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Learn to Water Ski or Wakeboard

Waterskiing and wakeboarding are activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re the athlete learning or watching from the boat, there is enough fun to go around!…

Buying A New or Used Boat

Before you decide on boat size or cost, the most important thing you can do is be sure to buy the right boat type for you and your needs.…

How Do I Choose The Right Engine

Choosing the right engine for your boat will depend on the activities you want enjoy. …

Boat Maintenance

A comprehensive series of checklists on DiscoverBoating.ca will give you a good understanding of what needs to be done to take care of your boat and engine over the course of a year.…

Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

Whether you’re whether you’re looking for information about your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), or your boat licence here are a few pointers on a couple of basic things that will help you get ou…

Technical and Mechanical Questions

As The Boating Guy I get a lot of technical or mechanical questions, and my best recommendation to you is always to either check with a marine technician, and/or get in touch with the manufacturer of …

Boat Shows

Boat shows typically include boat manufacturers, insurance and finance companies as well as accessory manufacturers. There’s no better place to start your research as you will find all your informatio…

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or Lifejackets

PFDs come in many shapes, colours and materials. Some are made rugged to last longer, while others are made to maintain body heat in cold water. …

Trolling Motors

A trolling motor is a small electric motor that’s used for moving a fishing boat through the water quietly, to avoid spooking the fish. …

Freshwater Fishing Tackle

You don’t need a lot of equipment to begin fishing. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin with basic, simple tackle. So here are the basics.…

Electronic Fishfinders

One of the great mysteries of boating is wondering what lurks beneath the waves—more specifically, how deep is the water, where are the submerged rocks, and where are the fish? …

Fighting A Fish

You listened to the bait shop guy and bought his equipment, so in return he offers a hot spot to try. After a couple of casts, you feel a strike and set the hook. The reel screams, and youre hooked up…

The Family Vacation

Summer’s here and many parents are contemplating whether to send the future of our country to manners school for three months or allow them to join the rest of the family on vacation. Recalling so…

Rules of the Road Summarized

It has been statistically proven that the number of collisions between vehicles, be they of the marine or roadway type, are reduced as speed is reduced.…

Boating Myths

Some people who are interested in taking up boating hold back because of myths that they’ve heard about boat ownership. In reality, boating is easy, flexible and affordable.…

Knee Boarding Tips

Knee Boarding made easy! Read some of the basic information to get started in knee boarding...…

Why Boat?

Ask anyone to tell the story of who first took them boating or fishing - chances are good the story is deeply personal and meaningful. …

This Summer, Let the Kids do All the Work

Every summer when I was growing up, we took a family cruise. The destinations varied, and most were pretty cool. But I distinctly remember my brothers and I having certain responsibilities onboard. Lo…

Wakeboarding Tips: How to Get Up on a Wakeboard

Insure that you are comfortable with whatever foot you placed forward. (I have taught several people to wakeboard, and sometimes just switching feet is all that is needed.) Place your arms ON EACH S…

Teaching Someone to Ski

Eliminate the intimidation of engine noise and the fear of being 75 feet from the boat. Stay close, and make the first time on skis fun. …

Saltwater Fishing Tackle

Fishing tackle is used to get your bait or lure to the fish. You don’t need a lot of equipment to begin fishing. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin with basic, simple tackle. So here are the basics. Y…

Where Do Fish Live?

To catch fish the angler must first locate them. Fish are found nearly everywhere there is water with enough food, oxygen and cover. Near your home there should be a body of water that has fish living…

What to Do When Bringing your Pet Onboard

Get quick and easy answers to all of your pet and water safety questions. Q: What should I do before I bring my pet on board? A: Get a checkup, make sure vaccinations are up to date, carry a signed v…

Installing A Swim Platform

Most boat owners would agree there’s nothing like anchoring out in a quiet cove or enjoying a raft-up with friends on a summer afternoon. A swim platform can certainly update the look of your boat, …

When to Fish

Experienced anglers will tell you that there are "best" times to fish. These "best times" can be related to the amount of sunlight, to warming trends, to depth at which fish are found...…

Fishing with Kids

So you are going to take some kids fishing! Either as an angler or interested adult, you want these kids to have fun.…

Codes of Angling Ethics

Ethics cannot be dictated. They develop with time, experience, and interaction with others. The following code is offered as a guideline to increase awareness and encourage discussion.…

Wakeboarding Trick: Backside Lipslide

Learning the backside lipslide will give you a good base for more technical grinds down the road. …

