If you're in the market for center console boats, tricking out your new fishing toy can be almost as much fun as the actual fishing.

Here are some easy fishing accessory modifications for center console boats.

Fishing Tools

Few things are more frustrating than needing a fishing tool on a center console boat and not being able to find it. You can keep all your fishing tools organized and accessible with a few easy modifications.

• Magnetic Strips: most center console boats have lots of open spaces on the gunwales and center console. An efficient way to use these spaces is to add a few magnetic strips for your fishing tools. Most hardware and home improvement stores sell strips on magnetic sheeting. Buy a large roll and cut a few strips to fit a few open spaces on your center console boat. Next, select a few locations on your boat where you often need to access fishing tools like pliers, snips, and gaffs. Lastly, glue the magnetic strips in place. Be sure to let your magnetic strips dry for several days before you use them and/or take your boat out on the water.
• Tool Rack: another way to store fishing tools on your center console boat is to install a small rack on the center console. One of the easiest ways to make a custom rack for your fishing tools is by drilling a few holes in a small length of wood. Begin by selecting a piece of wood that's about the same length as your center console. Because the rack only needs to be wide enough for your fishing tools, make sure that it's only a few inches wide. Next, drill holes into the wood so that your fishing tools fit snuggly into each hole you drill. Once you have a hole for each of your fishing tools, secure the rack to your center console by screwing it into place.

Other Useful Fishing Accessories

Center console boats are customizable and versatile. You may also want to consider adding a few other useful fishing accessories to your center console boats.

• Bump Board: getting a quick measurement of your fish shouldn't require packing an extra bump board or measuring tape. You can add a bump board to your center console boat by gluing a measuring stick to your gunwale. To make sure that your measuring stick is wide enough and long enough, consider purchasing a measuring stick from local hardware or home improvement store.

If you're interested in center console boats and accessories for them, visit a boat part shop—like Boater's Landing—near you to explore your options.