boats

Question
Scott, I recently retired and moved to Maple Falls, WA (25 miles east of Bellingham). I've  never owned a boat and I've only been fresh water boating (skiing/fishing) with friends a few times is my life. My wife and I would like to get a boat we can use on Lake Whatcom as well as to take from Bellingham to the San Juan Islands once in awhile. Having no real boating experience, I'd like to hear your suggestions for buying a boat (size, style, brand, motor size) and training we need to use it safely. In addition, I'd like to know what fishing tackle you recommend for lake trout fishing here in the Pacific northwest. Thanks!

Answer
Hi John,
Boats are my favorite topic of all!  I would probably start by hiring a fishing guide a time or two to show you how he does it if you can afford that luxury.  Otherwise, I would take a boating safety course.  You can usually find one through local yacht clubs or through the coast guard.  It sounds like you are looking for a versatile boat that can be used on lakes, bays and inland waters.  Boating on the salt water out of Bellingham takes knowledge and experience to do it safely.  Initially, you wont want to stray far from Bellingham until you are comfortable with the tidal action, gps, local weather etc..  For a boat that is not too small for the inland salt water and not too big for NW lakes you are looking at a boat from 18 to 22 ft.  I prefer fiberglass for this type of boat.  It will cost less and handle better than most aluminum boats.  You can decide how you want the boat layed out whether you want a small cabin up front, a hard top for all of our rain or just a standard run about with a windshield.  I would not go with a boat that has an open bow for extra seating up front.  As far as a motor, all brands are competitive.  And you will have the option of outboard (engine mounted on the back) or an inboard/outboard with the engine inside the boat and the drive sticking out the back.  It is somewhat of a personal preference.  Outboard engines tend to be less maintence than a I/O.  Outboards tend to use more fuel although with todays 4 stroke outboards that is changing.  Most fisherman in the NW today go with one outboard for running and one for trolling.  So, if you buy a 20' boat, you might have a 90-200 horse big outboard with a 8-10 horse trolling motor.  Boat salesmen love to sell the biggest engine that will fit on your boat.  There aren't many 20'boats that won't really zip right along though with a 90 horse.  Let me know if you want more specifics on brand, size, etc. as you get more serious.  If you read about the boating basics and maybe find a short (4-8 hours) course, you will have no problems fishing the lakes.  I would really recommend hooking up with someone that really knows the specifics of boating on the salt water in your area.  It is a pretty treacherous area.  

Lake fishing is alot of fun out here and the fish taste awesome!  I like to keep moving when fishing for trout, so, I prefer trolling.  I like to use "flashers" and troll small wobbling lures.  The best known trout flasher is the "ford fender."  You will see the other options at the tackle shop next to the "ford fenders."  They all work. They are also called "gang trolls."  So, I will run 4-6lb test on my main line to the gang troll.  After the flasher, you need a rubber snubber that helps prevent the hook from ripping out of the fishes mouth.  After the snubber, you want 2 1/2 - 3 ft of 4-6lb leader to your lure.  Some of my favorite trolling lures are the "Dick Nite" and the "FST."  I take worms along and put a small chunk of worm on the hook.  The Ford Fender is a good gang troll to start with because they help to show you the right trolling speed.  You troll very slow for trout.  When you are at the right speed with a ford fender your rod will evenly pulse up and down.  You may want to bring a 5 gallon bucket with a string attached to the handle that you can drag along side to boat to slow you down if you need to.  You can fool with the depth of your rig.  Generally, if you put your line out 50 ft behind the boat and troll slow, you will be in the right area.  You may need to add a small amout of weight above the flasher.  Or you can anchor or drift and use power bait, cheese or worms, corn, etc. without the flasher or lure.  Each lake usually has it's own characteristics.  The locals know the subtle differences in what colors and baits that work best for that lake.  Well, let me know.  I hope this helps a little.
Scott