10 Fishing Essentials Every Boat Needs

Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or are just starting to discover the thrill of chasing after a big catch, you should never have to compromise on your experience on the water. 

Equipping your boat with proper fishing gear (and some enjoyable extras) prepares you for various fishing scenarios and ensures you’re ready to face the challenges of the open water with confidence. From reels and lines to hooks and bait, here’s our list of the ten fishing essentials every boat needs. 

1. Fishing Rod and Reel 

A fishing rod and feel are some of the most essential tools in fishing. Your fishing rod allows for precise casting, and there are different types of rods available depending on your goals and fishing style. Paired with an appropriate reel, it gives you control over the line, allowing for trolling, casting, and jigging. 

It’s important to find the right rod and reel combo. Your rod can vary by responsiveness, strength, taper, and action. When it comes to reels, you can choose from spinning reels, baitcasting reels, spin-casting reels, trolling reels, and more. Experiment with different types of rods and reels to find your favorite combination. 

2. Hooks 

Hooks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each tailored to specific fish species and fishing techniques. You can choose from bait hooks, circular hooks, octopus hooks, and more. Hooks are essential equipment for fishing boats, so it’s helpful to always have a good amount on hand. 

Properly chosen hooks, matched to the target species and the size of the bait, increase your chances of hooking and landing fish. Some hooks, such as circular hooks, are also designed for catch-and-release practices and can be suggested by some states. 

3. Fishing Lines

A fishing line is another boat fishing essential. It’s a good idea to have extra fishing lines on your boat because they often tangle on rocks or get damaged in another way. As with most fishing gear, there are different options available depending on your personal preferences and fishing conditions. 

For example, monofilament lines have good shock strength, are easy to handle, and can float on water, which makes them a good option for topwater fishing. In turn, braided lines are stronger, which makes them a great choice for deepwater fishing. Fluorocarbon lines are nearly invisible in water, which makes them another popular option. 

4. Bait and Lures

When going fishing, you can choose to fish with live or artificial bait. If you’re going with live bait, it’s important to pick bait that attracts the fish in your area. If you’re fishing in a freshwater setting, bait like worms or crickets can work great. For saltwater fish, use shrimp, crab, squid, or bait fish. 

If you’re fishing with artificial bait, lures that mimic the appearance, movement, and behavior of real prey can be helpful. It’s a good idea to have a variety of bait and lures on your fishing boat. 

5. Fishing Knives

From cleaning and filleting fish to cutting lines and ropes, reliable fishing knives are a fishing essential that every boat should have. It’s important to have different types of fishing knives, such as a boning knife to debone fish, a gutting knife to remove internal organs, a bait knife to prep bait, and more. 

6. Swivels 

Fishing swivels are small devices that fishermen use to prevent fishing lines from twisting and tangling. Swivels are typically made of metal and come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different fishing techniques and line strengths. 

Attach a swivel between the main line and the leader or terminal tackle (such as hooks, lures, or sinkers) to allow your bait or lure to move more naturally without an excessive spin to the line. You can choose from barrel swivels, ball-beating swivels, and crane swivels. 

7. Tackle Box and Storage

A tackle box is a specialized container that anglers use to organize and carry fishing tackle, such as hooks, lures, lines, reels, and other accessories. It’s one of the most important fishing essentials for beginners because it helps you quickly locate and access your fishing gear. It also protects your equipment from damage and environmental factors. 

8. Fish Finder

A fish finder is a device used by anglers and fishermen to locate fish underwater. It uses sonar technology to detect and display the presence and movement of fish as well as underwater structures and depth of water. It’s a great fishing boat upgrade that can make your time on the water even more fruitful and enjoyable. 

Read on: 

→ 10 Cool Fishing Boat Accessories You Don’t Want to Miss 

9. Safety Gear

Equipping your boat with necessary safety gear can make a big difference in emergency situations and give you peace of mind on your fishing adventures. Here is a list of gear that your boat should have: 

→ Life jackets

→ First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other medication

→ Emergency signaling devices, such as whistles or horns

→ Reliable communication device

→ Pump to help manage water in case of leaks

Safety gear is both a freshwater and a saltwater fishing essential. 

10. Cooler 

Having a functional cooler on your fishing boat is convenient and practical. It serves multiple purposes during a day of fishing. You can use it to preserve fresh catch and keep your fish safe to eat, store bait, keep beverages and snacks, and store medication. 

Consider investing in a high-quality cooler to improve the overall comfort and enjoyment of your time on the water. 

DEKit: Marine Products for Fishing Enthusiasts 

Fish Rulers

Few things are as satisfying as measuring the size of your newest catch right on your boat Our 3M™ pressure sensitive adhesive fish rulers can be easily installed right on your deck for quick and accurate measurements. 

Cooler Tops

Make your cooler more versatile and comfortable with superior YETI and RTIC cooler tops. Made with premium foam, these cooler tops add a new reliable surface to your boat for a better experience. Customize your top with your logo or special pattern.  

Helm Pads

DEKit helm pads are designed to provide comfort to your tired feet after long hours of fishing and cruising on the water. They’re thick, sturdy, and comfortable for maximum enjoyment of your fishing experience. 

Boat Flooring

Made with the highest quality marine foam, DEKit boat flooring offers a smart-looking solution to boat owners who want a comfortable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance decking option. It’s UV-resistant, non-absorbent, and reliable under your feet for a seamless boating experience.