Bait Boats, Boats & Electronics

What are bait boats and electronics used for in carp fishing?

A bait boat is a remote-controlled boat that carries bait and rig out to the swim and drops them exactly where you want. It comes into its own when the spot is beyond casting range or behind snags, or when you want to place bait precisely on a small area. GPS models store spots in memory and return to them, so you can find the same patch again, even in the dark. It also puts rig and bait on the same spot when wind or crosscurrent would make casting difficult.

A bait boat with built-in sonar maps depth, bottom hardness and weed as it goes. It helps you find drop-offs, gravel and hard spots where carp often feed, and saves a lot of time casting a marker rod.

In bait boat accessories you will find batteries, chargers and handsets as well as spare parts, propellers and carry bags. Battery condition decides how many runs you can make through the night, so a spare battery is a sensible buy.

On bigger waters, anglers often get out on the water themselves. An inflatable boat and electric motor are light to transport, and a boat lets you drop rigs and play fish far from the bank. An electric motor is quiet and disturbs the swim far less than a petrol engine. Fish finders, GPS units and navigation equipment help you map the water and return to productive spots.

Always check the venue rules before using a bait boat or boat, as they are not allowed on every water. Wear a life jacket whenever you are out on the water.