Those unfamiliar with fishing vessels are unaware of what the tall structure is extending up into the air above the center of the boat. Step railings are crucial in the design. The steps allow anglers to reach upper decks. The offshore fishing in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina provide excellent angling opportunities. Due to the excellent fishing, a substantial number of vessels with towers are seen when walking the docks and watching inlets. Understand what is a tuna tower is and how they benefit anglers.

What Type Of Boats Use Tuna Towers

A boat tuna tower is found exclusively on fishing vessels. The fishing vessels will range from mid-sized center consoles to massive sportfishing vessels. It is not uncommon for the structure to extend over forty feet above the surface of the water. 

Where Are Of The Boat Are Tuna Towers Used

Towers affixed to fishing boats are used in coastal regions. Anglers utilize the tall structures in the blue waters well offshore of the mainland in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. 

However, one exception is fishing for red drums in the inland waters of the three states. Anglers climb the tower to identify schools of redfish as they swim with their tail above the water. Locating redfish from the height in the tower improves catch rates. 

What Are The Towers Of Boats Made From

Aluminum is the primary material when constructing tuna towers for boats. Aluminum is a lightweight metal to help prevent the boat from becoming top heavy and rolling in high seas.

In addition to the aluminum frame, fiberglass plays a role in the construction. Sturdy standing bases are molded from fiberglass. Additionally, fiberglass overhead shade reduces exposure to UV rays. 

What Type Of Equipment Is A Tuna Tower Fitted With 

Hi tech equipment is instrumental in fishing vessels towers. The equipment includes a helm control, autopilot, depth-finding sonar screens, a global position system, and an old-fashioned compass. The only comfort left off the list is an ice-cold air conditioning system; however, anglers can rely on a stiff breeze. 

Understand that whether you are standing at the helm of the cockpit, or up in the tuna tower, the electronics are similarly fitted.

What Is The Point Of A Tuna Tower

It is not uncommon to hear the question why do fishing boats have towers? The purpose of a tuna tower is straightforward. Anglers find more success fishing with an increased line of sight. The elevated surface provides more extensive views to locate birds, debris, and schooling fish. 

Keep in mind, those unfamiliar with offshore fishing need to understand that diving or circling birds, floating debris, and baitfish attract big game sportfish. Towers give anglers the upper hand spotting key markers. However, the actual name tuna tower derives from identifying schooling tuna from the elevated surface. 

In addition to locating debris, birds, and fish in the distance, the tower is crucial in monitoring the spread of lures and baits behind the boat. Due to the height of a tuna tower for boat, operators and lookouts spot fish striking the baits and observe the motion of schooling fish. Schooling fish include mahi-mahi, sailfish, tunas, and more. As the school moves, captains adjust the position of the boat. 

Are Tuna Towers Dangerous 

The towers affixed to vessels present a danger to human life. As a result, anglers succumb to death or become severely injured by falling from the structure and falling into the water or deck below.

Wet step rungs on a tuna tower for boat are a primary cause of injury as a result of slipping. Additionally, the tower is susceptible to severe pitching when side sea. Pitching puts anglers are risk of falling overboard landing in the water or on the deck. The motion of the side-to-side swing is more pronounced at the top of the tower compared to lower areas.

It is essential to avoid climbing into the tower during severe conditions, including heavy rain and rough seas, mainly when the boat is in motion to reduce the chances of injury or death.

Now You Know What A Tuna Tower Is

You now know the answer to what is a tuna tower used for. Fortunately, boatbuilders equip the vast majority of fishing with vessels with tuna towers. However, aftermarket options are available. Carolina Customer Towers builds state-of-the-art towers for vessels not equipped initially. Anglers have increased success rates of finding at catching fish due to increased visibility. The structures range from simple to complex.