Wakeboard Trick: Kicker Perspective

Spinning off a kicker behind the boat or on a cable can be really easy if you take your time and wait for the top. …

30 Secret Fishing Tips

10 All-purpose Tips; 10 Bass Tips; 5 Saltwater Tips and 5 Tips for Fishing with Kids…

Fire Extinguishers

The law requires fire extinguishers for most boats—a good idea, if there’s anything on your boat that could possibly burn. Read on to find out which extinguishers you should have on hand and what othe…

First Aid Supplies

As much as we try to be careful, accidents can happen while we’re boating—usually miles away from professional medical care. That’s why it’s important to have a well-equipped first aid kit on board, a…

Echo Sounders

One of the great mysteries of boating is wondering what lies beneath us, between the water and the bottom. An echo sounder can help us in our exploration of the world below the depths.…

Sun Protection

Being on the water’s all about sun and fun, isn’t it? As they say, you can have too much of a good thing—and it’s all too easy to soak up more sun than you should’ve.…

Electronics/Fishfinders

One of the great mysteries of boating is wondering what lurks beneath the waves—more specifically, how deep is the water, where are the submerged rocks, and where are the fish? …

Powerboat Hardware

All of the shiny (and not-so-shiny) stuff that’s bolted to your boat is called hardware. Fasteners are the screws, nuts and bolts that attach the various pieces of hardware to your boat. Due to their …

The Fun of Watersports: Types of Watersports

Having fun on the water is more than just going for boat rides or doing a little bit of fishing—real fun means watersports—and water toys…

Trolling Motors

A trolling motor is a small electric motor, located on the bow or stern (sometimes both), that’s used for moving a fishing boat through the water quietly, to avoid spooking the fish. …

Finding a Well-Fitted Wetsuit for your Watersports Adventure

Water absorbs body heat 25 times faster than air, so unless you’re frolicking in a hot tub that’s set above 98.6 degrees (body temperature), you’re going to get cold. …

What’cha Eating? Bait Matrix

The most popular game fish are salmon, trout, and bass in freshwater, but choosing bait to hook these fish is a very personal matter. Fishing baits usually weigh from 1/4 to three ounces. The most pop…

Watersports Clubs and Organizations

Canada is home to a many water sports schools, clubs and camps. All of which offer a variety of sporting lessons and events for people of all ages to enjoy. There are several ways to get started, from…

A Crew of Kids: Family Team Work

Boating, like any family activity, is only a “family” activity if all the members are actually involved. If family members are nothing but hostages to Mom and Dad’s hobby, they’ll quickly lose interes…

Flyfishing Essentials

The word “flyfishing” to many brings to mind bucolic scenes of men in waders standing in a river gorge. But those who know the sport also know that flyfishing from aboard a boat can be even more fun a…

Traveling Toddlers: Keeping your Children Safe on a Boat

Boating with young children isn’t really all that different from putting them in the car and going out to the playground or swim park. You must have a process for preparing, traveling and enjoying you…

Water Tubing Tips: Which Tubes are Best for Your Family?

The most enjoyable thing about tubing is that it’s fun for everyone. Suitable for all members of the family, tubes are among the most popular types of towables on the market today. They’re available i…

Wakeboarding and Waterskating Terms

Want to know more about wakeboarding and waterskating A-Z? The following is a glossary of wakeboarding and wakeskating terms. …

Water Tubing: 5 Reasons to Love Boat Tubing

Water tubing always conjures up images of big splashes and big fun. Here are our favorite reasons why we love boat tubing:…

Water Tubing Tips: Boat Safety Tips for Water Sports Tubing

The next time you or your family decide to go out boat tubing, keep these boating safety and water sports tubing tips in mind to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable: …

Beginner Wakeboarding Tips

Our wakeboarding tips section is no exception to this important boating safety rule. Be sure to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when you are in the water. A basic boating safety ti…

Wakeboarding Boat Buyer Guide

Is wakeboarding your first love? Read through our helpful boat buyer guide for information on which types of boats are best for wakeboarding. With direct links to manufacturers and more, we can help y…

Freshwater Fishing Tips

There are always plenty of things to keep in mind when angling for the perfect catch, but these basic freshwater fishing tips can help provide a general overview of what you need to know: …

Compare Freshwater Fishing Boats

One of the most popular boating activities, freshwater fishing can be enjoyed by experienced boaters and beginners alike. Whether you’re interested in extreme sports fishing or a laid-back jaunt aroun…

Why Learn How to Sail?

