Every year thousands of eager anglers traverse inland to pursue fish along the calm and stunning waterways of Australia. And whether you are an experienced fisherman, or an aspiring one, it doesn’t take an expert to know you need the right gear to ensure you don’t come back empty handed.
Knowing where you want to fish and what you want to catch is the easy part - knowing the right boat to purchase, now that’s a little more complicated.
Which is why we’ve compiled this short list of lake, seawater bay and river fishing boats that are available in Australia in 2024.
How do I know which boat is right for me?
The type of boat you are going to secure should really come down to the location that you want to fish. Simply put, when you are starting out, a smaller watercraft is the better choice. In lakes, seawater bays and rivers, small dinghies are also an ideal option because they are easy to manoeuvre, lightweight, and offer good access to narrow waterways. However if you’re planning to fish at the beach or with a group of people - you will need to consider a bigger boat designed for that purpose.
When looking at how much you want to spend on your new fishing vessel - the price will depend on the size, type, capacity, power, and features that you want. If you are choosing to buy a new watercraft rather than second-hand - you can expect to pay a bit more. Luckily, freshwater boats are often of a lower price range because they are generally smaller. This is because they don’t need to be as seaworthy as a boat designed for saltwater. However, if you’re planning to use your boat for various purposes, it’s important you do your research to ensure you’re going to be safe in the differing environments.
Another key consideration when securing a boat specifically for lake, seawater bay, and river fishing is the type of engine you want. To navigate streams and creeks, small outboard engines will typically be your best friend. Providing a suitable vessel for trolling, outboard engines will give you the best opportunity to control your boat automatically while you fish.
Whether you’re new to fishing or have been hooked for a while now - there are many excellent boat options available. Our following five boat recommendations are intended to narrow down the buying process for you so you can hit the water sooner.
- Haines Signature 485SF
A boat that keeps on keeping on and shows no signs of becoming outdated - the Haines Signature 485SF is a fantastic watercraft. Having been around for more than 14 years, this boat is widely used by anglers in the estuary fishing market for its speed and stability. Operating well in shallow water, but also capable of handling harsher conditions - the 485SF’s long side rod locker is a very handy option for river, seawater bay and lake fishing.
For a small boat, our main report is that it has very good performance and versatility. With a deep centre cockpit area and compact side console helm station on the starboard side, this is a piece of marine equipment with great features, safety and fit-out.
Price: $43,998
- Vee Hull
- Side Console
- 15.9ft
- Family, Fishing, Leisure.
- Makocraft 445 Commander HD
Big on features and value, the low price of this entry boat is a terrific purchase. Steered via tiller, the 445 Commander is a sturdy, versatile little boat perfect for budget boaters and anglers. 
The 445 Commander has been the most popular mid-sized Makocraft model in recent years, available in 4.45m, 4.6m and 4.9m lengths. With great layout, design and pricing - this watercraft is a clear value for money purchase. The main cockpit area in the centre of the boat stretches 1.45m between the bow and the stern, with a carpeted floor and substantial storage area.
On the water, our report is that the 445 Commander HD is a safe, seaworthy boat. Its conservative vee hull bottom shape is well suited to boating in estuaries, impoundments, bays, and harbours. In rougher conditions it also fares well, delivering a smooth ride and excellent stability. Overall this versatile boat is a very popular one among budget boaters and fishermen with plenty of features and excellent all-round performance.
Price: $15,000
- Vee Hull
- 4.45m, 4.6m, 4.9m lengths
- Rear step and rail x 2
- Great design and layout
- Quintrex 360 Wanderer
Making the exploring of Australia’s creeks, rivers and dams easy - the 360 Wanderer is the largest of the Wanderer range. Thanks to its shallow draught, this boat is an ideal choice for creeping into mangroves and small creek bends. It’s also deceptively roomy, with plenty of space for you, your best friend and your fishing gear. With hull length options of 3.14m, 3.64m, and 4.5m - this three-to-four-person tinnie comes with a blade hull and flared bow.
Weighing 53 kgs, this model has a slightly larger beam than its preceding 320 model yet light enough to move about easily. Strongly built and with plenty of seating, the Wanderer models offer an excellent blend of value-for-money and performance on the water.
Standard features in this tinnie include two ultra-wide and foam-filled bench seats, a single towing eye at the bow, a decent sized screw in bung, and well placed carry handles on the transom corners plus dual carry handles at the bow. With two people onboard this model, you will experience some bounce at speed, but overall feel well-balanced. For a lightweight car-topper boat perfect for rivers, seawater bays and lakes - we think the Quintrex 360 Wanderer is a solid contender.
Price: $7,000 - $8,000
- Blade Hull
- Hull length of 3.14m, 3.64m, or 4.5m
- Smooth water runner
- Lightweight construction
- Quintrex 481 Hornet
Renowned as the ultimate fishing boat, the all-new Hornet Range is stocked with all the essential fishing features you could ask for. Offering a smooth and steady ride in most conditions, this Quintrex model is a stable option for river, seawater bay and lake fishing. Popular among thousands of Australian fishing enthusiasts, the Hornet boasts an Eclipse V-flared hull providing it with a smooth, dry ride.
This watercraft has ample storage for all your gear, as well as a well-equipped back deck with a live bait tank plus enough room for all your tackle. Seating is easy on this boat with two pedestal seats and four seat positions. When this iconic model made its debut a few years ago, it was quick to become a favourite thanks to its terrific design, and remarkable hull. Some rivals could best the 481 Hornet for stability and overall handling, but most fall short when it comes to ride comfort.
With significant upgrades made to its preceding model, the 481 Hornet is a great option for the chasing of bass, barra, bream and many other species in Australia’s coastal waterways and inland impoundments.
Price: $ 56,990
- Eclipse V-flared hull
- 5.1m hull length
- Ride comfort
- 53kg (hull only)
- Stessl 485 Apache Pro
A smart looking boat with a competitive price and a large inventory of standard features - the Stessl 485 Apache Pro is an entry package boat with a front casting deck. Providing a slightly taller console unit to its rivals and placing the steering wheel higher, this model offers a comfortable ride for seated and standing anglers. On the water, the 485 Apache is a solid performer with regard to handling and the overall ride. Its vee hull provides great stability plus a bow sharp enough to soften any bumps on the bay or harbour.
Our verdict on this boat is that it is a great contender for fishermen getting started in lake, seawater bay and river environments. Shoppers looking to get a mid-sized alloy side console boat couldn’t really ask for a better option. Its design is conservative yet provides a safe and comfortable ride with a practical interior layout. For estuary, seawater bay, and impoundment fishing - the 485 Apache is a great rig.
Price: $31,900
- 4.85m Hull Length
- Outboard options available
- Decent front casting platform
- Ride comfort
Find the most compatible and cheapest boat loan rates based on your needs and responsibilities with Jade Finance.
Our team brings your boating dream to reality with better finance options for your leisure and recreation vessel. For consumer recreational use we offer secured lending and unsecured loans. For marine businesses we provide the full suite of commercial marine financing products. With strong bargaining power across a wide selection of banks and lenders, our brokers have the advantage of assessing and comparing the top lenders and identifying who is offering the best deals.
Let us negotiate on your behalf for the best deal. Call us on 1300 000 003, or request a quick quote online.
