little research and see what kinds of fishing charter boats are available in the area you will be visiting. Look for great deals by taking a large group with you or by going on an off day. Charter fishing is a great hobby to develop, so make plans to experience charter fishing for the first time.

Triston Huntsmin is a busy business man that loves to get away on vacation and spend at least a day charter boat fishing. See www.funcharter.info for more details.

Picking Out The Ultimate Fishing Boat

You and your family are heading out early in the morning for a day of fishing in your brand new fishing boat. You hit that highway that leads to the lake, excited voices echoing throughout your SUV.

Your wife and kids are just as delighted with the new boat as you are and are discussing the whopper they hope to catch. You arrive at the lake, launch the runabout that contains the entire family's fishing gear and in no time at all, you are skimming across the water, every family member safely encased in a lifejacket. You just know that this is going to be a great family outing and everyone loves the new fishing boat. A fishing boat can be anything between a canoe where you dangle basic bait over the side in a river or stream to a powerful cabin cruiser or yacht.

Basically, all you need to get out onto the water is a vessel that is seaworthy. There are a large variety of fishing boats available on today's market. You can buy them at boat shows, fishing shows or dealerships. Let's look at some different types of fishing boats. Freshwater Fishing Boats If you enjoy fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, leave the big, powerful boats for someone else. Choose a fiberglass or aluminum boat that is lightweight and easy to transport.

A bowrider, runabout, walleye boat or a boat with a small or dual console will meet all of your freshwater fishing needs. These boats are perfect for family outings. Bass Boats Bass boats ride low in the water and are usually very colorful and extremely fast. They can be aluminum or fiberglass and most often they are equipped with platforms in both the bow and stern for easy casting. If you've always dreamed of owning the perfect bass boat, be sure to buy one that has a trolling motor mounted on the bow. These boats are mainly used for sport fishing and tournament fishing. Offshore Saltwater Boats If you enjoy heading out on the open sea for a day of saltwater fishing that includes huge fish and heavy tackle, you will need a heavy boat that is dependable and can be relied on in all situations and weather. Anything less than a cuddy cabin or center console that's equipped with either twin or single outboard motors will not fit the bill.

The high end of an offshore saltwater boat is a bluewater or convertible that comes complete with luxury quarters and elaborate salons. These boats should be equipped with inboard diesel engines that have maximum power. Inshore Saltwater Boats If you're planning to fish for tarpin, bonefish, trout and snook or redfish on tropical flats, a light boat will take you a long way. This type of boat should always be less than a 25-footer and powered by a single outboard motor. The best type of vessel for inshore saltwater fishing is a basic bay boat or flat boat. Both types of boats offer a spacious deck for casting and float well in shallow water. Float Tubes Float tubes are devices that allow fly anglers who don't own a boat easy access to get out onto the water. They are excellent for fishing ponds, lakes and mountain streams. Essentially a float tube is a floatation device that is equipped with a seat.

The angler sits in the seat while wearing fins and kicks his way around while partially submerged. Fly fishing from float tubes can be difficult, especially for those who are using them for the first time. It definitely takes time to hone your fly casting skills from a float tube. There are two basic types of float tubes - traditional and pontoon. Traditional float tubes are usually round and have an opening in the front or middle. Basically, these are an inner tube with built-in features for fly fishing. These float tubes can take a lot of time to maneuver because they are round in shape and cause a lot of water resistance.

The newer pontoon float tubes are much easier to use. These are equipped with two pontoons, or air chambers, one on each side of the fisherman. Pontoon float tubes have less water resistance and offer far less drag than traditional ones because the pontoons are V-shaped and move through the water almost effortlessly. If you are thinking of purchasing a fishing boat, shop around, talk to anglers who own their own boats and do your research to help you decide which type of boat you'd like to have.

If you still can't make a choice, talk to a boat fishing guide or the owner of a fishing charter service. They will be glad to give you tips on how to choose the perfect boat for you.

By: Michael Sneed Michael can be found online at www.fishing-blog.com

Boat Trailers: A Must Have For Boat Owners

by Brent Martorella

If you have a boat, then a boat trailer is what you need to haul it around, and get it to the fishing hole you love going to. Boats are great for fishing lakes, and ponds. You really would not want to take one into the ocean unless you have a larger one however. It just might not hold up against the waves, and you might be wishing you had not taken it out once you get it out in the water.

When you have a boat trailer for your boat, you have access to getting into the lakes where you could not get in to go fishing at before. This makes fishing so much more fun, and easy. Back that trailer up to the water and push your boat off the trailer with an easy push. You will wonder how you ever fished without a trailer, and will be glad of the investment that you made. Sometimes when you buy a boat, you can get a great deal on a boat trailer if you buy at the sale time.

This is a great deal if you save enough money to make both purchases worth your while, and what good is a boat if you don't have a trailer. You can not go fishing alone if you do not own a trailer for your boat. How will you get the boat into the water alone without a friend helping you? You will not. You will find that a boat trailer can vary in price ranges.

Remember that you get what you pay for, and that you should buy the best that you can afford. Besides, if you have a good boat, you want a good trailer to pull it on. Otherwise, what is the point? Always buy the best that you can in a trailer, as well anything that has to do with the trailer. You will see that your boat trailer will last for ages, and you will be glad that you bought a good one in the long run.

