I also have a 12' Ft aluminum. You can go anywhere in them. I've had over a dozen boats and I always go back to a Deep V Hull 12" aluminum. They are light enough to drag, inexpensive, are durable, you can get into remote areas, and two full size guys can stand and fish comfortably.
I currently have it chained to a tree at a local pond.
For me its all about efficiency. None of us have a lot of time so I like to get on and off the water quickly. House to line in the water in ~15 minutes. The more you carry the harder it is to do that.
There is a slight incline where the boat's located so dragging it back and forth to the water is required. That's another reason I keep the boat simple. The lighter the better. I use a trolling motor and battery and slid under the bench seats are two wood oars. The oar locks are screwed onto the wood. I also have a clamp on swivel chair. The oars and chair are chained in so they don't get lifted. I installed a cleat right next to where I sit in the back. I use it to tie off my anchor line when I locate an active area. The anchor is nothing more than an old window weight tied to 20" feet of rope.
The boat is a good distance from my truck. I use a canoe cart with a piece of plywood over the wheels to carry everything out. The plywood is held on with "S" hooks and bungie chords. The plywood has two wheel barrel push handles screwed on the sides and the big tires on the canoe cart can go anywhere. I carry out 3 rods, a tackle bag nap sack, anchor, 2 seat cushion life preservers, trolling motor, battery, and a coffee thermos easily in one trip. Even when I move to different spots the boat, equipment and canoe carry rig, fit in the back of my truck.
While fishing I used to hang 2-4 rod holders off the back and sides of the boat but they just add weight. I fish comfortable with 3 rods, 2 seated on either side of the battery off the back and 1 next to me. I keep all 3 rods rigged and ready so that I can change it up quickly. Sometimes I troll with the two rods off the back. Nothing fancy. Its a great rig.
Good luck.
FS Digest wrote:
hey all, it is freezing out and no end for the next two months at least here, wont be able to be on the water anytime soon, but i will be pulling my small boat into the garage in just over a month to do repairs and modifications to it.
what are your favorite additions/modification to your boat/fishing vessel? i have a 12 foot aluminum, but let me know what all you guys love about your boats!
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by pyro5050