Ultimate Fishing!

Fishing boats and all the accessories associated with the industry have come a long way since I first started up as a professional angler twenty years. Gosh, where has the time gone. I remember purchasing my first boat, an aluminum 16 footer with fairly low gunnels and a tiller motor on the back. While I still prefer this type of boat for a number of reasons that I will out line a little later, the quality of the manufacturing and concessions to the environment have increased dramatically since that time. For the last four years I have operated a four stroke motor, currently a 90 horsepower Yamaha outboard, that is great on gas, has minimum emissions, virtually no odor and you have to strain to hear if it is running. In the old days when I was filming a segment of The Complete Angler television series I would have to ensure the motor was turned off when we were filming. Since the addition of the four stroke, we usually don't even worry about it. When the tape is played back in the edit suite there is virtually nothing to hear. For those of you concerned about the rising cost of fuel, a four stroke will certainly help you out in that regard, with fuel consumption reduction of up to 40 per cent from the old two stroke technology.While more costly initially than the old technology, the new four strokes will get your money back on initial purchase the first year if you do any amount of boating at all. It might seem like a small thing but these environmentally friendly motors should be on everyone's list that fishes or boats.

Speaking of motors that are both environmentally and user friendly we cannot forget the electric troll motor. The research and development in these motors has not lagged behind at all. For example on my boat I run a troll motor both front and back. On the back, I use a Minn Kota Vantage troll motor which has the luxury of automatic power up and down as well as 4:1 variable steering which allows you to turn the boat on a dime. On the front I have the new Minn Kota Genesis which has the exclusive convenience of push button stow and deploy. In other words, touch a button and it will put the motor in the water automatically with you not lifting a finger. Finished fishing? Just touch a button and up it comes to lock into place on your bow. My particular model also had an AutoPilot feature that would lock onto a course and stay there in the toughest wind conditions. plus a universal sonar feature with an integrated and protected transducer with plug-in compatibility with our favorite sonar.

New hull designs on aluminum boats have also helped increase fuel efficiency from the old days as well as make for a dryer ride.

My 2004 Lund Pro-V has an IPS 2 Hull which stands for Integrated Power Strake, which means you get your boat up on plane easier and keeps you running higher on step, with a softer and dryer ride.This years model has an extra rib down each side of the bow for an even dryer ride It's also a very quiet ride because you are not constantly pounding the water. You will find all makes of boats that are wider with higher gunnels which certainly make them safer, especially in big water.

Why do I prefer tiller steering? That's just personal preference. I feel more comfortable in windy conditions operating my boat from the back with the big motor than trying to keep on a spot with a front troll motor. Big motors now have much more efficient steering systems that cut down on arm fatigue on the tiller models.

All boat manufactures have taken up the call for efficiency and comfort. In fact, most of them have tried to make the inside of boat just as luxurious as your car or van. Seats are designed with comfort in mind and have air cushioned support with just as many options as you would have on any luxury vehicle. Genmar treats your boating needs with roadside assistance like any of the major automobile companies do with their Firstmate Program. This is includes roadside assistance for trailering your rig as well as Marine Assistance when you are down on the water. As well, the FirstMate operator has access to all kinds of information, including weather forecasts, bait and tackle shops and local fishing information.Tom MacNair, National Sales Manager for Lund Boats Canada, says the consumer boat market in Canada is very bullish right now. Sales are up all across the board for all models as people continue to get geared up.