Considering taking up sailing? Well, there are many reasons why you should learn how to sail. Sailing is an invigorating sport that offers many rewards, not the least of which is that it’s simply so m…

Sailing Rules and Instructions

Mastering sailing basics means being familiar with essential right-of-way sailing rules. One thing to remember is that there are different right-of-way sailing instructions for sailboats as opposed to…

Sailing Basics: 10 Beginner Sailing Terms To Know

While our glossary page provides a comprehensive list of boating terms, we’ve also compiled this short list of 10 beginner sailing terms that everyone should know.…

Beginner Sailing Tips

New to sailing? Let us help you master the basics with these handy sailing tips and instructions for beginners. Both novice and experienced boaters alike can benefit from a quick review of these begin…

Saltwater Fishing Boats

From spending quality time with friends and family to enjoying the health benefits of outdoor exercise, saltwater fishing offers a myriad of rewards for recreational boaters. Whether you prefer calm c…

Saltwater Fishing Tips: Boating Information for Saltwater Fishing

Are you new to saltwater fishing? Just getting started with your boating adventures? Check out these basic saltwater fishing tips for beginners: …

Fly Fishing Boats

What are important things to look for in a fly fishing boat? Jon Boats, Walkarounds, Sport Fishing Boats, Centre Consoles…

What Does the Keel Do?

The keel is basically a flat blade sticking down into the water from a sailboat’s bottom. It has two functions: it prevents the boat from being blown sideways by the wind, and it holds the ballast tha…

How Sails Really Work

Sails work by “catching the wind” only when the boat is sailing directly downwind. The rest of the time a sail is essentially an airplane wing standing on end, and works the same way: When properly t…

Choosing the Right Sailboat for You

Once you learn to sail, you’ll want to buy a boat of your own. But what kind? Traditional wisdom says to start with something small, maybe a dinghy or simple sloop (single-masted boat with two sails),…

How Does the Rudder Work?

Sailboats steer by means of the rudder, a vertical, blade-like appendage mounted either on the transom (the flat surface of the stern) or under the boat. In both cases the rudder works by deflecting w…

Your First Sail

They say you always remember your first love. You always remember your first sail, too. What will yours be like? Here’s what happens during a typical sail. Chances are, the boat will be on a mooring, …

Freshwater Fishing Boat Accessories: Baitwells, Livewells, Rod Holders, Trolling Motors and Fishfinders

Fishing in freshwater can be as simple as standing on the edge of a pond and tossing out a line with a baited hook. But, using the right kind of boat equipped with the right gear, can greatly expand y…

Selecting Your Freshwater Fishing Gear: Fishing Rods, Fishing Reels, and Baits

With nearly 6 million Canadians listing fishing as their preferred leisure activity, recreational anglers outnumber participants in most other outdoor sports. Successful anglers mix patience, skill, f…

Freshwater Fishing Tactics

Before catching fish, anglers must locate them. You can find fish nearly anywhere there is a body of water large enough to provide food, oxygen and cover. If you have a boat, your choice of angling lo…

Freshwater Fish - Trout

Trout are one of the most sought after angling species and will take a variety of natural and artificial baits. They favor cold, clear moving water—rivers and streams—but some species inhabit the dept…

Freshwater Fish - Bass

For sport anglers, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are two of the most prized quarries. Bass spend most of their time in lakes and rivers with plentiful fresh water. They tend to congregate in mos…

Freshwater Fish - Catfish

Many anglers simply love catfish. There are 37 catfish families, with species found in both freshwater and saltwater. Perhaps their most recognized traits are their catlike whiskers, or barbells, and …

Freshwater Fish - Carp

Although carp have been considered a nuisance by North American anglers, they are highly prized as sportfish in Europe, and can be excellent fighters. A growing number of anglers in the US are becomin…

Freshwater Fish - Perch

White perch are silvery and frequently have irregular dusky longitudinal lines along its body. They have a slightly projecting lower jaw and small teeth. Their dorsal fins are separate and their anal …

Freshwater Fish - Crappie

Taken together, black crappie and white crappie is the third most preferred group of freshwater sportfish, ranking behind only bass and catfish.Crappies’ gill covers have spines. The black crappie can…

Freshwater Fish - Eel

Eels can be a great catch for anglers, but are not a particularly popular catch. There are nearly 400 different species of eels.…

