Whether it is the first or thousandth time, launching your boat is a joy for any bass angler. Your boat is your gateway to a good fishing day and includes several pieces of equipment to help you catch more fish. Many additional bass boat accessories can make it even better.
First and foremost, ensuring that your boat is water legal for your state is the priority. Beyond those essentials and required safety equipment, the following boating accessories are “must-haves” that will make your time on the water more enjoyable and much less frustrating.
Keel Guard
A good keel guard like one from Gator Guards works wonders to protect your boat's keel. They can be installed yourself, or your local boat dealership can handle it. Adding one to your boat allows you to beach the boat without worrying about damage.
A good keel guard is beneficial at the boat ramp. It allows you to quickly beach the boat and get out to get your truck while your boat waits for your return with the trailer.
Transom Saver and Steering Clips
Protecting your engine while driving down the road is usually done with a stick-style transom saver that affixes to the engine and is then trimmed down to connect to your trailer. This accessory has been used for years and does the job, but there are several other options for transom savers.
The newer transom saver style includes several options, including Motor Mate transom savers and simple Rite Hite clips that fits over a motor’s trim and tilt piston. Each offers massive space savings and secures even the heaviest outboard to reduce movement while driving down a bumpy road. Add centering clips; the motor is secure and won’t budge while driving down the road.
Shallow Water Anchors
While they are not cheap, there is a reason so many boats are equipped with Power-Pole shallow water anchors or similar products. They quickly allow your boat to stop and stay in place without an anchor and anchor rope.
The most significant deciding factor in whether or not you would get your money’s worth out of them is how and where you fish. Offshore anglers who frequently fish deep lakes and rivers may not get enough use, but they are still worth considering.
The benefits of a shallow water anchor are many: they allow you to quickly stop and stay in place if you see a shallow bass or sight fishing for bedded bass. They are also invaluable on windy days when you want to make precise casts to a piece of cover or if you need to retie and don’t want to blow into the bank. The list of uses is endless, and they have become so popular.
Trolling Motor Accessories
Your trolling motor is an essential tool that can be deciding factor in whether on not you have a good trip. Having dead batteries or any trolling motor-related issues can quickly ruin a trip, so having it running at its best is paramount.
Taking care of batteries and other issues should be the priority, but a handful of trolling motor accessories will make them even more essential to you on the water.
One accessory to consider would be a Ninja Grass Blade, which easily cuts through vegetation. The best way to describe it is simply a metal blade attached to the side of the trolling motor head. It cuts through all types of aquatic vegetation and works as advertised to help reduce grass clogging your trolling motor prop.
With the addition of electronics and other accessories to the bow, the cords and cable situation can quickly get out of hand. If you find yourself in this situation, a T-H Marine Troll Jacket is a great addition. It is a simple product, a neoprene sleeve that protects the cables and reduces the clutter and the need for excessive zip ties and electrical tape.
Gas Treatments
One big problem for outboard engines is the additional ethanol used in today’s gasoline. Ethanol is not good for outboards or engines if they sit for long periods. The ethanol can cause damage to fuel lines and more if that gasoline is not run through the system fast enough.
One way to combat ethanol is to use one of the many products on the market to fix the issue. It is extra important to use an ethanol treatment when the boat is in storage for an extended period if you cannot find ethanol-free gasoline in your area.
Protect Your Boat
Other accessories will keep your boat looking good and protected from the elements. They include a good boat cover and cleaning accessories.
A boat cover may seem like an obvious choice as many boats come with a quality cover from the factory, or you may store your boat inside of your garage and not need one. But, whenever the boat is outside and in the elements, you will quickly see the value of a good boat cover. If your boat didn’t come with one, there are several after-market options for boat covers, and they work wonders for keeping your boat dry and protected from extreme weather.
For cleaning your boat, endless sprays make it easy to wipe down your boat after a day of fishing and keep it looking great. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist Marine Speed Wax and Boat Bling Hot Sauce are two of the best on the market. Each is easy to apply and does a great job cleaning your boat.
Boating is a favorite pastime for many, including bass anglers. Getting the right accessories for your bass boat will ensure that your boat works excellent and looks good for as long as you own it.
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