When fishing from a boat, you gain access to water unreachable from the shore and the fish are usually larger. Fishing from a boat has additional risks though, and the equipment is a bit different from fishing from the shore. This guide covers what kind of equipment you would use for small boat or charter boat fishing.
There is one bit of good news first. You do not need a rod licence to fish at sea. The Environment Agency licence only covers freshwater, salmon, trout, smelt and eels.
Boat rods
Boat rods, on average, are around 6-7 ½ feet, and are much shorter than their shore or carp rod counterparts. When fishing from a boat, fish are usually below you, and there is no need to cast very far. Also, short boat rods are easier to maneuver on a crowded boat deck.
Each class is rated for different line weights, i.e. 12lb, 20lb, 30lb, or 50lb. The class tells you the line strength the rod is built for. A lighter class is more fun for mackerel and pollack in shallow water and a heavier class is for deeper water, stronger tides, and bigger fish, like cod and conger. If you’re only going to purchase one, a mid-range class covers most fishing around the UK coast.
Reels
Most boat anglers use multiplier reels. Multipliers rest on top of the rod, and store more line than fixed spool reels. This is an advantage when using heavy line and bringing a weight and fish up from deep water. Lever drags are easier to adjust than star drags, however, they are more expensive.
Uptiding and downtiding
Dropping the bait down from the side of the boat is the easiest way to fish from a boat. All you have to do is let the current do the work and bring the line back. Most charter skippers use this method as it is also effective in deep water.
Casting your line away from the boat and letting it drift with the tide is known as “uptiding.” A lead weight is used to keep the line anchored to the bottom. This method works well in shallower water because the noise from the boat can push the fish away. Uptide rods are longer, around 9-10 feet, and allow the fisherman to cast farther. If you fish from a small boat in shallow estuaries, then having an uptide rod can be very useful.
Lures and terminal tackle
- Feathers for mackerel. Cheap, quick and the easiest way to fill a bait box.
- Pirks for cod and pollack over wrecks and rough ground.
- Soft plastic lures for bass and pollack.
- Plain leads and grip leads in a range of weights. The tide decides how much lead you need, so carry more than you think.
- Wire traces for anything with teeth.
Bass rules change year to year. The length of line you can keep changes as well. Check current rules before you go fishing.
Safety kit
This is most crucial element. Everybody on the boat should have a lifejacket on, not just carrying one. A small boat needs a means of calling for help (the best option is to have a VHF Radio, and a phone in a waterproof pouch is the bare minimum), an anchor and enough line for the water depth you fish, a bailer or bilge pump, and a knife you can reach quickly. Tell someone ashore your plans, and when you expect to be back.
It’s important to check both the weather and the tides before heading out. Wind against tide can really ruin an otherwise pleasant day.
Thinking of buying a boat to fish from? Our guide to types of boat covers highlights what’s good for fishing and what isn’t.