Crappie Boat Equipment

We have got our lures, poles and everything ready so let’s get the boat ready.

The first thing is what boat and what crappie boat equipment should we take? You do not have to take that $56,000 Bass boat out and get it banged up.

I have a small what I call a pond jumper or a two man boat if I am fishing a very calm lake and one that is not that large. I also have been known to take it and park my bass boat then take the little boat into the cove.

A John Boat is what a lot of crappie fishing folks like which will not run as much as the Big Bass Rig and it can be loaded in the back of a truck and carried that way instead of using a trailer.

Some of the smaller lakes might not have a ramp to back the trailer in and all you have to do is off load it out of the back of the truck and into the lake.

You will also see the Pontoon boats used for crappie fishing and family outings. This is a great idea for the whole family to pack a lunch and everyone get out for the day.

I think the best way is for me to run down my check off list starting with the most important items: Fishing License, Boat Registration and Life Jackets For All Passengers

That is what I would call the basic equipment. I know there are personal items that you will include for your fishing trip.

Safety is the most important item to practice at all times. You do not want to become part of the stats at the end of the year and become one of the many that will not be returning next season.

A good rule of thumb to follow is if you are in a two man boat or a John Boat, there is no standing up.

Always keep your life jacket on. I know you are saying that you’re a good swimmer, but let me warn you about cold water temperatures. If you’re out early in the season, that water is a lot colder that you can even think. You might think that you can handle it, but the cold water will shut you down real fast. If I am not wrong, you will lose consciousness in water temperatures of 45 degrees or less within 30 minutes before...Just don't chance it.

Gas operated boats now come with a Kill switch cord on the motors. It is not there for decoration. Anytime the big motor is running, the driver should have the cord attached to his or her life vest. That way if something was to happen and you fell over; the kill switch would be pulled shutting the motor down and it would not come back and get you.

Here is another thing and you might laugh at it, but I have seen it happen. If you are using a John Boat and a small motor, once you have placed the motor on the boat always run a safety chain from the motor to the boat. The reason behind this is I have seen guys that have run the motor for awhile and the motor works itself loose. The next time they start it up; the motor jumps off the back of the boat and is gone.

All of the above items can make the day of fishing a dream come true. Forget some of these items and it can be a nightmare.

Get out there and have some fun and don't forget "Take a Kid", "Senior Citizen", or a "Physically Challenged Person” with you and make their day also.

Also Don't Forget To Check Out These Equipment Related Articles:

Boat Bidding May Get You A Larger Fishing Boat

Crappie Trolling For Slabs

Trailer Repair Tips For Boating

Towing Tips for Boats

Sea Foam Boat Motor Treatment

Ethanol Enzyme Fuel Treatment - Boat Motor Protection 

Keep the Hooks Wet!

Steve McGoldrick