I do not own a boat, that is unless you want to count my float tube or “belly boat”. Yes, I have a life-long dream of owning a boat, but I figured out a long time ago that a person can catch a lot of fish, and a lot of really big fish, from Nebraska waters without a boat. I have even suggested in the past that in some fishing situations I can flat out out-fish boat anglers (The View from Inside a Pair of Waders). So, it distresses me a bit when I listen to folks ask questions or discuss fishing knowing from what they are asking or saying that they assume they have to have a boat to catch fish, catch a lot of fish or catch big fish. BALONEY!
The main advantage to owning a boat is the ability to be mobile and cover more water. If you realize that and try to be as mobile as possible, you can achieve the same results without a boat. In fact, I will always tell you that the best tool any angler has for catching fish is the one between his or her ears. If you do not own a boat, you might have to learn to fish smarter than those who do.
One thing I love about my job is that I get to meet a lot of Nebraska anglers. I have had the opportunity to meet what I consider to be some of the state’s best anglers, have had the opportunity to fish with a number of them. I will tell you that some of the best sticks in the state do not own boats! Recently, I found a story on the internet from one of those Nebraska anglers. He outlines a bunch of other strategies that any boat-less angler can use to catch more and bigger fish. Here it is, you need to read this even if you do own a boat! Thanks Bruce!