It would be a lot easier to catch fish if they didn’t live in water, but I don’t suspect that’s going to change any time soon, and fishing probably wouldn’t be as much fun if it did. Couple that with the fact that it’s been two thousand years since the last documented case of anybody walking on water and we’re left with little choice but to use a boat if we’re going to fully enjoy the best of Alberta’s angling.
Boat ownership is one of the joys of the fisherman’s lifestyle, though admittedly one of the heartaches as well. While some suggest that if it flies or floats you should rent it, purchasing a boat, the right boat, provides unlimited opportunities. The challenge lies in identifying your needs, especially in a province with the diversity of species and water that Alberta boasts.
Before you set foot on any boat lot you need to answer a few key questions. What waters do you want to fish most often – rivers, lakes, streams, potholes? How many people do you want to be able to carry? Beyond angling, what other uses will you require from your boat – skiing, tubing, overnight camping or daytime pleasure-boating? What size and style of boat do you have storage facilities for? Do you have the vehicle necessary to transport your boat? How much can you afford to spend on a boat? Overbuying as compared to your needs, budget and space is a common mistake of many first-time boat buyers; you’re always better off having to upgrade down the road than be saddled with a boat that’s more than you need or can honestly afford.