I’m shopping for a walleye fishing boat… what should I look for?

When it comes to choosing a walleye fishing boat, you should decide first and foremost, what it is you want and how much you can afford to spend to get what you want in a walleye fishing boat. Ask yourself these questions: •Will I be using this boat for recreation as well as fishing?•What do I really need as far as a walleye boat is concerned?•How much am willing to spend for a walleye boat?Then, consider the following: If you’re an average walleye fisherman, you will probably really want a multispecies boat. Decide if you will be taking people out on your boat, or plan to use it strictly for fishing. Be sure its big enough for the number of people who will be on it at a time. If you plan to use it for other recreations besides fishing, check to be sure it can do things like pull skiers. You will want to research safety records on boats you are considering, and be sure it’ll trailer easily. Since you do so much backtrolling fishing for walleye, it helps to have the command center at the stem. If you will fish for other species such as muskie or bass, be sure there is an adequate fishing platform that has the vital instruments you’ll need at the bow (even though you have them at the stem to fish for walleye). A lot of boats have a multi species approach to functioning, and actually have command centers from stem to stern. It is a good idea to have command centers at the bow, console, and the stem of the boat. I recommend a console over a tiller motor model, just because it allows you to be a bit more mobile while you are fishing and operating a boat. Some examples of walleye fishing boats that have it all are: •The Yar-Craft 1895 SC model multi-species boat •The Smoker Craft 171 Millentia SC •Starcaster 1860