Fishing may not be the most vigorous sport, but it takes a toll on the body. Casting, bending down, reeling in massive catches, and more all require a degree of physical exertion. Moreover, this strain compounds if you fish on a boat. When you’re out in the middle of a lake or the ocean, you’re also constantly steadying yourself for balance and feeling every bump, pitch, and vibration along the way.
These physical stressors can affect anyone after a long day on the water, but they’re more significant for older folks. As we age, our bodies are more sensitive to physical demands and strain, and this can unfortunately make fishing more uncomfortable. If you feel like this is happening to you, don’t worry. Smooth Moves is here to reveal how to comfortably fish on your boat in your latter years. Let’s get started!
Why Fishing on a Boat Gets Harder With Age
First, let’s take a closer look at why it is exactly that boat fishing gets harder as we grow older. These are the main factors at play:
- Joint stiffness and reduced flexibility make it harder to move around the boat’s confined spaces.
- Arthritis in hands and wrists can make gripping fishing rods painful.
- Back problems may make sitting in standard boat seats uncomfortable.
- Age-related changes in our inner ear and muscle strength can make balancing harder.
- Reduced depth perception and difficulty seeing in low light conditions can make navigating the boat riskier.
- Energy levels typically decrease with age, making long days on the water more exhausting.
- Temperature extremes feel more pronounced, and recovery from exposure to sun, wind, or cold takes longer.
Modifications and Adjustments You Can Make To Fish Comfortably
The good news is that you can mitigate the effects of many of the above age-related concerns with the following upgrades to your vessel.
Invest in Ergonomic Seating
When we get older, we want to spend less time on our feet, which means aged anglers spend a good amount of their fishing trips sitting down. Therefore, your boat’s seating is the first thing you should upgrade.
You want seats with lumbar support, adjustable height, and cushioning that maintains its shape in the long term while still conforming to your unique body. You might consider seats with armrests to reduce strain on your shoulders and upper back. Also, make sure the seat has a high back that supports your entire spine.
Once you have a comfortable seat, you can move on to the pedestal. This device is what keeps the seat off the floor and gives it the ability to spin. However, many pedestals are rigid, which means they won’t absorb shock from your boat’s movements, letting it instead transfer into your spine. That’s a recipe for an achy back and neck by the end of a fishing trip. Smooth Moves fixes this problem with our Air Ride boat seat pedestal. This hydraulic system is easy to install, fits most vessels and seats, and provides unsurpassed shock absorption. The pedestal’s mechanics adapt to your boat’s movement and drastically limit the amount of vibration that reaches your body. No matter how old you are, an Air Ride pedestal is the key to ache-free boat fishing.
Add Anti-Slip Decking
Maintaining sure footing becomes increasingly important as balance naturally declines with age. Anti-slip decking materials can dramatically reduce the risk of falls and increase your confidence while you move around your boat.
Anti-slip products come in a variety of styles, from adhesive strips to full deck coatings. We recommend a full-coverage, permanent installation to maximize the upgrade’s benefits.
One popular option is EVA foam decking, which provides excellent grip and joint-gentle cushioning. It’s also more comfortable to kneel or sit on. However, you will still want rougher textured surfaces in the wettest and most trafficked areas of your boat, such as the bow and the entrance point.
Install More Railings
Even with anti-slip decking in place, your boat is still an unsteady environment that can make you stumble. You won’t regret having the support of handrails and grab bars throughout the vessel.
These installations will help you move effortlessly and safely from one part of your boat to another. Add these assistive devices along walkways and near seating areas. Consider installing rails at multiple heights to accommodate different activities. A rail at waist height works well for walking, and a lower rail might be helpful when you’re seated and wanting to stand up.
Remove Stairs
Steps and stairs on boats can become significant obstacles as your mobility decreases. Removing unnecessary stairs and creating gentler transitions between deck levels improves accessibility and reduces fall risk.
Where elevation changes are necessary, consider installing ramps with handrails instead of steps. The gradual incline is much easier to navigate than steep stairs, especially when you’re carrying equipment or dealing with rough water.
Make All Storage Easily Accessible
Bending, reaching, and lifting become more challenging with age, so reorganizing storage is a simple way to support your changing body. Move frequently used items to waist-high compartments that don’t require bending or stretching to access.
Next, consider installing pull-out drawers in existing storage compartments. These allow you to bring the drawer’s contents to you rather than making you reach deep into lockers.
Pay special attention to tackle organization. Tackle bags or boxes with shoulder straps let you bring everything you need to your fishing spot in one go and use your hands to steady yourself as you carry the load.
Improve Onboard Climate Control
You might be more sensitive now to the chilly wind racing through your vessel, so you should find ways to improve climate control and stay warm.
This starts with a few wind-blocking upgrades. For example, a bimini top can offer shade and can be angled to block wind. You can also add windshields and windbreaks to open areas where you fish frequently. These reduce wind chill and make the environment more comfortable without completely enclosing the space.
If your boat has a cabin, upgrade its HVAC. When it gets to be unbearable outside, you can simply step inside the cabin for immediate relief.
Support Your Health and Hobby With Smooth Moves
There you have it! You now know almost everything about how to comfortably fish on your boat in your latter years. You don’t have to let age slow you down or prevent you from enjoying your favorite hobby.
Make these upgrades to your vessel today, and remember Smooth Moves when it’s time to swap out your rigid seat pedestal with a hydraulic version. Your back will thank you!
