WALLEYE BOATS
Hard-core, dedicated lake fishermen find no substitute for a decked out “walleye boat”. Evolved to meet the needs of tournament anglers, these boats are designed for speed and convenience, are often console-operated and are typically powered by outboards boasting from 100 to 250 hp. Rod lockers, live-wells, pedestal seats and strategic storage compartments are standard, as is the complex wiring required to power your electronics, from bow and stern trolling motors to multiple depth- and fish-finders.
Both aluminum and fibreglass models are available – aluminum is considered more durable and better suited for river-running, while glass boats are warmer and appear more luxurious, though usually heavier. In either case, trailering is a necessity and you’ll need considerable storage space if you want to keep your boat out of the weather through the off-season.
Typical entry-level walleye boats are 16 feet long and will cost you $25K and up; at the high end of the market, 20-foot models can run you to $65K or more. Match your needs with the correct boat, however, and you’ll have an unsurpassed fishing platform that will provide a lifetime of service.
PONTOON CRUISERS
Recent years have seen the emergence of pontoon cruisers in the fishing world. No longer are these mere party boats; manufacturers are designing crossover boats with features specifically designed to meet the needs of anglers. These include pedestal seats, livewells, rod holders and more.
Pontoon cruisers are family-oriented boats that can handle relatively large groups of people without difficulty. What you sacrifice in speed and manoeuverability you make up for in creature comforts. Ideal for family cruising and sightseeing, or for pulling the kids on a tube, they transform quickly into an efficient and effective fishing boat. Given that speed is not, and by design cannot, be one of their virtues, pontoon cruisers aren’t usually powered by large outboards, making them an affordable option as compared to dedicated walleye boats. Entry level models begin at $25K and extend to $50K. But be forewarned, with their wide beams they pose challenges both for storage and for trailering around town.
RIVER BOATS
Dedicated northern river anglers require dedicated boats, and that usually means welded or riveted aluminum boats designed specifically with durability and power in mind. They must be able to accelerate and turn quickly to navigate around obstacles while dealing with current, yet be tough enough to withstand the impact when avoiding a rock bar or log jam is unavoidable.
Most river boats are powered by inboard motors, though some of the smaller models perform well with large jet-drive outboards. These terms are relative, however, as a small river boat is an 18-footer, with many extending to 24-feet and beyond.
Singleness of purpose defines river boats and they’re not an appropriate choice for fishing anything beyond large rivers. Further, their rugged design means they’re usually not as generously accessorized as a walleye boat. But if access to some of Alberta’s most remote waters and unrivalled fishing is your dream, these boats are, literally, custom-designed to make those dreams come true. But dreams don’t come cheap – expect to pay from $60K to $100K for the privilege.