You don't need absolutely everything to be successful at fishing, but some must-have accessories can level up your game. Reeder-Trausch Marine takes a look at five handy fishing accessories and essentials to have onboard.
If you only stick to waterways that you know really well, a fish finder may not be necessary. At the same time, there's a reason that charters always use fish finders. Simply put, it helps you to go where the fish are.
A fish finder is a powerful tool when you're in unfamiliar or deep waters as well. Besides helping you find fish, the fish finder also lets you see what's under your boat. It can be an essential tool for navigation and for finding fish. Fish finders also show the depth from the transducer to the land under the water, giving you valuable insight into underwater terrain and structure.
Speaking of navigation, this is another must-have. Modern fish finder systems often come with some type of built-in navigation, like a chart plotter or GPS. However, it's never a bad idea to have a standalone navigation onboard at the same time.
There are quite a few navigation systems to choose from. If numbers are all that matter, then a basic GPS might be all you need. However, if you want to see a map with exact coordinates, then a dedicated chart plotter is your navigational friend.
A trolling motor definitely falls into the must-have category. Whether you're in fresh water or salt water, a trolling motor gives you the precision and stealth you need to land a big catch. You can maneuver more easily without the noise.
The trolling motor eliminates the concern about spooking fish as you proceed at a slow speed without making much noise. Trolling motors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it's easy to find the perfect one for your needs.
Like the trolling motor, a cooler is an indispensable must-have no matter where you're fishing. It's absolutely non-negotiable in the summer months. Coolers come in all shapes and sizes. Some have handles, some have wheels, some have both. It's easy to find the type you need.
However, the main considerations are durability and ice retention. Look for a sturdy construction and thick insulation to meet both of these concerns. It might be handy to have more than one cooler, one for your fish and one for refreshments when you're on the water in the heat.
An intense fishing trip can get messy fast, and this is especially true when rods get strewn all over the deck. Rod racks and holders are a great way to get ahead of this by providing an easy and convenient place to store rods when they're not in use. These accessories can be mounted almost anywhere on the boat as long as the area is easily accessible.
Other than that, you can fix the angle and direction almost any way you want. Rod holders are mainly for having a place to set your rod if you need to let go of it for a second, while rod racks are primarily for storing poles when not in use.
Get started on your fishing journey with a new fishing boat from Reeder-Trausch Marine. Whether you're looking for your next boat or you're brand new to fishing boats and need to find your first boat, we can help. We offer a wide selection of quality boats, including trusted brands like Lund fishing boats, known for their durability and performance. There are many considerations in buying a fishing boat, including where you plan to use it. We can help you find the perfect fishing boat for your needs.