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The Open: The Versatile Fishing Boat
Very common among saltwater fishermen, the open boat with a center console provides excellent mobility on board. This layout makes it easy to move from the front to the back and even to circle around the console during a battle.
It's perfect for lure fishing, jigging, vertical fishing, fishing for dentex, or even hunting for schools of tuna. A model ranging from 5.50 and 6.50 m It's generally a good choice for inshore fishing with two or three people.
Look for a spacious cockpit, sufficiently high freeboards, plenty of storage, and a console that doesn't unnecessarily take up fishing space.
The RIB: Practical and Seaworthy
The rigid-hulled inflatable boat appealing for its stability, light weight, and seaworthiness. Easy to transport and launch when kept to a reasonable size, it also allows you to reach fishing spots quickly.
Its main drawback stems from the space taken up by the floats and a storage capacity that is often smaller than that of an equivalent rigid-hulled boat. Anglers who use a lot of lures will also need to be careful of hooks near the floats.
The Timonier: For Year-Round Fishing
For anglers who go out in the fall and winter or fish in areas regularly exposed to wind and spray, the wheelhouse boat has some strong arguments.
Its cabin provides valuable protection while out on the water, while its large aft cockpit is perfectly suited for drift fishing, live bait fishing, and trolling. On the other hand, the boat is generally heavier and offers less freedom of movement than an open boat.
What size should you choose for saltwater fishing?
For coastal sailing, boats from 5.50 to 6.50 m are a particularly versatile category. They remain relatively easy to maneuver and, depending on their weight and configuration, can be transported on a trailer.
To venture farther from the coast or take more extended trips, a larger boat will offer greater comfort, range, and cargo capacity. However, fuel, maintenance, winter storage, and parking costs will also increase.
Essential Fishing Gear
A boat designed for fishing must, above all, be functional. Rod holders, storage lockers, a livewell, a cooler, a deck wash system, and a large deck area make life on board much easier.
Electronics have also become indispensable. A good combined fish finder and GPS unit , when properly paired with its transducer, allows you to scan for structures, drops, and fish. A fixed or portable VHF radio is a useful addition to your gear. For certain types of lure fishing, the ability to install a front electric motor can also make a difference.
Consider your overall budget before making a purchase
The listed price of the boat is only part of the investment. The cost of the engine, electronics, safety equipment, insurance, maintenance, fuel, a trailer, or a slip must all be factored into the budget.
Before making a choice, it is therefore best to determine exactly what your needs are. For the coastal fishing in the Mediterranean , an open boat or a semi-rigid boat about 6 m long is often a particularly versatile option. On more exposed shores or for year-round use, a coxswain may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best fishing boat isn't necessarily the biggest or most powerful one?it's the one that truly suits your fishing techniques, your fishing area, and how often you go out.
