Pedal boating is a fun activity at any given season. But it could be more than just drifting across lakes. If you love spending time with family and friends in lakes or big ponds, pedal boat fishing is a fun water activity to try. You can enjoy the calm rifts of the water while catching fish which you can feast on after.
In this post, we shall give a rundown of some pedal boat fishing tips for beginners. If this is an activity which you find yourself doing, sift through the post and read on.
Choosing the Best Fishing Pedal Boat
Note that not all pedal boats are made for fishing. If you are interested in getting one to try this outdoor water activity, you need to be aware of the following considerations before choosing one.
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Type
There are different types of pedal boats for fishing. The most popular and most affordable is the manual pedal boat. There is also the electric and the hybrid pedal boat. Amongst the three, the manual pedal boat is the most recommended for beginners. It is quiet, easy to maneuver and offers sightseeing while exercising.
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Design and build
A great majority of pedal boats, in general, are made of high-quality plastic. A good pedal boat for fishing is one that is durable enough to tolerate salt and varying temperatures. For beginners, fiberglass pedal boats for fishing are recommended. They are the safest and most durable, although pricey.
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Capacity
Most pedal boats for fishing have a maximum capacity of up to 1000lbs. These are the ones that cost at least $1600 and up. Medium size pedal boats have a weight capacity of up to 800lbs.
The smaller, two-seater ones, on the other hand, can accommodate up to 500lbs. If you want to go pedal boat fishing with the entire family, get a pedal boat that could accommodate 800-1000lbs.
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Features
To make the pedal boat for fishing satisfying for beginners, these are the features which you should look for:
- Built-in cooler
- Fishing rod holder
- Beverage holder
- Cushioned/adjustable seats
- Drain plug
- Canopy
- Covering
Along with these default features, your pedal boat for fishing must also have:
- Personal floatation device (PFD) for maximum safety
- Bilge pump to aid the drain plug
- Anchor rope bag for the pedal boat to remain in place while you fish
How to Use a Fishing Pedal Boat
Using pedal boats for fishing is proven as effective when trying to fish in secluded fishing spots such as in coves. This is so because pedal boats are specifically designed for calmer waters.
These calmer parts of lakes, ponds, or the ocean cannot be accessed by larger boats such as those motorized ones. It is also in these secluded spots where a good deal of bass, perch, and bluegill, among others are found. But how do you use a pedal boat for fishing?
Well, there is no needed skills or advanced knowledge to use one. All you have to do is propel the boat using your feet. As soon as you start pedaling the boat, the pedal wheels move underneath. To give the boat direction, use the steering wheel located between the front seats of the pedal boat.
When you have arrived at your desired spot for fishing, you can now drop the anchor bag for it to become steady. Draw on your fishing rod and start fishing from the pedal boat. For visuals of how to use a pedal boat, check this clip.
Where Can You Use a Pedal Boat for Fishing?
As have been mentioned, pedal boats are specially designed for calmer waters. As such, you can use pedal boats for fishing in lakes, ponds, and sea coves, among others. Using it in rivers is not that recommended. This is so because the river current is unpredictable.
In the seas, the pedal boat is often loaded in a yacht or a bigger vessel. They are then dispatched in sea coves where unsuspecting schools of sea bass are caught via pedal boats.
FAQs about Fishing Pedal Boats
Aside from the aforementioned information, there are still other FAQs to be aware of when it comes to pedal boat fishing for beginners.
Can pedal boats capsize?
Yes. As small and balanced as they are, they can still tip over or capsize. One of the most immediate reasons why is water accumulation between the deck and the hull. When there is too much water in that space, the weight becomes imbalanced, leading to tipping over when not monitored.
Are pedal boats hard to maneuver?
If you are a beginner and you are using a manual pedal boat for fishing, then yes, it is hard to maneuver. Using one takes a lot of energy and stamina. While it has a steering wheel, it takes strategy to cruise around it. Hence, use electric pedal boats as beginners to practice your balance and strategy.
Is there a weight limit for pedal boats?
There is no exact figure as to how heavy a pedal boat could take. Nonetheless, it should be noted that large pedal boats are made to accommodate a weight of up to 1000lbs. Using this as reference, pedal boats could accommodate at least five people at one time depending on its size.
How fast do pedal boats go?
Again, note that pedal boats are made for calmer waters. They are effective because they are quiet and do not spook off the fishes. When it comes to speed, you get a decent 8-knot speed for most types of pedal boats.
Is pedal boating a good exercise?
Yes. Circling around while you pedal on it is already a good leg and hamstring exercise. The best thing about pedal boating is that you burn calories by pedaling, and go sightseeing and fishing all at once.
How do you store a pedal boat?
The first thing to do when storing a pedal boat is to open the drain plug. Let the pedal boat stand on the front bow to make sure that all excess water is drained. After this, leave it on its bow or just position it in the storage upside down. Do not allow it to be exposed to too much frost or sun as these could damage its floatation foam.
Conclusion
To conclude, pedal boat fishing is an outdoor activity that is friendly even for beginners. It does not require special pedaling skills. Everything is easily maneuvered.
At best, what you need to practice to make pedaling boat fishing more satisfying is to learn the art of catching fish using rods. With all things considered, the most important tip for pedal boat fishing for beginners is to choose the right pedal boat for you.
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