The Deep Blue: Best Boats for Inshore and Offshore Saltwater Fishing

There’s nothing like the rush of soaring across the waves, headed out to the reef or the Gulf Stream, with the wind in your hair and sea salt spray in the air. Well, maybe the thrill of reeling in a prize marlin, but we’ll get to that later.

Choosing the best boat for saltwater fishing depends on several factors, including the type of fishing, the environment (inshore or offshore) and personal preferences. If you’re accustomed to freshwater lakes and rivers or even backwater, a.k.a. flats, fishing, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the different challenges offshore (and near inshore) fishing entails. Look for boat amenities like deep cockpits, livewells, deep-V hulls, powerful engines and lots of storage space for gear.

Whether you’re heading out from a marina or a private boat dock rental, here are some of the best boats tailored for different saltwater fishing needs to reel in marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna like a pro. 

Center Console Boats

Center console boats are among the most popular choices for saltwater fishing. These saltwater fishing boats feature a central steering station, leaving ample room around the deck to cast and move freely. Offering versatility, durability and an open layout, this type of boat is excellent for inshore and offshore fishing and is easy to keep at a private boat slip for rent. 

Features

• Deep-V hull
• Ability to handle various weather and water conditions
• Open deck for 360-degree fishing (great for trolling or casting)
  

Top Brands

• Grady-White
• Boston Whaler
• Contender

Bay Boats

Bay boats are a great option for anglers who primarily fish inshore but occasionally venture into nearshore waters. These boats are slightly smaller than offshore models but offer shallow drafts for navigating coastal waters. They’re great for inshore saltwater fishing for redfish, snook and tarpon in bays, estuaries and shallow flats.

If you typically fish in the Chesapeake Bay, a bay boat may be the boat for you as the wide and flat bottom allows for fishing in shallow water. This is an easy boat to keep at a private boat slip for rent.

Features

• Shallow draft for fishing in inshore saltwater areas
• Stable fishing platform
• Some models come with trolling motors
  

Top Brands

• Robalo
• Sea Hunt
• Ranger

Sportfishing Yachts

For those looking to go deep-sea fishing and spend extended time on the water, sportfishing yachts are a luxurious and highly capable choice. They have sleeping quarters, kitchens and spacious layouts to relax after a day of fishing.

Designed to handle long-distance excursions and rough seas, they’re a terrific choice for big game offshore fishing for species such as marlin, tuna and swordfish.

Features

• High-performance 
• Lots of fishing amenities (tuna towers, outriggers, livewells and rod holders)
• Comfortable interiors for extended trips
  

Top Brands

• Viking
• Hatteras
• Bertram

Catamarans

Catamarans, known for their dual-hull design, offer a stable and spacious platform for fishing in both inshore and offshore environments. They’re best for offshore fishing with a focus on stability and space. They’re generally more fuel-efficient than single-hull boats of comparable size.

The twin-hull design of a catamaran provides excellent stability, even in rough seas, making this type of boat ideal for long offshore trips. This dual-hull design allows for a wider deck, offering more room to move around and stow gear.

Features

• Stability 
• Fuel Efficiency 
• Roomy with wider decks 
  

Top Brands

• World Cat
• Glacier Bay
• Freeman

Walkaround Boats

Walkarounds offer a combination of fishing functionality with cabin comforts, making them ideal for anglers who want the option of overnight trips or multi-day excursions. The design makes it easy to walk around the entire deck and fight fish from different angles.

Features

• Comfort features like heads, bunks and a galley for families
• Versatile for both fishing and family cruising
• Excellent design for anglers to walk around
  

Top Brands

• Grady-White
• Pursuit
• Wellcraft

Inflatable Boats/RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)

As strange as it may seem, rigid inflatable boats, or RIBs, are excellent for short nearshore fishing trips from marinas or private boat slips for rent. They provide surprising durability and stability for their size. They’re built with strong and puncture-resistant material and have inflatable collars that can handle choppy water.

Features

• Portable and easy to transport and store at private boat lift rentals
• Incredibly stable 
• Durable
  

Top Brands

• Zodiac
• BRIG
• AB Inflatables

Hopefully, this has given you some ideas or fueled the fire to move toward the purchase of your next saltwater fishing boat. Whether you choose a walkaround, cat or a center console, be sure to secure proper safety gear - such as life jackets, flares and more - before cruising out from the marina or private boat docks for rent. Happy boating!