The top fishing boats for the season

Crestliner Fish Hawk

As soon as sales manager Jeff Snowden was asked about the most popular boat at Rond’s, his response was the Crestliner Fish Hawk line.

Coming in a variety of sizes (from 16 to 19 feet), the Fish Hawk, as Snowden describes, is an “all-out, decked-out” fishing boat that gives all the amenities an angler could want.

One of the key features Snowden points to is the Northwest Package. This feature puts vinyl on the floor and casting decks instead of carpeting.

Snowden comments that part of the appeal of the Fish Hawk line is its versatility. Boats are available in three classifications–tiller, side console and walkthrough windshield. Regardless which model you choose, you’re getting a boat that is fully convertible, has two rod storage areas, four deck cleats, a large rear casting platform and an oversized rear livewell, perfect for reeling in and storing that record-breaking fish.

Alongside fantastic performance, the styling of the Fish Hawk is impressive, with a vast array of colour options available.

Models in the Fish Hawk line range from the 1600 Tiller to the 1850 SC/WT/DC, all of which will provide you with the creature comforts and fishing practicality options that you’d want for your next excursion.

Lund 1625 Rebel XL

Lund is one of the big names at Winnipeg Sport and Leisure, where Duncan Jessiman points to the 1625 Rebel XL as being the hot seller.

One of the primary reasons for the model’s success is simply customer familiarity. He reports that the people who come through his door asking for the Rebel XL have previously experienced the smooth sailing it has, having been invited on board by friends or family. Additionally, this 16’3” boat offers an attractive price point.

But to truly get a feel for the impressiveness of the Lund, one needs to look at the comfort it offers. Two standard seats and optional bow cushioning make every spot comfortable during the drive out to your secret fishing spot.

Other models in the Rebel XL series, including the SS and Sport models, include options such as custom consoles with windshields, aft and bow trolling motors, up to six seat bases and main power tiller handles. Across all models, interior and navigational lighting, and bait station drop in.

The Rebel XL series is also well-equipped to hold just about anything you’d ever need on board. Space includes both standard and livewell storage in the bow and enough space to keep seven-foot poles with you.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze

Owner Michael Guertin comments that pontoon boats are the big seller at his store, with two specific groups being in the boat-buying market today: young families, (i.e. the husband and wife with two or three kids) and grandparents who will bring their grandkids up to the cottage for the weekend.

In both demographics, Guertin notes a commonality–the intent is to bring everyone together onto the boat, not just have one or two passengers at a time.

In particular, Guertin notes that Cypress Cay’s Seabreeze line has been exceedingly popular with customers.

One of the interesting aspects of the 210 Seabreeze Fish is that it offers a touch of versatility, with a ski tow bar included in the package.

But the feature that’s really drawing customers in is the electric motor. On the 21-foot model, a boat can run for seven to eight hours (not on full throttle), then be docked and plugged in overnight for full charging (Guertin notes that just six hours of plug-in time will give you full power).

Different floor plans are available depending on the particular Seabreeze model you choose, and if you want even more versatility, Cypress Cay even offers some customization options.