... Purchasing a used fishing boat is a good way to save money provided you pay attention to details. ... Take a mechanic along if you need the extra help. ... Choosing the right fishing boat can be a challenge. ... If you tend to fish alone or with one or two friends, size can be on the low end of the range. ... The distance you have to travel on the water in order to reach the fishing areas is also important. ... Speed also comes into play. ... And don’t forget to include storage for gear and items such as food. ... Boats used in shallow waters will not work for deep seas. ... They also feature a large, open platform that allows an angler to work the rod on all sides of the boat. ... They come with space for fishing gear, several bench seats or a few pedestal chair-back seats, and a simple steering station. ... Most are outfitted with a foot-operated electric trolling motor. ... This type is very popular and can be purchased both new and used at reasonable prices. ... They can handle larger outboards with lots of storage space for gear ...

... Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one. ... Graphite rods are a good choice. ... While a little pricey, they are well worth the small additional cost. ... The action of the rod is the next thing to consider. ... Fast action fly fishing rods are stiff and will set a hook with little effort. ... Beginning anglers usually do better with medium actions. ... Fly fishing rods come in lengths of 4 to 18 feet. ... For tight spaces, use shorter rods because they won’t get hung-up when you cast. ... Go with an 8 foot rod if you primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers. ... You can also get an 8 1/2 foot rod, which is very popular. ... Remember that you will be casting the rod a lot and comfort is critical. ... Check your fly shop for complete packages that include a rod, reel, and line. ... More experienced anglers will likely prefer to purchase everything separately. ... Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one ...