Finding the perfect place to catch a predator or a peaceful fish often requires long distances, which is almost impossible to do on oars without losing strength before the tackle is thrown. motor-fishing It has become the standard for modern anglers, allowing them to quickly reach remote brows, snags and dumps, and mobility is a key success factor, especially in changing pressures or winds, when fish quickly change their parking lots.
However, the presence of a boat with an engine imposes a number of obligations and requires specific knowledge, different from shore fishing or paddle rowing. You need to consider not only the technical specifications of the inflatable vessel itself, but also the safety rules, the peculiarities of management in windy weather, and the nuances of installing additional equipment.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the operation of inflatable boats for an outboard motor, from the power selection plant to the subtleties of anchoring on the current. You will learn how to avoid typical beginner mistakes, what gadgets are really necessary on board and how to ensure maximum comfort during hours of waiting for a bite.
Choosing the optimal ligament: boat and motor
The foundation of successful fishing is the right choice of a boat-motor pair, which should be based not only on budget, but also on operating conditions. For single fishing in small water bodies, excess power will only interfere, creating excess wave and fuel consumption, while trophy fishing in Ladoga or Onega requires a power reserve and seaworthiness. Inflatable boats They are classified by length, load capacity and bottom type, which directly affects driving performance.
The bottom type is critical, as it determines the speed of planing and the comfort of excitement, and fishing is often between a floorboard aluminum bottom and an inflatable high-pressure (low-pressure) bottom, each of which has its own advantages depending on the water body.
- 🚤 Pillet bottom: It provides excellent stiffness and speed, but takes time to assemble and has more weight when disassembled.
- 🌊 BNDB bottom: It allows you to assemble a boat in 5-7 minutes, provides excellent swelling and softness of course, but has limits on maximum speed.
- ⚓ Load capacity: Always take a boat with a reserve for passenger capacity, as fishing equipment, anchor, gasoline and sonar create a significant load.
Motor choice is also dictated by the size of the vessel and the tasks of the angler. For trolling, it is important to work at low speeds, and for running on a pike, the ability to move quickly between points. Two-stroke engines are easier and easier to maintain, while four-stroke engines are quieter, more economical and do not require mixing oil with gasoline.
Navigation and electronics on board
Modern fishing is unthinkable without the use of navigational instruments that turn chaotic fish hunting into purposeful terrain exploration. sounder It's a GPS feature that allows you not only to see fish, but also to keep the coordinates of catch points for repeated visits, and without understanding what's going on underneath, the efficiency of fishing at great depths is plummeting.
It is important to adjust the sounder sensitivity to see not only the bottom, but also the structure of the underwater world, including thermoclins and individual schools of fish, and the sensor should be installed with minimal spray during movement, so that the signal is not lost, especially at high speeds.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely on electronics alone when navigating in fog or on an unfamiliar body of water with many shallows. Always carry a paper map of the terrain and a compass, as the gadget's battery can sit down at the most inopportune moment.
In addition to the sonar, the reliable attachment of all equipment becomes a critical element. The vibration from the motor and the shocks against the wave can easily send an expensive device overboard, if it is not fixed with special brackets or seat belts, and it is also worth taking care of moisture protection, using sealants for spare batteries and personal belongings.
Why is GPS tracker important for spinners?
The GPS tracker allows you not only to return to catch points, but also to analyze the path traveled. You can see which sections of the bottom have already been caught and which have been left unattended, which eliminates duplication of wiring and saves time. In addition, if you lose gear, you will know exactly the coordinates of the hook.
Fishing tactics and craft management
The ability to steer a boat while fishing is a skill that comes with experience, but the basic principles must be learned immediately. When fishing spinning or on the track, it is extremely important to be able to maneuver without creating unnecessary noise or scaring the fish. The approach to the fishing point should always be carried against the wind or against the current, so that the boat carried to the point, not to blow it off.
There are several basic techniques for setting a boat, each applicable in specific conditions, for example, when fishing for a jig with jamming, you need to control the angle of demolition of the boat relative to the brow so that the wiring is perpendicular to the relief.
- 🎣 Stretching in stretch marks: ideal option for fishing on the current, allowing you to rigidly fix the boat with the nose or stern to the flow.
- 🌬️ Anchor bag (anchor-wool): It is used to slow down the demolition of the boat by the wind, allowing you to catch large areas without constantly re-throwing the anchor.
