The idea that there is any boat out there that is better than all the rest is simply a myth. There is simply no such thing as the best fishing boat, best family boat, best center console, or best bay boat.
What does exist, however, is a “best boat” for you - for your fishing needs, your cruising needs, your comfort, and your budget. In fact, somewhere among the 60-plus boat manufacturers featured in our 2020 Boat Buyer’s Guide, you’ll probably find more than one “best boat” that can provide many seasons of enjoyment on the water.
1. ALL-PURPOSE FISHING BOAT
All-purpose fishing boats are designed with versatility in mind, are trailerable, and can be used in either saltwater or freshwater. They are designed to navigate a variety of waterways, which is a big benefit if you plan to fish for a number of different species. Since additional deck space is needed for casting and reeling, there is less seating on an all purpose fishing boat than there is on a cruising boat like a bowrider or pontoon.
2. ALUMINUM FISHING BOAT OR JON BOAT
Aluminum fishing boats or jon boats are lightweight and easy-to-maneuver boats that are mainly used for freshwater fishing. They are easy to trailer and simply constructed with riveted or welded aluminum hulls and bench-style seating. One major benefit of aluminum fishing boats is that they can be operated in many "fish-friendly" areas such as shallow water, coves and inlets. An outboard engine with either tiller or remote steering is used to power these popular boats.
aluminum fishing boat
3. BOWRIDER
Bowriders are trailerable runabouts and sport boats with extra seating in an open bow up front. They are suitable for fishing, watersports or day cruising. Many bowriders have a tow eye at the stern, which can pull a skier, wakeboarder or tuber. They often come equipped with a swim platform for water sports and a ladder for entering and exiting the water.
bowrider
4. PONTOON
Pontoon boats are ideal for taking family and friends out for a relaxing cruise or a day of casual fishing. Most pontoon boats are two-tube trailerable watercraft, which may include large or multiple outboard engines. Amenities on a pontoon deck may include cushioned seating, moveable tables, wet bars, stereos, and mood lighting.
pontoon
If you want to do more research to determine which type of boat would be your best investment, you can use this boat selector tool to help you make your final decision.
Fishermen are seen sorting snow crabs on a fishing boat off Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Nov. 6, 2020, after the seasonal fishing ban for the crabs was lifted for the Sea of Japan between Toyama and Shimane prefectures at midnight the same day. Nine trawlers left Hamasaka Port in the town of Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture to fish offshore. On the "Daiichi Koei-maru" vessel, fishermen landed a net filled with snow crabs and sorted them according to size with a practiced hand. Shinji Kawagoe, the 59-year-old captain of the boat said, "There has been growing demand for crabs at the Kinosaki and Yumura onsen hot springs thanks to the government's travel subsidy campaign. We'd like to work hard to catch lots of them."