Best Boats for Rough Water and Tough Weather

Fishing Boats that Excel in Rough Water

Built for bites in bad weather

Calm, warm and sunny days make for pleasant outings on the water. But, as any devoted angler will tell you, some of the best fishing for walleye, musky, northern pike, smallmouth bass and other predators happens in less ideal weather conditions. Recognizing this reality, Lund fishing boats are designed to keep anglers safe, comfortable and fishing efficiently on wavy, wind-swept waterbodies. Here’s a closer look at some of the foul-weather features that allow Lund owners to take advantage of bad-weather bites.

Starts with a solid foundation 

Lund’s rough-water prowess begins with I-Beam construction. These closely spaced beams provide support and extra reinforcement, and give Lund boats their arrow-straight, rock-solid hulls. Twin-plating the front of the hull also bolsters strength and durability.

A heck of a hull

Attached to these I-Beams is Lund’s legendary IPS hull. Another reason Lund owners often have the best fishing spots to themselves when the weather turns ugly.

The Deep-Vs within Lund’s core fishing fleet, for example, have a substantial dead-rise angle and tapered shape. This design causes the boat to efficiently cut through the water — not pound into it, explains Dan Anonen, Lund Boats Product Manager.

Lifting strakes and reverse chines also boost performance, deflecting water downward and spray back, as well as lifting the bow higher out of the water. This enables the boat to skip efficiently across the top of the waves for better performance and rider comfort.

Also contributing to Lund’s renowned rough-water performance and maneuverability are the hull’s pronounced center keel and flat performance pad. The latter providing fast hole shots and allowing non-turbulent water to the engine for peak performance.

Edges to keep you on biting fish

An IPS hull continues delivering advantages once an angler comes off plane and starts fishing. The edges created by the center keel, strakes and reverse chines act like rails along the hull, keeping the boat tracking true and helping it react instantly to subtle steering movements. Subsequently, Lund owners are able to maintain boat position and fish areas efficiently in strong winds and sizeable waves. These advantages hold true whether forward or back trolling using an outboard, as well as when positioning the boat with an electric trolling motor when casting, jigging or drift fishing. 

Stability when and where you need it

“Our boats are super, super stable. Even if you’re in rough conditions and you’ve got two people on one side of the boat, you’re not going to feel like the whole thing is going to tip,” said Anonen.

A wide IPS hull plays a key role in giving Lund boats their dependable stability. Reverse chines also provide critical buoyancy and prevent the boat from going off-kilter.

Such stability makes Lund's extremely safe and comfortable to fish from, allowing anglers to move about freely whether casting, jigging or trolling. Rough-water benefits continue when playing, landing and unhooking fish; a tippy boat rocking unpredictably in waves is the last place you want to be when there’s a catch of a lifetime on the end of the line. 

Purpose-driven layouts designed with bad weather in mind

Lund’s boat interiors have many features for keeping anglers safe, comfortable and fishing hard in rough water. Big-water boats, like the Tyee, Fisherman and Pro-Vs, have deep cockpits for added security. The high sides also provide shelter from cold weather, winds and rain.

Lund’s optional Sport Top is another add-on providing refuge from the elements. Mounting easily on Lund’s full-windshield models, the top makes driving and fishing from the cockpit significantly more tolerable on cold, windy and rainy days.

Leaving no stone unturned, Lund’s fishing-first approach to boat design is also seen in the little details. Take the easy-to-reach handholds found at the consoles and in the cockpits in many Lund models. These secure grips rarely get a second glance during the boat buying process, yet are immediately appreciated the first time a Lund owner grabs one for added stability when boating in rough, cold water. 

Moisture management

After a day spent fishing in the rain, the last thing any angler wants is to have to unpack and layout wet gear to dry. Lund’s bubble seal compartments mitigate water infiltration, helping prevent hassles and property damage.

As noted above, IPS hulls deflecting spray back and out to sides helps keep anglers and their gear dry. Lund’s mid- to top-level fishing boats also feature 25-inch-high transoms to knock down more water when back trolling.

A Lund custom-fit travel cover is another option anglers can use to keep rain, dirt and debris out of the boat when towing, or when temporarily storing it at a dock or on a trailer in between fishing trips.

Lund’s core fishing boats are designed to enable passionate anglers to get on the water and experience hot bites, even when it means fishing in wind, waves, rain and cold temperatures. But don’t just take our word for it. The next time the weather takes a turn for the worse, visit a boat launch and see for yourself how many Lund owners are out on the lake fishing by counting the empty ShoreLand’r trailers clad with Lund graphics sitting in the parking lot.

Note: While windy, wavy conditions can make for incredible fall or winter fishing, boaters are reminded to always exercise caution and monitor weather forecasts closely to ensure the safety of those onboard at all times.