Almost any boat can be turned into a fishing vessel with the right accessories! Maybe you dream of peaceful afternoons alone on the water. Maybe you want to bring your kids on their first fishing adventures. Maybe you want to gather your buddies up for a little friendly fishing competition. There are plenty of ways to enjoy fishing and the following boat accessories will help make your time on the water even better. If you have any questions or want to explore boats for sale, head over to The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales). Our dealership is based in Branson, Missouri, and we also proudly serve those in Springfield and Kansas City.

A Depth Finder

A depth finder is a useful boat accessory for two reasons. First, it helps you avoid entering waters that are too shallow for your boat to handle, which can save you from dealing with expensive damage to your vessel.

Second, it helps you find the areas your intended fish are most likely to be. Some species of fish hover around the shallow waters while others slink away to the murky bottoms. Use the depth finder to find the ideal waters to cast your line.

A Rod Holder

You want your line in the water for as long as possible, but sometimes you want your hands to be free for other things. Maybe you want to grab a lunch break, assist your child with their casting, or even rest your arms. Rod holders will keep your poles in place for you. 

A Livewell

Odds are, you are hoping to catch more than one fish on your boating excursion. But the first catch of the day can get less than fresh on a hot summer's day while you keep fishing. That's where a livewell enters the picture.

Livewells are designed to keep your catches fresh while you keep fishing. They range in size, but tend to be at least 20 gallons. It's recommended to get a livewell that offers 1 gallon of water for every inch of fish. Newer models even come with built in macerators, which grind up debris (such as scales) that are left inside.

An Anchor

It's a common boat accessory—and for good reason. Anchors help you keep your boat in the position that you want, which comes in handy on a fishing trip. It can take some time to find the right spot to set up but it's all too easy for your boat to float away from it, especially if there are other boats on the water creating waves. Simply drop an anchor to secure your space so you can focus on fishing.

A Cooler

The hotter the day, the more you'll benefit from a cooler. Keep food fresh so you can enjoy delicious snacks and meals, making it easy to fight hunger off and stay on the water long. Enjoy the refreshing taste of an ice cold drink while you float around. It's a small boat accessory that can make a big difference for your trip!

Rod Lockers

It's all too easy for rods and their lines to get disorganized and tangled up. Rod lockers offer a great way to store the poles hassle-free. Most models hold at least four fishing poles, making it easy to store your gear when it's not in use.

Ready to shop boats for sale? Check out the selection of models at The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales). Our friendly staff is always happy to answer questions and give advice, making it easy to find the perfect model for your needs. We are located in Branson, Missouri, and we also proudly serve those in Kansas City and Springfield.