Freshwater Fish - Drum

Except for color, freshwater drum resembles its marine relative the red drum. The fish is deep-bodied and equipped with a long dorsal fin divided into two sections. The dorsal fin usually has 10 spine…

Freshwater Fish - Northern Pike

The northern pike is an elongated fish. Its dorsal region is bluish-green to gray in color, shading to white or yellow on the belly. This coloration distinguishes it from chain pickerel, redfin picker…

Freshwater Fish - Muskellunge

In general, identifying the hybrid tiger muskie from the muskellunge is fairly easy, though it can be more difficult with some individuals. The tiger muskie is named for the prominent light-colored, b…

Freshwater Fish - Chain Pickerel

Chain pickerel are aggressive fighters once hooked, thus making them an exciting catch. They are active through the winter, under the ice, so they can be caught by ice anglers. …

Freshwater Fish - Walleye

The walleye is named after its large opaque and almost blind-looking eye. The large reflective surface of its eyes gives the walleye a sight advantage over other fish and enables the predator to find …

Anchoring Accessories

Few activities can compare to being out on the water, zipping along enjoying the sunshine, watching the waves. One of the many benefits of boating is the flexibility and ability to enjoy a variety of …

Tips on Buying from a Certified Dealer

Marine Industry Certified Dealers have earned a reputation for taking good care of their customers. In fact, to become certified a dealership must meet independently verified high standards in everyth…

Docking Accessories

In boating lingo, as soon as you step from the dock to the boat, a piece of rope becomes a “line”. And whichever particular lines you use to tie your boat to the dock are called—you guessed it—“dockli…

The Benefits of GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS units receive signals from satellites that determine location. Depending on the unit, a GPS can pinpoint your position in up to three dimensions—latitud…

Ten Tips for Clean and Green Boating

Follow these easy top 10 tips for clean and green boating.…

Boating is Affordable

Boating is affordable and there’s a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget. • Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for arou…

Saltwater Fishing Boat Accessories: Baitwells, Livewells, Rod Holders, Trolling Motors and Fishfinders

Fishing in saltwater can be as simple as standing on a pier or the edge of a bay or ocean and tossing out a line with a baited hook. But, using the right kind of boat equipped with the right gear, can…

Selecting Your Saltwater Fishing Gear: Fishing Rods, Fishing Reels, Natural and Artificial Bait

In its most raw form, a fishing rod is a stick used to dangle a string tied to a hook used to catch fish. However, a modern fishing rod is generally a more sophisticated casting tool fitted with line …

Saltwater Fishing Tactics: Overview

Before catching fish, anglers must locate them. Much of North America is within a day’s drive of the oceans, an estuary, or some other marine environment. You can find fish nearly anywhere there is fo…

Saltwater Fish - Amberjack

Distinctive olive-colored bar from the snout through the eye, to the beginning of the dorsal fin and a broad amber-colored strip running horizontally, along the flanks.…

Saltwater Fish - Blue Marlin

The Atlantic blue marlin is a species of marlin endemic to the Atlantic Ocean.…

Saltwater Fish - Sailfish

Dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally with a silvery white underbelly; the upper jaw is elongated into a spear.…

Saltwater Fish - White Marlin

The body is dark blue to chocolate brown, shading to silvery white on the underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin.…

Saltwater Fish - Black Sea Bass

Typically large-mouthed, bottom dwellers that are bluish black in color with light spots that form longitudinal stripes.…

Saltwater Fish - Bluefish

Blue or greenish blue on the back, sides silvery; mouth large; teeth prominent, sharp, and compressed. …

Saltwater Fish - Bonefish

Silvery color with bluish or greenish back; slender, round body; long, conical snout, aiming downward and overhanging the lower jaw. …

Saltwater Fish - Cobia

Long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw. Dark lateral stripe extends through the eye to the tail.…

Saltwater Fish - Croaker

Chin with 3-5 pairs of small barbells and 5 pores. Caudal fins are double concave. …

Saltwater Fish - Black Drum

Largest member of the Drum family. High arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or black colored body with large scales in adults.…

Saltwater Fish - Red Drum

Member of the croaker family with large reddish scales on their upper body and a blunt snout. …

Saltwater Fish - Sand Seatrout

Pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth usually at the tip of the upper jaw. …

Saltwater Fish - Spotted Seatrout

Specs have a streamlined body, dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below. …

