Fishing Boat Accessories Checklist
By Andy Whitcomb
Mar 03, 2022
Fishing boat accessories can be helpful for control of or in a fishing boat. Here are a few suggestions on which ones you can start looking at.
When preparing for spring, it is a good idea to check your fishing boat gear and accessories to make sure 1. that you can locate everything and 2. that it still works. Fishing boat gear is the more essential stuff like rods, reels, and tackle boxes. However when attempting to assemble a fishing boat accessories checklist, the items vary. “Accessory” normally means “helpful, but not necessary.” But, even with this definition anglers often disagree. For example, a hat and polarized sunglasses are accessories to some anglers but are essential to my fishing trips. Here then, are 8 items you might consider for your fishing boat accessories checklist.
For Control of the Boat
Second Anchor
Instead of having one end of the boat swing back and forth on windy days, a second anchor deployed at the other end, can hold the boat in a steady position, greatly increasing bite detection.
Extra Rope
One of the most versatile boat accessories or tools, extra rope takes up very little space. It and can give you something to tie to that second anchor, help the boat get back on the trailer, or aid towing a stranded boater.
Brush Clip
In shallow water, stealth is important. This device helps a small fishing boat connect to a willow limb or stump without the noise of lowering an anchor or repositioning with a trolling motor.
Drift Sock
Wind can be helpful for triggering a bite. But, you can get too much of a good thing. If you are drift fishing, a drift sock can help slow the boat to a more fish-friendly speed.
For Control in the Boat
Rod Holders
When drift fishing or trolling perhaps with outriggers, a rod holder or two can allow one to multi-task while waiting for a hit.
Scissors
Tournament anglers always have a pair of scissors handy. They are perfect for trimming tag ends of knots and making minor adjustments to lengths of jig skirts, weed guards, or soft plastic creature bait appendages.
Fish Measuring Stick or board
This is a wide ruler with an end lip so an angler can touch a fish’s head to the “0.0” end and take a quick measurement of length at the tail at the other end.
Fish Coolers
A cooler is a handy multi-purpose part of any list of fishing boat gear and accessories because not only can it keep fish on ice, but it can provide additional seating in a pinch, serve as makeshift cutting boards or a fish cleaning station, and some models even have lids with drink holders.
There are many more potential fishing boat accessories. This partial list soon became part of my “never leave without” checklist. Oh, and although more of an essential than an accessory, a new sticker exhibiting your updated boat registration should be on any pre-boating checklist.
