Info requested

[tony_1]

Hi guys, on Tuesday I am buying a boat off a friend. I mostly am going to be fishing the Detroit and St Clair Rivers (jigging and deep-trolling), Lake St. Clair trolling, and some of the channels for walleyes. I'll also target perch. The boat is 16' and I wouldn't be to far out on the big lakes. My question is having almost nothing for boat fishing, what are some of the neccesities I will need?

[jimbos43]

Life Preservers,,,,,,,,Going by the saying "bigger the boat, smaller the brain",,,,,,,,,,you'll get idiots in their 36 foot Silverton's ripping by 20 feet away, throwing up 4 foot bow wakes.

Graph
rod holders

[Shoeman]

If it has a windshield, have a bow cover made. It might save your butt some day.

Rodholders
Graph
Long Handle net
Fish Cooler
The list is endless

[ESOX]

If the boat already has the required Coast Guard equipment, (life jackets etc.) you can start playing with accessories. (remember that you need flares as well as standard inland Coast Guard equpiment for the Great Lakes and connecting waters). I'd get a sea anchor as well.
I would highly reccomend a VHF radio and mapping GPS or chart plotter.
As Shoeman said, fish finders are pretty much a neccessity.
After that, you can start figuring out the toys you need to fit your styles of fishing. Or just open a hatch and throw all your money in there, it saves a lot of time.........

[goosewa]

Here are a few suggestions:

VHF Radio (A must in any boat!)
GPS (Handheld)
Fish Finder/Locator
Flare Kit
At least 1 Throwable Life Preserver (State Law)
PFD's for each occupant in the boat.
Anchor and Rode to support 7:1 Scope (That would be 7 ' of line for every 1" foot of water)
Spare Gas Tank (filled)
Spare 2 Stoke Oil if you have an Outboard.

The lower Detroit River, Lake Erie and the Livingstone channel can get nasty in a hurry. Not really a good place to get stranded without the proper equipment. Find out what the law requires for a 16' boat and make sure that you have it.

The Wayne County Sheriff, US Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard (and now the Grosse Ile Police) patrol that area heavily. You had better plan on being stopped and checked.

If you enjoy a beer or two when your fishing make sure it is not in your boat while in Canadian Waters. The law requires the boat to have a Galley and a Pump Out Head to possess alcohol. I think the ticket is around $150 dollars American and the Confiscate your boat until you pay it. Had a few friends get nailed............

-Goosewa

[omerjim]

ESSOX is right! A boat is just a hole in the water that you throw money into. In addition to what was allready suggested, dont forget at least two quality rod holders. Good Luck!

[tubejig]

Besides all of the wonderfull products mentioned above,
I think there is one last thing that needs to be given
consideration. It can be purchased in just about any store
throughout the country. I have heard many horrific tales
when it is not around. One last thing, it is called.....

tubejig




P.S. BUG SPRAY

[tony_1]

Thanks guys I was already thinking about the regulatory type stuff and the boat is equipped with a fish-finder. I was hoping to get some info on tackle and that type of stuff.

[The Whale]

Congrats on your new boat !

Tackle is as endless as the "toys" you can acquire for your boat. You had mentioned "deep water trolling". Sounds like downriggers are in order. Endless variety, depends on your wallet thickness. Clamp on types for occasional use are very inexpensive typically and provide a good deal of functionality, I personally use these styles as I don't do too much deep water trolling. Of course, what types of fish you target will certainly dictate what types of accessories/lures etc. you may need for the downrigger/rod set ups. Rods/reels ?, wow, a dizzying array of excellent useful tools are out there, again, wallet thickness plays a tremendous role on how high of quality and spped of acquisition. I suggest the following:

1. Determine species targeted.
2. Acquire appropriate gear for species, highest quality you can afford, obtaining gear slowly is fine, as wallet (again) dictates.

Use this site as specific info. you need, post questions, The Michigan Sportsmen (women) are here to help !

(We LOVE to tell people how to spend THEIR MONEY !)

Whale

[northern_outdoorsman]

Hello Tony_1. I just wanted to let ya know I moved this to the Boating and Boat Rigging Forum cause I thought you'd get more responses there. Good Luck and it seems like the Guys are Helping ya out! Congrats on the new boat!

[metro_man]

I agree with most of the post, have the standard Coast Gaurd equiptment. If your going to be on Lake St. Clair, I highly suggest purchasing a GPS. The fog can come in quick. I've spent a few evenings out at Stawberry Island because of lack of GPS. Got one now though!

[mchuber]

The Resource Directory at Outdoor-Links has a collection of information which will help you with your first boat. You can find information from a Safety Check List to an on line Boaters Safety Course

There is enough information to keep you busy until spring arrives. Such info as selecting electronics, boat technical tips, how to winterize an outboard and even wire color codes is available to read.

[trout]

A very good seat in your boat will save your butt.
Good minnow bucket/live well
Maybe some type of storage space to keep Xtra drain plug, extra shear pins and sun glasses/sun screen etc.
Also it might be nice to stow away some dry clothes.
Maybe a small survival it w/ a space blanket.

Lures
Try packin one box with alittle bit of everything so your covered for most all species.
In my soft tackle bag, I have one tray of topwaters, various rapalas, spoons, and jigs, and sinkers and hooks, etc.

[Big Frank 25]

1 maybe 2 reels loaded with .030 stainless wire (uncoated, coated line has too much resistence to the water) leader shanks. I think the fancy ones with beads are to catch the fisherman. Make your own? Rule of thumb I use is one inch up from bottom of sinker for every foot of leader. I use 15' and 30' some use 20' and 40'. A variety of weights 3/4lb., 1lb., 1-1/4lb. etc. water depth speed and current will help you make up your mind as to which to use. You want to keep the line some what vertical, not too flat to enable your two lines to tangle. Technique!! Lures! Floating body baits, pencil plugs, rappalas, bombers, light spoons. Technique!! Some way to steer the boat so you have both hands free. A light for those times your out at night! Fish at night when the water is clear, by day when it is off color. A BIG LANDING NET!