Drift away

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This article was published 05/03/2016 (3696 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As we ease into March, many of us are thinking of another year on the open water. For those looking for a new ride, this weekend is always special. Why? The Mid-Canada Boat Show takes place at the newly renovated RBC Convention Centre.

I had a chance to tour the expanded facility about a month ago, and I think those who visit the show will be impressed by what they see. All the boats, booths and products will be on one floor, the third. No more having to navigate through three floors.

All the fishing operators will be in the north section, along with the return of the Lunker Tank. Bob Izumi is in town to do some presentations along with top regional pro Jeff Gustafson. I will be at the Hooked Magazine booth in that same section, so come by and say hi!

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BOAT

Since 1982, when I first started guiding, until today, I have owned or operated about 20 different boats. When I had my television fishing show, I worked out of a new boat every year. While this might sound glamorous, it also meant I had to reinstall new electronics and electric troll motors every year. It did give me the opportunity to try out a number of different makes and models, some which fished better than others. For the purist, especially for someone who likes to fish for walleye, a boat with tiller steering offers the best boat control.

Top tournament angler Alex Keszler has been running a large tiller-handled boat since day one. Now with increased horsepower rating and hydraulic steering, speeds of up to 90 kilometres an hour are a reality. I have operated both tiller and steering wheel models, but my retirement boat is 18 feet in length with a 90 horsepower four stroke tiller-steering model. I can pull it with a mid-size vehicle and fish for a week on one tank of gas. I can also get into almost any lake in this part of the country. I can still fish it on Lake Winnipeg or Lake of the Woods as long as a little caution is applied. With a tiller model, your handle is on the motor and this is where you steer from. On the back of the boat, you have splash guards. This will keep most of the water out of the boat when you back into the waves. Called back trolling, this allows an angler to hover over small areas to provide a precise presentation to the fish, a great technique when fish are concentrated in a smaller area. Combine that with front and back troll motors and excellent electronics and you have a versatile fish-catching machine! If you like to travel backcountry roads to smaller lakes, then a 16-foot aluminum boat is for you. Get a galvanized trailer and some stone guards and you’re good to go.

On the other end of the spectrum, those tournament anglers are still looking for speed and the ability to deal with big water and big waves. Most opt for a fibreglass boat in the 20 foot or larger range with big horsepower. This is really a speciality market and there are high costs associated with this huge investment. Fibreglass is a smoother ride than aluminum for the most part, but it is also heavier, which means a bigger tow vehicle. Jeff Gustafson is a hit among southern bass anglers because he runs an aluminum bass boat, something which is a rarity down there. One of the hottest selling lines of boat products on the market today is what they call the Crossover fish and ski models that allow the boat owner total flexibility. You can be out fishing in the morning and then take the family water skiing in the afternoon. Many companies are now making these versatile boats.

Here are a few that are out on the market

ALUMACRAFT: Edge 185 Sport. This company has expanded its lineup and flexibility in model selection in recent years. Their Edge 185 Sport has a wide variety of features to make a day on the water special. New models for 2016 feature large comfortable jump seats, ski pylon ready and a new 18’9” hull on the 185, and 17’8” on the 175, both with a 95” beam.

MIRROCRAFT: The Dual Impact converts from a full-featured fishing boat to a high-performance ski boat. With additional beam width, these two models easily convert in minutes. Whatever type of water activity you choose, the Dual Impact series gives you the ability to choose between fishing, water skiing or cruising whenever the mood strikes you. Swivel bucket seating, an aluminum ski pylon and all-new dual fibreglass consoles with full windshields add up to great ski boats. Pedestal seating, aerated livewells, and rod storage are features the avid angler will appreciate.

LUND The Lund Crossover series allows total flexibility and a variety of great features including a ton of storage for both water skis and rods and reels, plus a wide variety of seating options. This includes fold down seats in the back, a huge rear livewell and a four-rung ladder to allow swimmers and skiers back in the boat with ease. It also has a removable front cast platform among myriad options for this best-selling model.

PRINCECRAFT: XPERIENCE 188: Try this versatile 19-foot aluminum fishing boat. A real chameleon on the water, it enables you to switch activities at the snap of a finger. Feel like fishing? You’ll love the spacious fishing platform. How about a little pleasure boating? No problem, the platform quickly converts into a comfortable sitting area thanks to the seats stored in the deck. Rated for up to 200 HP, you can take up to eight people on-board. So what’s your pleasure today — fishing, waterskiing, or going for a delightful cruise?

CRESTLINER: 1850 SUPER HAWK Optimized fishing performance doesn’t sacrifice the Super Hawk’s ability to own leisure and sport. This powerful and adaptable boat was designed to reach new waters, with ample fishing features and all-day comfort to match. And with Crestliner’s all-welded aluminum hull construction, you’ll have full confidence to take on any fishing, leisure and sport adventure you can find.

STARCRAFT: TITAN 186: Get more from your time on the water with the value-packed Titan 186 aluminum fishing boat. You’ll take the helm of a stylish console with easy-to-read lighted gauges, rocker switches, an AM/FM stereo with J-port and a 12-volt power point. In-floor lockable storage allows you to safely stow up to five rods, and rear flip-up seats easily convert from extra seating to a full casting platform. You can also add a rear ladder and insert a ski pole when you want to take a break from fishing.

ANGLERS NOTES: Ice fishing for walleye on Lake Winnipeg has been pretty darn good all winter. Many anglers from all over North America have been enjoying some special success. Unfortunately thieves have been targeting vehicles left on the ice or in parking lots while their owners are roaming around on the ice. Fourteen vehicles were hit in one spot last week. Donovan Pearase, who operates Blackwater Cats Outfitter, has started a Facebook page to help deal with this hot topic. Visit it at facebook.com/lakewinnipegicefishing. Pearase says the public can help by working together and being vigilant.

dlamont@mymts.net