Boat fishing: holders, motors, and onboard gear

Compare boat fishing gear. Open an item for sizes, methods, and when it belongs on the boat.

Boat fishing gear

Each item is a catalog type, not a brand. Open holders, motors, and onboard gear for methods and when it belongs on the boat.

Rod holder

A rod holder is a cup or clamp that holds one fishing rod on a gunwale while you troll, drift, or jig another.
Rod rack

A rod rack stores several fishing rods on a boat, usually vertically or under a T-top, so they are not on the deck.
Downrigger

A downrigger drops a heavy ball on a cable so a trolled lure runs at a counted depth.
Outrigger

An outrigger is a long pole that spreads trolling lines away from the wake so lures do not tangle.
Trolling motor

A trolling motor is a quiet electric for holding, creeping, and spotting on lakes and inshore water.
Anchor

An anchor holds the boat on a mark for bottom fishing, a drift start, or a bait from a small boat.
Drift sock

A drift sock (sea anchor) is a bag in the water that slows and steadies a drift.
Livewell

A livewell is a pumped tank that keeps bait — or a catch — alive on the boat.
Transducer

A transducer is the underwater eye of a fish finder.
Marine battery

A marine battery powers the trolling motor, finder, and onboard pump.

Which boat fishing gear do you need?

Start with holding the boat and the rods, then add gear for the way you fish:

Rod holders: the first upgrade for any boat, for trolling, drifting or simply freeing your hands.
Anchor or drift sock: an anchor holds you over a mark, a drift sock slows the drift so baits stay down.
Trolling motor: quiet, precise boat control for lure fishing and holding position.
Downrigger or outrigger: downriggers take lures deep, outriggers spread lines wide when trolling.
Livewell: keeps live bait, and fish you plan to release, in good condition.