One important thing that you need to remember when you go to buy your trailer for your boat. You will need to know how large the boat is, and what brand name it is for the best fit on a trailer. The length measurement will come in handy, and you will be glad you took this information along with you.

Brent has been a car salesman for more than 30 years and has recommended and helped his clients to finding the right automobiles and trailers for their needs. Go to http://www.trail-r.com for more information on topics such as boat trailer parts.

Aluminum Fishing Boats: From Compact Jon Boat To Custom Design!

By: Theron Neels

Looking around on the web for an aluminum fishing boat? You'll soon enough find out there are a number of different ways to go, depending on your needs and budget...

Are you looking for something very straightforward and uncomplicated you can quickly fit on your pickup? Or maybe you want something more sophisticated you can use for both tournament fishing and recreational fishing?

Another option - if money isn't your biggest concern - could be to look into a custom built boat with everything just the way you want!

You will probably know why you're looking for an aluminum fishing boat as opposed to a fiberglass or steel boat, but lightness (greater performance or fuel savings) and strength (around 35,000 pounds per square inch (psi) will deform it as opposed to 30,000 psi for mild steel) are probably the greatest advantages.

Price also come into play as many an aluminum fishing boat owner have reported looking around for similar fiberglass boats and being put off by the prices.

In addition it is not only the purchase price, but also the maintenance costs afterwards which one need to take into account.

Aluminum is practically maintenance-free. If left unpainted aluminum will form a supertight layer of aluminum oxide on its surface and then will stay that way indefinitely.

What else is great about owning an aluminum fishing boat? Aluminum is fireproof and non-toxic; it is natural, and the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. It is easily repairable, and a great advantage for boats: aluminum won't absorb water!

What about price? Well, you can start looking at something that was designed to fit right into small pickup truck beds like a Meyers Explorer 12 Jon Boat. This one goes for only a few hundred dollars!

Then you can move up to something much more advanced like the Tracker Pro Angler V-16. The Tracker features large lockable rod storage that holds up to 7'6" rods, divided aerated livewell with Flow-Rite aeration, a deluxe console with a simulated burlwood switch panel and more.

On the Tracker there's always plenty of room for tackle, people and gear. Even an amateur would know that this was a great aluminum fishing boat after only one ride!

Then there's the Ranger Cherokee 217, which is known for an extremely wide front casting deck. It also features an extension-deck option to make it even bigger. (Note: Unfortunately Ranger stopped making them, but if you can find one, rest assured it's a solid boat. Crestliner's boats can now offer a similar quality in a bass boat).

You may also want to look at unique boats like those of Design Concepts. Their aluminum fishing boats are crafted with a revolutionary hull configuration called Drop-Keel. Instead of being flat on the bottom like other boats, Design Concepts boats are engineered to drop just below the water line before turning upward at the bow. This feature keeps the cutting edge of your boat in the water at all times.

Design Concepts also offer a "true lifetime warranty": even if you sell your boat, the warranty stays with it, ensuring you the highest value retention of any boat you can buy.

How about a custom-built aluminum fishing boat? As an example, King Salmon Marine lets you choose many details like the position of the console, overall length and hight, bottom width and thickness - even the type of aluminum alloy!

About the Author:
Rika Susan of http://www.Fishing-Things.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Tips On Buying Fishing Boats

by John Dee

If you're a first timer looking to purchase a fishing boat, it could be a very daunting and intimidating task. Selecting the correct fishing boat for your purchase requires a little scheming on your part. Here is some advice that we can offer you to make the activity of purchasing your first fishing boat a little bit easier.

Your Budget

Fishing boats can be very expensive so it is important to set a budget before your even begin your search your first fishing boat. As a first time buyer it is important that you do your homework. Check online as well as buy and sell listings to get an idea of how much what kind of boat is worth and with what options. Know your financial limits and do not exceed what is beyond your means; don't attach this financial burden on yourself if you simply cannot afford it.

The Purpose of the Fishing Boat.

Obviously, the purpose of purchasing a fishing boat is primarily for fishing. However, there are other important purposes to consider when selecting your fishing boat. One thing to consider is where the boat will be taken; will the boat be in the ocean or smaller bodies of water such as lakes? You may also want to take into account the time of day this boat will be used; do you generally take day trips or is night fishing on your agenda?

These things may be important in the selection of a new fishing boat because it will effect the style and options you will want with the boat. For example, if you plan on using the fishing boat overnight while on the ocean, a fishing boat with a hull will be an important option. These types of boats are designed for the rough waters and is meant to ride with the waves.

Warranties on the Fishing Boat

As stated above, fishing boats are expensive enough without the cost of repairs if something should go wrong or if their is a defect on the boat. Purchase your new fishing boat from a dealer that offers you the necessary coverage. Make sure to thoroughly read and get a clear understanding of what your warranty covers and doesn't cover. Check out the warranties offered by other boat dealers and manufacturers to get an idea of what is generally covered by warranties. And, never be shy to ask a friend or associate about their fishing boat's warranties and coverage.

The Certification of the Fishing Boat

The "National Marine Manufacturers Association", or the NMMA, is an organization that inspects the quality of fishing boats to ensure that the manufacturer is meeting the organization's standard of excellence among fishing boats. Look for this certification when purchasing a fishing boat as it is important to look for these kinds of details to ensure that your selected boat is worth the money you put into it.

Don't miss John Dee's article on Choosing a Tent

John Dee also writes articles in other subjects such as Hunting, Health Issues and Web Development