Time and time again, studies reveal that fishing is one of Canada’s most popular recreational activities. Whether you’re taking up fishing for the first time this season or looking for ways to broaden your catch, buying a fishing boat can really change the game.

Fishermen who are looking to head for open water quickly find that there isn’t one kind of fishing boat that will meet every fisherman’s needs. In fact, as you start doing your research, you’ll discover that narrowing your search to freshwater or saltwater still leads to several types of fishing boats.

Rather than searching far and wide on the internet, why not read through a definitive guide to the types of fishing boats most commonly available? We’ve used our boating expertise to put together exactly the kind of guide you need!

Read on to learn everything you need to know before purchasing your next fishing boat.

Main Types of Fishing Boats for Freshwater Fishing

Did you know that Canada is deemed one of the most freshwater-rich countries in the world? In fact, most research indicates that Canada has more surface area covered by freshwater lakes, rivers, and more than any other place on Earth!

What can you find in all those lakes and rivers? Canada is home to dozens of native fish species, from rock bass to ruffe to the beloved walleye. It’s no wonder so many fishermen stick to Canada’s freshwater systems to find the perfect catch!

What kind of boat should you take out on our bodies of freshwater? Let’s take a look.

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Aluminum fishing boats are about as simple as you can get! They’re great for beginners who want to stick to calm lakes and rivers. They’re even small enough for ponds!

If you know that you’re going to traverse shallow or rock-strewn waters, an aluminum fishing boat may be the right choice for you. Plus, they’re easy to tow, launch, and store.

Bass Boats

When you think of the quintessential freshwater fishing boat, you’re probably picturing a bass boat! Bass boats tend to pack a lot of power to get you out to those bass-filled hotspots, and their low sides make it easy to reel in your catch.

Note that bass boats aren’t ideal for the fisherman who likes to fish with a crowd. Almost all bass boats are designed to fit two anglers–four at the max, which means that your guests may find themselves feeling a little bit cramped on a bass boat. That being said, if you’re in the market for some fresh largemouth bass, nothing is going to beat the bass boat.

Jon Boats

A “jon boat” is more of a concept than a model. The term refers to just about any small fishing boat with a simple build, wide-open top, and flat surface. Jon boats may look like they don’t have much to them–prepare to steer with the propeller–but these boats are more versatile than you may think!

If you’re in the market for a jon boat’s luxurious older brother, you may find that a pontoon boat is more your speed. Equipped with higher sides and comfortable seating, pontoon boats are great for fishing and entertaining at the same time.

Main Types of Fishing Boats for Saltwater Fishing

Do you spend a lot of time on the coast? Are you looking for a grand new adventure beneath the open skies? If so, you may be more interested in saltwater fishing boats than freshwater fishing boats.

Saltwater fishing boats are crafted specifically to endure the wear and tear of saltwater boating. A freshwater boat may not be able to endure the waves and strong tides of the ocean, so make sure that your boat is saltwater-ready before hitting the open seas!

Let’s take a look at the most common saltwater fishing boats you can find today so that you can decide which one is best for you.

Center Consoles

Many of your offshore saltwater fishing boats require a little more control and power, and the center console is the epitome of both. Center consoles have a comfortable steering station, you guessed it, in the center of the boat. The steering station is surrounded by an all-around open deck perfect for anglers of all specialties.

Note that the smallest center consoles perform best in protected bay areas with fairly docile surfaces. If you want to head out into the ocean blue, a large center console is right for you! (If you want to really kick it up a notch, take a look at the upper deck afforded by a flybridge boat.)

Convertibles

Looking for an offshore alternative to the center console? Convertibles come equipped with a flying bridge and steering station and can pick up some serious speed.

Why are they called convertibles? The steering station on a convertible is typically protected by a translucent canvas or isinglass curtain, both of which are removable. Use the curtain when you’re making waves or steering through a rainstorm, and take it down when things get a little more still–and dry!

Flats

Flats (aka flat boats) are simple saltwater fishing boats that are used for shallow, inshore waters like shallow bays and back-country waters. You could say they’re almost like the jon boats of saltwater fishing!

Flats are small with shallow drafts and large casting decks. They do have a small steering console in the center, although tons of anglers prefer the poling method when taking a flat out on the water. Poling allows you to slowly steer and maneuver your boat without running the motor, which can make it easier to get to your fish without startling or disturbing them.

Skiffs

“Skiff” is another term that refers more to a general type of boat as opposed to a specific model. Once again, you’re going to want to keep your skiff on calm, inshore waters–these babies don’t do well with waves and strong tides!

Most people would argue that to qualify as a skiff, your boat would have to be no more than 18 feet long, although there’s no official cutoff point. Like flats, skiffs tend to have a small steering console in the center of the boat. Both the front and the back offer great vantage points for anglers who are looking for a wide cast, including fly fishermen!

Sportfishing Boats

What does it mean when someone says they’re looking for a “sportfishing boat?” What qualities does a boat need to be suited for sportfishing?

When we talk about sportfishing, we’re referring to fishing down out in the open sea. Sportfishers are looking for big fish like mackerel, snapper, and even tuna. That means that they’re going to need a heavy-duty boat!

To count as a sportfishing boat, you’re looking for qualities possessed by center consoles, expresses, and flybridge boats. Keep in mind that sportfishing boats need to be on the bigger side, and most are at least 20 feet in length. If you’ve got a pal who asks you to go out on their sportfishing boat, know that that means that you’re headed out to sea!

(Note that there are smaller boats that allow for both offshore and inshore fishing. If you’re hoping to do a little of each, you’re better off with a small center console than anything that counts as a sportfishing boat.)

Looking for a Fishing Boat on a Budget?

Looking for a fishing boat on a budget? While you may find more limitations when it comes to the types of fishing boats available, it’s always worth taking a look at our collection of used boats.

We get used boats regularly throughout the month. If you’re not seeing exactly what you’re looking for, you may have better luck soon! Please keep checking our used boat inventory regularly to find your dream boat!

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Fishing Boat for You

Whether you’re a fishing novice or a fishing pro, there may come a time that you grow weary of fishing from land. When that day arrives, you’re going to want to know the basics about the different types of fishing boats–and we’re here to help!

Here at Westshore Marine & Leisure, we’re always looking for ways to add a little adventure to your life. We hope this guide gave you some insight into your next adventure. Now, it’s time to see what else we have in store for you!

Contact us to find out more about the boats we have for sale and what we’re expecting in the coming weeks. We can answer any questions you have about all things outdoorsy, so don’t hesitate to send us a message!