If you love fishing, you’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans went fishing in 2019, and the future looks bright for spin fishing, dry fly, small boat, charter, or whatever fishing you love to do. Over a million children between the ages of 6 and 12 had a taste of fishing too, and they are the future of fishing.

Fishing from small fishing boats can be an excellent way to get a great catch. The variety of small fishing boats is huge and can be confusing. Read on to learn about 11 small fishing boats to help you decide what’s right for you.

What are Small Fishing Boats?

A small fishing boat is about 20 feet in length or less. It’s a popular size because it’s got several advantages over larger boats. Size is definitely a factor when it comes to finding the right boat for you.

There are small fishing boats for both sea fishing and freshwater fishing. A smaller boat is typically less expensive than a larger one. That cost advantage doesn’t just cover the purchase price.

Smaller boats are cheaper to maintain. They are often less complicated than their larger cousins, so there’s less to go wrong with them. Preventative maintenance and repairs are therefore less expensive.

Storage of a small boat is easier because you don’t need so much space for it. If you’re paying for that storage, that’s a great cost reduction on a bigger boat. If you are storing the boat on your own property, the smaller footprint might make that more viable.

Operating a small fishing boat is much easier than a large one. For example, launching and docking a small fishing boat is easier than a large one. The challenge of maneuvering a large boat might put many people off owning one, but a small fishing boat is relatively easy to control.

Moving a large boat over land can be a logistical nightmare. Trailing a small fishing boat is less of a challenge, and with a little practice, it can be done with a minimum of stress.

Classifying small fishing boats isn’t straightforward. There’s some cross over between the classifications.

Many small fishing boats can be multipurpose. Several different types of boats can catch fish species. Fishing methods can be used by several types of small boats too.

1. Aluminum Boats

What your boat is made of makes a huge difference to its performance. An aluminum-bodied boat has the advantage of low weight. The typical alternative material to build a small boat is fibreglass, but this comes with a weight disadvantage.

If you don’t want to invest in a bigger and more powerful tow vehicle, aluminum is for you. Trailering is much easier, and you can use a smaller tow vehicle with confidence.

Aluminum is a great boat building material for the novice for one very important reason. If your boating skills are still developing, aluminum is very forgiving.

A bump against a hard surface in a fibreglass body boat can be shattering in more than one sense. The fibreglass material shatters, and the bill for a repair will be shattering too. Aluminum is much more likely to dent, which is safer and doesn’t have to be repaired.

2. Pontoon Boats

A pontoon boat is a great multipurpose boat. It’s a practical fishing craft, but it can also double up as a water sports workhorse or a boat for luxury excursions on the water.

A pontoon is a buoyant floating device. Pontoon boats utilize this concept to provide excellent buoyancy as well as load-carrying capability. A small pontoon-style fishing boat will typically have a flat deck with furniture and gear to provide both comfort and utility.

A pontoon boat might have been historically associated with leisurely excursions or even sunbathing on the water. Modern designs have now made them capable of a turn of speed and more practicality for fishing and other uses.

3. Bass Boats

Are you one of those fishing obsessives that live for the pursuit of largemouth bass? Bass fishing is a multi-billion-dollar business. The pursuit of largemouth bass has spawned specialized tackle, fish finding equipment, and even specialized bass boats.

These exciting fish live in ponds, lakes, and swampy waters. They also inhabit rivers and creeks where they hide in vegetation, waiting to prey on smaller fish, crayfish, and amphibians.

They aren’t just amazing looking fish. They can put up a fierce fight, even breaching the water’s surface in an attempt to escape. For the bass enthusiast, this fishing challenge fully justifies a specialized boat.

A bass boat is designed for the rivers and lakes where the bass is to be found. Its powerful engines will get you to where you want quickly, and you’ll have tremendous fun on the way. It handles shallow water, and convenient fore and aft casting decks are typical.

4. Center Consoles

Many boats can be described as center console fishing boats. This description refers to the position of the helm in the center of the boat.

This style of boat is excellent for fishing because it provides all-around visibility. There’s usually space on deck to get all the way around the center console too. Great if you need to change casting or fishing position or even to assist someone.

5. Jon Boats

A simple flat-bottomed boat with benches for seats can be referred to as a Jon boat. They are most often made from aluminum but can be made from wood or fibreglass. The simplicity of this boat makes it cheap and easy to use.

You can add an outboard motor or go without. The flat bottom means the Jon boat is best for calm, shallow waters.

With an outboard motor providing propulsion, you’ll ride on the water’s surface. The open hull can be covered to provide some casting deck space.

Transporting a small Jon boat can be as easy as loading it onto the back of a pickup truck. This makes it a go-anywhere boat at the drop of a fisherman’s lucky hat.

6. Personal Watercrafts

Does a PWC or personal watercraft count as a small fishing boat? Well, if you fish from it, why not?

You can buy fishing accessories for your PWC. A rod holder and cooler rack can turn your fun personal watercraft into a serious, if tiny, fishing craft. You can even buy pre-configured personal watercraft with factory fitted fishing accessories.

A personal watercraft really isn’t a poor alternative to a “real” fishing boat. It can navigate in shallow water, it’s easy to launch, and towing is no problem. It’s a great solution for solo fishing.

7. Skiffs

An open fishing boat that is small and most often with a center console can be described as a skiff. It’s simple and inexpensive. This makes it ideal for many forms of fishing where it’s more about the fishing than the boats.

A skiff is likely to be lightweight and yet stable. Driven by an outboard motor, it’s a practical fishing workhorse.

8. Dinghies

Many an angler has had a satisfying day’s fishing from a humble dinghy. It’s not glamourous or sporty, but when all you need is a platform to float on the water and cast from, and dinghy might be for you.

A simple hull, a bench, and a couple of oars complete the story. You might even be able to accommodate a companion.

9. Bay Boats

The smaller bay boats fit into the category of small fishing boats. These boats are a step up from many shallow drafted small fishing boats but not quite up to the larger offshore craft’s deep draft.

They can be expensive if fitted with the highest specification of outboard engines and equipment. The best bay boats come factory-fitted with live wells and rod holders.

The other end of the bay boat market includes low specification boats with modest outboard motors and little in the way of equipment. Fishing enjoyment can still be huge in such a modest boat.

10. Flats Boats

Saltwater flats with their shallow waters offer anglers some fascinating species to pursue. Among them are redfish, tarpon, flounder, and speckled trout. Saltwater flats vary tremendously with different habitats and species to interest you in all seasons.

Some saltwater flats can be fished in waders, but flats boats are preferable for more flexibility and mobility. Flats boats can navigate the shallow waters of the saltwater flats where other boats have more draft.

A polling platform provides the flats boat with added maneuverability. It’s a great vantage point to spot fish too.

11. Kayak

Fishing from a kayak is a unique experience. Creeping up on your prey in a kayak, you can be independent, stealthy, and almost silent. It feels like a very natural and authentic way to fish.

Your fishing boat will probably fit on the roof of your car.

Gone Fishing

Fishing is a very diverse sport. The small fishing boats you have to choose from are just as diverse. Take your time and take advice to get the right boat for your fishing needs.

Talk to us about the best fishing boats for you by contacting us here.