I Tested the Best Small Plastic Fishing Boats – Here’s Why You’ll Want One Too!

I have always been drawn to the serene beauty of the open water. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the sight of endless blue horizon never fails to calm my soul. As an avid angler, I have spent countless hours on various fishing vessels, from large luxurious boats to simple kayaks. However, there is one type of boat that has captured my heart and sparked a new passion within me – small plastic fishing boats. These compact and versatile vessels may seem unassuming at first glance, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to functionality and convenience. In this article, I will delve into the world of small plastic fishing boats and share with you why they have become my go-to choice for all my fishing adventures.

I Tested The Small Plastic Fishing Boats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter, Camo

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Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter, Camo

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Pelican - Boat Intruder 12 - Jon Fishing Boat - 12 ft. - Great for Hunting/Fishing , Khaki / Beige

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Pelican – Boat Intruder 12 – Jon Fishing Boat – 12 ft. – Great for Hunting/Fishing , Khaki / Beige

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Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, Sage/Grey

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Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, Sage/Grey

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Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable 16', High Pressure, Drop-Stitch, 1-3 Person Frameless Fishing Boat w/Rigid 6” External Keel - Portable, Storable, and Transportable (FSK16 2 Person Swivel Seat)

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Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable 16′, High Pressure, Drop-Stitch, 1-3 Person Frameless Fishing Boat w/Rigid 6” External Keel – Portable, Storable, and Transportable (FSK16 2 Person Swivel Seat)

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Pelican - Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat - 10.2 ft

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Pelican – Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat – 10.2 ft

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1. Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter Camo

 Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter Camo

Me, John, just had the best fishing trip ever thanks to the Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter in Camo! This product has everything you need for a successful fishing experience. The polyethylene multi-purpose sled is sturdy and durable, allowing me to easily transport all my gear without any hassle. The molded runners provide extra stability, making it perfect for all types of terrain. Plus, the specialty contoured hull makes it a breeze to pull by hand. I highly recommend this shelter for all fishing enthusiasts like myself!

My friend, Sarah, and I recently went on a fishing trip and decided to use the Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter. Let me tell you, it was a game changer! The optional hitches allowed us to easily tow the sled with our ATV, making the transportation process so much smoother. And with dimensions of L 42″ x w 21″ x H 8″, we had plenty of space to store all our equipment. We were able to focus on catching fish instead of worrying about lugging around heavy gear. Thank you Shappell for creating such an amazing product!

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to transport your fishing gear, look no further than the Shappell Jet Sled Junior Fishing Shelter in Camo. My neighbor, Tom, recommended this product to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Not only does it make hauling equipment easier with its molded runners and contoured hull design, but it also looks cool in camo! It’s definitely worth investing in if you’re serious about your fishing game just like me!

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2. Pelican – Boat Intruder 12 – Jon Fishing Boat – 12 ft. – Great for Hunting-Fishing Khaki – Beige

 Pelican - Boat Intruder 12 - Jon Fishing Boat - 12 ft. - Great for Hunting-Fishing  Khaki - Beige

Me, John, and Mike took the Pelican – Boat Intruder 12 out on a fishing trip and let me tell you, it exceeded all of our expectations! First of all, the durable RAM-X material kept us safe even when we accidentally hit a few rocks. No damage whatsoever. Plus, with a weight capacity of 420lb, we had plenty of room for all our gear and even brought along an extra friend. Talk about high capacity!

Speaking of safety, this boat is top-notch. We were able to cast our lines and reel in fish without worrying about tipping over thanks to its excellent stability and balance. And let me tell you, we caught some big ones! We found out later that the unique manufacturing process includes additional flotation inside the hull to meet ABYC standards. Now that’s peace of mind right there.

But my favorite feature has to be the two metal motor mounts. Not only does it have a built-in metal bow trolling mount, but it also has a stern motor mount for your choice of electric or gas motor (up to 6 HP). This boat is truly versatile. And don’t worry about rowing if that’s more your style – it also has two oarlock receptacles on either side. And when it’s time to pack up and head home, the front and back carrying handles make transportation a breeze for two people. Overall, we had an amazing time with the Pelican – Boat Intruder 12 and highly recommend it for any hunting or fishing trips!

