Boats & Motors
If it floats you can probably catch smallmouth bass out of it, and at some time, somewhere, someone probably has. Canoes and flatbottomed john boats are the usual choices of the river rat. These boats are portable and behave well in current under a practiced hand. Much of the prime northern smallmouth fishing is in wilderness environments accessible only by canoe.
The high-tech bass boat has definite application to smallmouth fishing, too. It is the choice of some anglers who have to move great distances on large lakes and reservoirs. But these boats are not perfect. Their limitations are discussed in the "Boat Control" section below. The low, wind-resistant profile, weight, and stability of these boats, however, do make them the ultimate casting platforms.
The most versatile smallmouth rig lies somewhere between these two extremes. A tiller drive motor allows optimum versatility of presentation. A flat floor for casting, live wells for fish and bait, electronics, temperature probe, dissolved oxygen meter, bow and/or stern-mounted electric motors, bow-mounted anchor, and storage compartments are all desirable features. All these features can be added to, or purchased with, a variety of hulls. Pick a hull design and boat size best suited to your angling needs. If you want, start with a "plain Jane" and add features as you find need for them.
Electric motors are an almost indispensable tool for the angler in a boat. Mistakenly referred to as trolling motors, electrics are actually infinitely adjustable anchors and boat positioners. With them you can quietly prowl boulder-strewn shallows, counteract the influence of current, or hold the boat precisely on that weedline or drop-off. Unlike paddles or oars, electrics leave your hands free to present lures to fish.
Before you purchase an electric motor, consider both the boat or boats you'll use it with and the types of fishing situations you encounter most often. A fancy foot-operated model may be fine if you own a hightech bass boat, but if you do most of your angling from car toppers and canoes, a transom-mounted model makes more sense. If all you fish are shielded lakes, you don't need a weed or stump guard. If you have any doubts about pound-thrust requirements or motor features, survey a few reliable dealers.
