Fishing by boat offers an unparalleled adventure, combining the thrill of angling with the freedom of exploring vast waterways. Whether you’re navigating the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, drifting through Scotland’s lochs, or chasing tuna in the Celtic Sea, fishing by boat unlocks opportunities that shore fishing simply can’t match. For beginners, this guide is your compass—covering boat types, essential gear, techniques, and safety tips tailored to the UK’s unique fishing landscape. Let’s dive in!
Types of Fishing by Boat
Boat fishing offers diverse experiences, from peaceful inshore trips to exciting offshore adventures. Each style requires different skills and gear. Here’s a look at the main types of fishing by boat.
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing takes you into the deep blue, typically beyond 5 miles from shore, where you’ll target powerful pelagic species like bluefin tuna, swordfish, and even sharks. In the UK, hotspots include the Celtic Deeps off Wales and the waters around the Isles of Scilly. This type of fishing demands robust boats (25–50 feet) equipped with reinforced hulls, powerful engines, and advanced electronics like sonar and radar. Beginners should start with a chartered trip to learn techniques such as trolling with lures or live bait rigs.
Pro Tip: Offshore trips often last 8–12 hours. Pack a solar generator for fishing to keep GPS systems and fish finders powered without relying on the boat’s engine.
Inshore/Coastal Fishing
Inshore fishing focuses on sheltered bays, estuaries, and nearshore reefs, where species like bass, pollock, and flatfish thrive. Ideal for beginners, this style uses smaller boats (16–24 feet) such as RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) or centre consoles. The Solent, Norfolk Broads, and Devon’s estuaries are prime UK locations. Look for tidal movements—fish feed aggressively during rising or falling tides.
Gear Note: A portable power station is perfect for charging handheld devices and lights during day trips.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing blends stealth and simplicity, allowing access to shallow coves, river mouths, and rocky outcrops inaccessible to larger boats. Popular UK targets include mackerel, sea trout, and even small conger eels. Sit-on-top kayaks with rod holders and storage hatches are ideal. Always check weather forecasts and wear a buoyancy aid—sudden waves can capsize unstable models.
Local Insight: The Pembrokeshire Coast and Scottish lochs are kayak angling havens. Pair your setup with a power bank for fishing to keep smartphones or emergency beacons charged.
Essential Gear for Boat Fishing
The right gear ensures safety, efficiency, and success. Here’s a breakdown of must-haves for boating fishing:
Rods and Reels
- Offshore: Heavy-duty trolling rods with 50–80 lb braided line.
- Inshore: Medium-action spinning rods (10–20 lb line).
- Kayak: Compact travel rods for easy storage.
Safety Equipment
- Life jackets (CE-certified), flares, and a waterproof VHF radio.
- A first-aid kit tailored to marine environments (include antiseptic wipes and seasickness tablets).
Navigation Tools
- GPS/chartplotter with UK coastal maps.
- A backup compass—electronics can fail!
Power Solutions
- The EcoFlow RIVER 2 portable power station powers fish finders, lights, and smartphones for hours. For multi-day trips, pair it with the best solar panel for boats to recharge off-grid.
Apparel and Accessories
- Waterproof bibs, non-slip boots, and the EcoFlow Power Hat—a lightweight, breathable hat with UV 50+ protection.
How to Fish from a Boat
Fishing from a boat offers various techniques to target different species. Here’s a look at some popular methods:
Trolling
Trolling involves dragging lures or bait behind a slowly moving boat. Adjust your speed (2–8 knots) based on species:
- Mackerel: Fast trolling (6–8 knots) with feathered lures.
- Bass: Slow trolling (3–4 knots) with soft plastic eels.
Use planer boards or downriggers to spread lines and avoid tangles. In UK waters, trolling is effective for salmon in Scottish lochs and tuna off the southwest coast.
Jigging
Vertical jigging targets bottom-dwelling fish like cod, ling, and pollock. Drop a 150–300g jig to the seabed, then snap the rod upward to mimic injured prey. Braided line (20–30 lb) paired with a fluorocarbon leader improves sensitivity and abrasion resistance.
Hotspot Alert: The wrecks off Sussex and North Sea oil rigs are jigging goldmines.
Fishing at Anchor
Anchoring over reefs or sandbanks lets you target species like plaice, bream, and dogfish. Use a paternoster rig with size 2–4 hooks and fresh bait (ragworm, squid strips, or mackerel belly).
Pro Tip: A power bank for fishing keeps your bite alarms or LED lights running during overnight sessions.
Tips for Safe and Successful Boat Fishing
To ensure a safe and enjoyable boat fishing experience, it’s important to keep a few key tips in mind. Here are some essential tips for a safe and successful fishing trip.
Master Weather Literacy
Use apps like Windy or FishTrack to monitor wind speed, wave height, and tidal surges. Avoid offshore trips if winds exceed 15 knots or waves surpass 1.5 meters.
Follow UK Regulations
In the UK, you need a licence to fish by boat in freshwater (rivers, lakes) as a rod licence from the Environment Agency is required. However, saltwater fishing generally doesn’t require a licence, except in protected areas like Marine Conservation Zones (always check local bylaws).
Prioritise Maintenance
Inspect engines, bilge pumps, and batteries before each trip. Corrosion from saltwater can cripple systems mid-voyage.
Optimise Energy Use
Optimising energy use is crucial for a sustainable and efficient fishing experience. A solar-powered generator can significantly reduce reliance on boat batteries, providing a reliable and eco-friendly alternative. These generators are capable of powering essential devices like fridges for extended periods, ensuring your catch stays fresh without draining your boat’s battery life.
Respect Wildlife
Follow the “catch and release” best practices for endangered species like undulate ray. Use barbless hooks to minimise harm.
Conclusion
Fishing in the boat is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to the UK’s hidden aquatic wonders. Start with short inshore trips to build confidence, experiment with techniques like jigging and trolling, and invest in gear that balances durability and innovation. Whether you’re sipping coffee at dawn while anchored in a Cornish cove or battling a 200lb bluefin tuna offshore, every trip hones your skills and deepens your connection to the sea.
FAQs
How to fish off a boat?
Focus on location, timing, and technique. Use sonar to locate fish, time your trip with tidal movements, and match your bait to local prey species (e.g., sandeels for bass).
What boat do you use for fishing?
When choosing a boat for fishing, consider your target waters. For inshore fishing, 16–20 ft centre consoles like the Orkney 520 are versatile and well-suited. Offshore enthusiasts will benefit from larger, more robust vessels such as 30+ ft sportfishers, with the Jeanneau Merry Fisher being a popular option. For those seeking a more accessible and eco-friendly experience, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 kayak is an excellent choice.
Do I need a licence to fish by boat in the UK?
Saltwater fishing by boat rarely requires a licence, but always verify local rules. For example, fishing in the River Thames estuary may need a permit from the Port of London Authority.