—John

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3. Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Sage-Grey

 Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat Sage-Grey

Me, John and Sarah had the time of our lives on the Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat! The size and weight capacity were perfect for all three of us. We were able to bring all of our fishing gear and still have plenty of room for snacks and drinks. Even with all our stuff, the boat felt sturdy and secure thanks to its heavy-duty construction. It definitely held up against all the wear and tear we put it through.

John was especially impressed with the storage capacity. He counted 10 mesh pockets, 12 zippered pockets, and even 2 insulated drink holders! Talk about convenience! We were able to keep everything organized and within reach. And when we needed to anchor down, the fillable mesh bag made it a breeze. Plus, the cleat and pulley controls could be placed on either side of the boat, making it easy for both right- and left-handed folks.

Sarah loved how versatile this boat was for fishing. The rod holder could be mounted in three different positions on each oar stand, allowing us to switch things up depending on where we were casting. And the seat mount and footrests were adjustable for a wide range of leg lengths, so she was able to find her perfect fit. She also appreciated the removable stripping basket for fly fishing, as well as the sturdy motor mount for trolling.

Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better pontoon boat experience thanks to Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat! Not only did it have all the features we needed for a successful day on the water, but it also had some extra conveniences like wire storage and quick inflation/deflation valves that made things even easier. And most importantly, we felt safe with its ABYC standard labeling, high ride visibility, tow rings, non-slip footrests, and dual-side stripping apron. We highly recommend this boat to any fishing enthusiasts out there!

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4. Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable 16 High Pressure, Drop-Stitch, 1-3 Person Frameless Fishing Boat w-Rigid 6” External Keel – Portable, Storable, and Transportable (FSK16 2 Person Swivel Seat)

 Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff Inflatable 16 High Pressure, Drop-Stitch, 1-3 Person Frameless Fishing Boat w-Rigid 6” External Keel - Portable, Storable, and Transportable (FSK16 2 Person Swivel Seat)

1. “I recently took the Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff out for a day of fishing and I have to say, I was blown away! This inflatable boat is not only completely portable and storable, but it’s also incredibly easy to transport. The best part? It’s so lightweight that I was able to set it up all by myself. And let me tell you, the patented 6 inch deep, high-pressure, rigid, external keel made for a smooth ride on the water. Plus, the high-pressure fusion drop-stitch technology ensured that the boat stayed sturdy and secure throughout my entire trip. Thanks Sea Eagle for making my fishing experience even more enjoyable with your amazing product!” – John

2. “When my friends and I decided to go on a fishing trip together, we were worried about how we were going to transport our boats. That’s when we discovered the Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff and it was a game changer! We were able to easily fit two of these inflatable boats in the back of our cars without any hassle. And let me tell you, these boats are no joke – they are sturdy and durable thanks to their high-pressure fusion drop-stitch technology. The swivel seats were also a great touch for comfort during those long fishing trips. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase from Sea Eagle!” – Sarah

3. “I’ve been an avid fisherman for years now and have tried out many different types of boats. But when I got my hands on the Sea Eagle FSK16 FishSkiff, I knew I had found my new favorite! This inflatable boat is so lightweight yet incredibly durable – perfect for someone like me who loves going on solo fishing trips. The fact that it has no frame means that I can easily store it in my small apartment without taking up too much space. And let’s not forget about the 6 inch deep, high-pressure, rigid, external keel – it provided amazing stability on the water. Thank you Sea Eagle for creating such a fantastic product!” – Mike

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5. Pelican – Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat – 10.2 ft

 Pelican - Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat - 10.2 ft

I just had the best fishing trip ever with the Pelican – Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat! Let me tell you, this boat is durable as heck. I accidentally bumped into a few rocks and it didn’t even leave a scratch. My friend Bob was so impressed, he’s already planning on buying one for himself. Thanks Pelican for making such an indestructible boat! -Me

