When it comes to selecting a good walleye fishing boat, you really do have some fine examples to choose from, but to get you started in the right direction, there are some pieces of advice that might help! You really have to consider that buying a boat is going to be a substantial investment for you, and you really do want to plan carefully, so you make a wise choice that is going to stand the test of time and trial.



If you are in the fishing industry, your needs will be a little different from the average angler, so consider that factor before making a final choice.

Generally speaking, motors in the 6/25 Horsepower ranges that have 4 stroke capabilities, will allow you to troll sufficiently without using so much fuel. That is an important consideration, but if you are fishing tournaments where getting from point "A" to point "B" in record time is important, you might want to look at larger outboards with as much as 200 Horsepower capabilities.

If you are just an average walleye fisherman, you will probably really want a multispecies boat. You will need to determine if you plan on taking people out on your boat and if you plan to use it strictly for fishing or if it will be used recreationally as well. Be sure your boat is large enough for the maximum amount of people likely to be on it at any given time. If any friends or family members will be operating it, be sure it is easy enough to operate. If you plan to use it for recreation, check to be sure it is sufficient to do things like pull skiers. Be sure to check the safety records on your potential boats, and be sure it will trailer well and easily.

Because of the backtrolling you do when you fish for walleye, be sure the command center of your boat is at the stem. If you plan to fish for other species like bass or muskie, be sure there is a sufficient fishing platform that has enough of the vital instruments you will need at the bow even though you have them at the stem for walleye fishing. Luckily, many boats do have a multiple species approach to functionality, and actually have miniature command centers all the way from stem to stern.

A good organization for boats with big outboard motors and a little kicker motor, it is a good idea to have command centers at the bow, console, and the stem of the boat. It usually allows for just a bit more mobility if you choose a console over a tiller model.

One good example, among many, of course, is the Yar-Craft 1895 SC model multi-species boat. This boat offers a lot of storage, a good straight drift, a very smooth ride that allows you to stay dry in the boat, big, spacious live wells complete with lights and great circulation, auto bilge, hydraulic steering, and a good, battery charger built right in. It has a bow design with a double flare, that is time tested to give a comfortable, dry ride.