A fishing decoy boat is a small, remotely controlled boat designed for fishing. These devices are rapidly becoming popular among anglers, as they allow for more effective decoy of a fishing spot and accurate targeting of distant fishing spots. In this article, we will discuss what decoy boats are used for in recreational fishing, what functions they perform, what their advantages and disadvantages are, and what models are currently the most popular in Lithuania.

What are pleasure boats used for?

Bait boats are used for fishing to accurately deliver bait and lures to a selected fishing spot. Fishermen use them to ensure bait delivery to places where casting a fishing rod is difficult – for example, far from the shore, near grass or fallen trees. In such situations, bait boats allow fishing to accurately bait a fishing spot from a long distance. Fishermen also attach bait to the boat’s container so that it is transported precisely to the baiting point. This improves fishing efficiency, as this is done with minimal noise at the fishing spot.

In addition, pleasure boats provide a great advantage for fishing night fishing, when it is difficult to cast accurately to the fishing point. A remotely controlled boat helps to maintain accuracy, as it is equipped with lights and navigation tools. The fisherman can take the boat to a quiet area and there quietly cast the bait and lower the lure. This ensures that the bait will always end up where it was planned, and at the same time the fish are not scared away - the boat operates very quietly, so the underwater environment is minimally disturbed. For these reasons night fishing with pleasure boats it becomes much more efficient and comfortable.

Functions and capabilities of fishing decoy boats

Modern bait boats for fishing have many integrated functions that make fishing easier. First of all, they are controlled by a remote control, so the fisherman can navigate the boat over a long distance. The operating range of many models reaches 300-500 meters or even more, so it is possible to bait very remote points. The boats are usually equipped with electric motors and powerful batteries, so they sail quietly through the water and are able to carry a significant amount of bait. The standard bait capacity is about 1.5-2 kg, depending on the model, and this allows you to feed the fishing ground abundantly in one swim.

Another very important feature is GPS navigation. Many newer pleasure boats have a built-in GPS receiver, so they can memorize specific locations (points) on a body of water. For example, a fisherman can record the coordinates of a fishing spot, and the boat's autopilot system will automatically navigate to that point with the push of a button. Some boats allow you to save up to several dozen different points - for example, one popular model allows you to keep 40 coordinates in memory and navigate between them independently. The GPS function is also useful for automatic return: if the boat loses connection or the battery is running out, many models automatically return to the starting point near the shore.

It is also important to mention the echo sounder (sonar). The echo sounder integrated into the bait boat helps to scan the bottom and search for fish. While sailing, the boat can transmit information about the bottom relief (pits, slopes, shallows) to the screen in the fisherman's hands or smartphone and even shows where the fish are. This allows the fisherman to make sure that the chosen location is suitable before baiting - for example, to detect underwater pits where fish like to stay. Thanks to the echo sounder, the fisherman can decide where to fish, because he sees the underwater structure and fish concentration in real time. Some advanced boats have an autonomous scanning mode, when after launching the boat, it automatically drives out to a designated area and creates an underwater map. These smart functions take fishing to a new level, as they combine traditional fishing methods with high technology.

Another useful option is multiple bait containers. Some boat models have not one, but two or even three separate bait compartments. This means that the fisherman can bait several fishing points during one swim: for example, cast baits in two different places or scatter bait in several areas. Each compartment can be opened separately with a remote control, so the bait is poured exactly where you want. Also, boats often have special mechanisms that allow you to unhook the system with the hook in the desired place. When the boat arrives, the fisherman presses a button and the bait with the hook is lowered into the water.

Finally, most bait boats have LED lighting and other accessories. White lights are usually installed at the front to make the boat's course visible at night, and red lights or indicators at the back to show whether the bait compartment is open. This helps the fisherman to orient himself in the dark, where his boat is and whether the bait has been poured. Some models even have a battery indicator or an audible signal to inform him of a low battery.

The most popular pleasure boats for fishing in Lithuania

Flytec

A budget-friendly fishing boat, popular with enthusiasts due to its affordable price. Flytec series boats (V007, V020, V030) are made in China and are characterized by simple operation and fairly good characteristics. The V030 model has a 2.4 GHz remote control up to a distance of ~500 m and carries about 1.5–2 kg of feed. Depending on the version, this boat can be purchased with or without an integrated echo sounder. The GPS function is also available in higher-end models - you can save several dozen comfort points. The Flytec boat body is made of durable ABS plastic, it has bright LED lights at the front and rear, making it convenient to use night fishing. Anglers consider it a very good choice for beginners, as its price is several times lower than that of more luxurious analogues. The V030 model debuted in 2023-2024 and quickly became popular due to its functionality at an affordable price.

Deeper Quest

The most advanced bait boat created by Lithuanians. This autonomous model is distinguished by its integrated CHIRP sonar and smart autopilot. Deeper Quest can operate for up to 7 hours, swim a distance of 400 m and carry up to 2 kg of bait. It provides 1 meter accuracy in navigation and has safety features (automatic return, moisture removal and ventilation for electronics). This model is aimed at carp fishing enthusiasts and professionals - its price is high, but it offers maximum comfort and efficiency for serious fishermen. Deeper Quest debuted in 2024 and instantly became one of the most sought-after boats, as the first batch was pre-sold before production even started. This shows the great trust in this brand among Lithuanian fishermen.

Boatman Actor Pro Plus

A popular choice for carp fishermen in Lithuania. Boatman is a boat that has become widespread in our market due to its good price-quality ratio. The Actor Pro Plus version has an integrated GPS and sonar, and is equipped with a large 10 Ah battery, which allows you to sail for up to ~5 hours. The operating range of this model reaches ~500 m, and the bait capacity is about 1.5 kg. The boat is stable in the water and has an installed compass that helps maintain a straight course. Fishermen appreciate the Actor Pro Plus for its reliability and accuracy - with one click of a button, it accurately delivers baits to the baiting point, even many times in a row. There is also the option to choose Basic, GPS or Sonar versions according to need and budget. The Boatman Actor series boats have opened up the opportunity for a wider circle of anglers to try remote baiting, which is why this model is often found among Lithuanian fishermen.