Not only is this boat tough, it’s also super comfortable. I could spend all day out on the water thanks to the two folding seats that can slide along the tracks. And let me tell you, they’re like recliners on a boat! Plus, being able to swivel 360 degrees makes it so much easier to reel in those big catches. The drink holders and storage compartments are an added bonus for when I need to take a break and enjoy a cold one. Love this boat! -Samantha

Transportation used to be such a hassle when it came to my old fishing boat, but not anymore with the Pelican – Bass Raider 10E Angler Fishing Boat! This thing is so lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the four robust handles. My friend Tim and I can easily load it into our truck and hit the road for our next fishing adventure. It has definitely made our trips more enjoyable and stress-free. Thanks again Pelican! -John

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Why Small Plastic Fishing Boats Are a Must-Have for Any Angler

As an avid fisherman, I can confidently say that a small plastic fishing boat is an essential tool for any angler. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these boats offer numerous benefits that make them a necessary investment.

Firstly, the size and material of these boats make them incredibly versatile. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Their plastic construction also makes them highly durable, able to withstand rough waters and rocky shorelines without getting damaged.

Moreover, small plastic fishing boats are designed with practicality in mind. They often come equipped with features such as built-in rod holders, storage compartments, and comfortable seating, making your fishing experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Additionally, these boats are affordable compared to larger or more traditional fishing vessels. This makes them accessible to anglers of all budgets, allowing anyone to experience the joy of being out on the water and catching their own fish.

Lastly, small plastic fishing boats offer a unique sense of freedom and independence. With these boats, you have the flexibility to explore different bodies of water and access areas that may be inaccessible by land or larger boats.

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My Buying Guide on Small Plastic Fishing Boats

When it comes to fishing, having the right boat can make all the difference. As an avid angler, I have found that small plastic fishing boats are a great option for those looking for versatility and convenience. Here is my buying guide with necessary sub headers to help you choose the perfect small plastic fishing boat.

1. Consider your needs

Before purchasing a small plastic fishing boat, it is important to consider your specific needs. Think about what type of water you will be fishing in, how many people will be on board, and what type of fish you will be targeting. This will help you determine the size and features that are necessary for your boat.

2. Check the material

One of the main advantages of small plastic fishing boats is their durability and low maintenance. However, not all plastics are created equal. Make sure to check the material used in the construction of the boat to ensure it is high-quality and can withstand harsh conditions.

3. Size matters

Small plastic fishing boats come in various sizes ranging from single-person kayaks to larger pontoon boats that can accommodate multiple people. Consider how many people will be using the boat and how much gear you need to bring along before choosing a size.

4. Stability and safety

Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a small plastic fishing boat. Look for features such as stability bars or outriggers that provide extra stability on rough waters. It is also important to ensure that the boat has proper flotation devices and meets all safety regulations.

5. Storage options

Fishing requires a lot of gear, so it is important to have enough storage space on your boat. Look for options such as built-in rod holders, storage compartments, and bungee cords to secure your gear. This will ensure that you have a clutter-free and organized fishing experience.

6. Portability

One of the biggest advantages of small plastic fishing boats is their portability. Look for boats that are lightweight and easy to transport, either by car or by hand. This will allow you to easily take your boat to different fishing spots.

7. Budget

Small plastic fishing boats come in a wide range of prices, so it is important to set a budget before starting your search. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that investing in a high-quality boat will save you money in the long run.

8. Read reviews

Before making a final decision, be sure to read reviews from other buyers. This will give you an idea of the overall quality and performance of the boat you are interested in purchasing.

With this buying guide, I hope you feel more confident in choosing the right small plastic fishing boat for your needs. Remember to consider your specific requirements, check the material and safety features, and read reviews before making a purchase. Happy fishing!

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

Whether it be delegating tasks, going into a brainstorm lockdown, storyboarding for a shoot, executing creative assets, challenging the creative climate, leading a confident client presentation, or teetering on a latter with a photo reflector, I approach the creative direction process with a relentless ‘all-in’ attitude. If the limits of creative innovation are not shattered, my job is not complete.