- ⚡ Electric motor: indispensable for silent positioning in shallow water or when fishing for cautious fish such as pike or perch.
Particular attention should be paid three-point ruleWhen fishing on the current, the anchor is always placed from the nose so that the boat lags to the wave, which is much safer and more comfortable. The anchoring from the stern on the current or strong wave is strictly prohibited, as this can lead to a flood of the wave through the side and the boat capsizes.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Comparison of motor types for different tasks
The choice between two-stroke and four-stroke engines is often the subject of heated debate in the fishing community. To make an informed decision, you need to clearly understand the differences in their design, resource and operation in fishing conditions. Two-strokes win in weight and acceleration dynamics, which is important for shallow water and frequent crossings.
Four-stroke engines, despite their higher weight and cost, provide quiet driving, which is crucial for some types of fishing, and the lack of the need to constantly prepare the fuel mixture makes it easier to prepare for the trip.
| Parameter | Two-stroke engine | Four-stroke engine |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Easy, 20-30%. | Harder because of the lubrication system. |
| Fuel consumption | Above (the mixture does not burn completely) | Down 30-50% |
| Noise | High, sharp sound. | Low, flat hum |
| Service | Simple but frequent. | Harder, but less so. |
For trolling, a four-stroke engine is often preferred because it can work at idle speeds without the risk of candles pouring. However, if fishing takes place in remote locations where refueling is not possible, a two-stroke engine may be more reliable due to its simplicity of design and less sensitivity to fuel quality.
Safety and preparation for the season
Motorboat fishing is a high-risk activity that requires strict adherence to the rules of behavior on the water. Even experienced anglers are not immune to sudden squalls, engine failures or collisions with a snag, so personal protective equipment is mandatory, not recommended.
A life jacket should be worn on everyone in the boat, regardless of how well they swim. In cold water, even a good swimmer can faint from shock, and the vest will be the only chance of surviving until help arrives.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to get into a boat while drunk, and on water the human reaction is dulled, and coordination of movements is disturbed, which, combined with the pitching and propeller of the engine, can lead to tragic consequences.
Regular maintenance is also a safety measure: Before each season, check the condition of the transom, the integrity of the seams of the boat, the operation of the fuel system and the reliability of the engine mounts, ignoring minor defects at the beginning of the season can lead to a serious accident in the midst of fishing.
Bring a remix not only for the boat, but also for the engine: a set of candles, keys, fuel hose and pear. Often it is the absence of a small detail that prevents you from returning to the base on your own.
Comfort and ergonomics of fishing area
Being in a boat for many hours requires a comfortable space, otherwise fatigue of the back and legs will negate all the pleasure of the process. Standard inflatable seats (banks) are suitable only for short runs, for full fishing you need specialized fishing chairs with the ability to adjust the height and angle of inclination.
It is important to distribute the weight correctly in the boat to ensure optimal differentiation. Heavy items such as anchor, battery and boxes with gear should be placed closer to the center or along the diametric axis, avoiding distortions on board.
- 🪑 Transformer chair: allows you to change the position from sitting to lying down, which is important when waiting for cool or rest.
- 🎒 Organizers: fastening tackles and tools within arm’s reach eliminates the need to get up sharply and roll the boat.
- ☂️ Sun protection: Installation of an awning or use of clothing with UPF protection will save you from burns and heat stroke on a hot day.
And don't forget to protect against splashes. High-quality skirts on cockpit or raincoats will help you stay dry even when you're moving against the wave. Dry clothes are a key to health and good mood throughout the fishing.
Comfort on fishing directly affects concentration, tired back and wet clothes make you think about the end of the fishing, while convenience allows you to fully focus on the process and the result.
What pressure should be in the PVC tubes of the boat?
The pressure in the cylinders should meet the manufacturer's recommendations, usually 0.2-0.25 kgf/cm2 (about 3.5 PSI). Pumping is dangerous in the sun, as the air expands and can damage the seams, and under-pumping reduces rigidity and driving performance.
Do I need to register a PVC boat with an engine?
Registration with GIMS is mandatory if the weight of the curbed vessel exceeds 200 kg or the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). For most PVC boats with engines up to 5 hp registration is not required, but the documents for the boat and the engine must be with you.
Can I use an electric motor as my main motor?
Yes, if the catch radii are small and you can charge the batteries on the base, and for large bodies of water, the electric motor is better used as an auxiliary for silent maneuvering, and the gasoline motor for crossings.