Reading the Waters on a Fishing Boat

Fishing is a unique hobby in that some people meticulously plan their fishing trip down to the last detail to ensure maximum success, while others simply grab their rod and some bait. How you fish is up to you, and no strategy is a 100% guarantee, but if you’re going to all the trouble of taking your fishing boat out on the water, it only makes sense to try to maximize your chances of success. This guide from Clews and Strawbridge can help fishing boat owners better read with water. 

Digital Tools

The term “fish finder” is a bit of a misnomer. While these kinds of high-tech devices have their uses, they also have some notable limitations. Relying too heavily on technology won’t make you a better fisherman. At the end of the day, these tools are just as subject to malfunction as any other device, and still being able to read the water without them is a valuable skill. 

Consider Location

Fish can vary wildly in their habit preferences and behavioral patterns. There’s far too much variation for us to account for here, so do some research on your own if there’s a specific species that you’re trying to catch. If you’re just trying to catch whatever you can, try looking for riffles. These are shallow areas of a river where the current is moving quickly enough to create white-capped rapids. Getting your fishing boat to a riffle can be difficult, but it’s well worth it. If you’re trying to catch trout, cast your line near a river run. River pools, areas with a slower current flowing through deeper water, are a good place to try after key feeding times. If you’re fishing on a lake, examine the nearby vegetation and structural elements.

Safety

Being able to read the water can also help keep you safe. Being able to spot a sandbar in advance, for example, can help you avoid getting stranded. Rivers are constantly changing the surrounding landscape, so even fairly recent charts can be outdated. The best way to stay safe is to watch the current. If water appears to be moving around something, that means there’s an obstacle hidden close to the surface. Choppy water and objects that seem to be stuck in place are also things to avoid. 

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