Saltwater Fish - Striped Bass

Striped bass is a silvery fish that gets its name from the seven or eight dark, continuous stripes along the side of its compressed body.…

Saltwater Fish - Halibut

In the Pacific, from Washington State north to Alaska including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay, Sekiu, and Port Angeles. …

Saltwater Fish - Flounder

Flounder have flat bodies with both eyes facing up. They are light to dark olive brown, marked with diffused dark blotches and spots on its back, undersides are white.…

Saltwater Fish - Pompano

Greenish gray on back, shading to silvery sides. Fish living in dark waters showing gold on throat, pelvic, and anal fins. …

Saltwater Fish - Atlantic Salmon

Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, a narrow pointed tongue with four to six small teeth, dark pectoral fins, forked tail, and nine rays in anal fin.…

Saltwater Fish - Chinook Salmon

Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, inside the mouth and gums, black, small spots on upper back and tail, 15 - 17 rays in anal fin.…

Saltwater Fish - Coho Salmon

Smaller than Chinook. Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, inside of mouth black and gums between teeth gray, small spots on upper tail, 13-15 rays in anal fin.…

Saltwater Fish - Pink Salmon

Large hump on the back of mature males. Both males and females have large, oblong or oval spots on both the upper and lower portion of their tail and very small scales.…

Saltwater Fish - Chum Salmon

Silvery and has no distinct black spots, though it may have fine black speckling on the upper sides and back. …

Saltwater Fish - Steelhead

Steelhead is a name given to rainbow trout that live in the Great Lakes. Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific Ocean along North America and to rivers and other fresh waters of North America west of…

Saltwater Fish - Shad

A large member of the herring family with green or greenish blue on the back and silvery sides, white underneath (colors darken when fish enters fresh water to spawn). …

Saltwater Fish - Tarpon

Silver in color, with large heavy scales, tubular body, large uptilted mouth with protruding lower jaw. …

Saltwater Fish - Albacore Tuna

Fusiform body, dark blue or grey above and on fins, light grey below. A series of 7 to 8 dorsal finlets are yellowish, 7 to 8 anal finlets are silvery or dusky.…

Saltwater Fish - Bluefin Tuna

Fusiform body, robust, dark blue or black above and silvery white below with alternating pale lines and light dots.…

Saltwater Fish - King Mackerel

The king’s back is iridescent bluish green; sides silvery. A streamlined body with tapered head.…

Saltwater Fish - Spanish Mackerel

Back is green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line. The front of dorsal fin is black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail.…

Saltwater Fish - Red Snapper

Brick red on its head and upper body, whitish silver below; long rectangular snout, and brilliant red eyes.…

What To Expect From a Sailing School

Perhaps the greatest benefit of a sailing school is the opportunity to learn a comprehensive curriculum that will provide you with a good, solid understanding of the basics of sailing from trained, pr…

The Benefits of Joining a Sailing Club or Organization

The major benefit of being involved in a community boating organization is that you can enjoy the great sport of sailing without the cost or expense of owning a boat. Professional instruction is also …

Tips for Planning the Perfect Overnight or Weekend Getaway!

Assuming that you are just sailing during the day and sleeping at night aboard, you only need to be practiced in basic navigation, anchoring and/or docking, and have experience in safe sailing under g…

Racing In the Local Community: How to Get Underway

No matter where you live, the quickest way to find out about racing activities is to find a sailor. Most any sailor can refer you to another sailor who races and will be able to fill you in on racing …

Explore The Exciting World of Charter Sailing Vacations!

A charter sailing vacation is one of the all-time greatest vacation options in the world! You have the opportunity to take a vacation in an idyllic setting that offers relaxation, freedom, exhilaratio…

The Big Decision: To Buy New or a Pre-Owned?

Analyze your budget situation to determine if you can afford to buy new. If you’re not sure what your budget can afford, do some shopping at your local dealership or at the boat show, and/or speak wit…

Navigation and Finding Your Way

When you start sailing, you’ll navigate by looking where you want to go, and going there. Some people spend their whole sailing careers that way. But it’s a good idea to learn at least basic navigatio…

Backing Into A Slip

Your palms are sweaty, your mouth is dry, and you have a knot in your stomach – you must be backing your boat into a slip. Despite the initial anguish of attempting this seemingly difficult task, ther…

Ten Tips While Shopping for a Boat

Plan ahead… There are a lot of choices. Allow enough time to explore many different types of boats, and several different brands within each category… This is a big investment that will change your li…