Are you looking to get into the boating scene? The second you step into a boat rental from Fractional Toys, you’ll want to spend the rest of your summer on the water!

Something about floating on a lake and staring up at the sky soothes the soul, and manning the motors can make a person feel powerful. Combine those feelings with a unique opportunity to spend time with family away from electronics and everyday life’s hustle and bustle, and how could you not come back for more?

When you rent a boat, your first trip is bound to be amazing – and with just a little prep work and forethought, you can make it something you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

Fractional Toys, your Oakdale and Rogers provider of recreational rental services, offers this handy first-time boating guide.

Choosing the Right Boat Rental

At Fractional Toys, we offer fishing boats and pontoons for rent. While you may be tempted to choose the fishing model if you plan on dropping a rod in the water, hang on a second!

There’s a little more to picking the right boat rental than a name, and making a sound decision is essential to having a good time. To ensure everyone has a great time, you must accommodate everyone’s expectations.

Pontoon Boats: For the Family or Friend Group Looking For Fun

A pontoon boat is roomier and heftier than a fishing boat, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon on the lake. They also feature an easy-open door, making getting into them easier for the young and old alike.

With a sun awning and a throw cushion, our models are fit for taking it easy in. You can even plan to host the best pontoon boat party. You just need to decide how many people to invite and how much you want to spend.

A small get-together on a pontoon is ideal, but don’t forget drinks, snacks, and sunscreen! Also, be sure there are enough life vests for every person on board in the name of safety.

You can still fish off of a pontoon – nobody is stopping you! If your family has the proper licensure and is looking for some leisurely sport, a pontoon can accommodate you.

If, however, you’ve got a crew of serious anglers, you might consider...

Fishing Boats: For Netting a Big One

Complete with a fish finder, a trolling motor, and fold-up seats, our fishing boat model can get you into tight spaces, find your next catch, and make room for all your gear – all with a seven-person capacity to boot!

Like a pontoon party, you need to be prepared for a fishing trip. While you’re out fishing, make sure you are aware of the sun’s heat and prepare accordingly with things like hats, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. You also need the appropriate tackle for your fishing trip, like lures, rods, and live bait.

While this boat can certainly provide you with a relaxing getaway like our pontoon models, it excels as a relatively speedy and maneuverable angling vessel. We definitely recommend this one if you’re looking to bring home dinner!

Choosing the Right Lake

Minnesota isn’t called “The Land Of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing! Our state has plenty of lakes, each with its own ecosystem, regulations, and popularity level.

Before you jet off to the nearest body of water, spend some time on the internet checking out the bodies of water near you. There are many options – check out a handful on our 5 Prime Minnesota Boating Destinations list!

From the St. Croix River to Lake Minnetonka and many more, there are almost endless options for your boating trip. But which lake is right for you?

You can find your family’s perfect match by considering...

The Local Fish Population

While recreational anglers or kids might be happy to reel in anything, if your family is full of die-hard fishers or you’re interested in a good catch, you obviously can’t just set up shop anywhere. For example, big Walleyes hang out in deeper water with a rocky bottom, while the Northern Pike enjoys weedier surroundings.

Choose a lake with an environment conducive to what you want to catch. Bonus points if the spot is known for your species!

The Minnesota DNR can be a helpful resource here!

How Many People Will Be There

Of course, you can’t predict this with 100% accuracy, but it’s safe to say that the big-name lakes (Mille Lacs, Pepin, Leech) draw bigger crowds, especially as fishing season dawns. There’s bound to be something that’s charming about these places, either to fish or to people.

If you’re looking for a secluded getaway or less competitive angling, it might be better to search for hidden gems!

What’s Around & Available

You’re going to be hungry and tuckered out after a long day on the lake. Does your destination of choice have local food joints? How about open hotel rooms?

You might not think you’ll have a problem with this if you’re opting for a more well-known lake, but accommodations fill up quickly around this time of year. Never assume you’ll just “find something on the way up.” Always reserve what you can ahead of time.

If you’re making a getaway at a secluded, lesser-known lake, you may have to settle for driving a few miles for a bedroom or lunch. Sometimes, though, this can be a good thing – who doesn’t like a little sightseeing?

Another option if you don’t want to stay in a hotel is to find a campground near the lake. There are many great Minnesota campgrounds. It certainly depends on the time of year, but if you’re opting for spring, summer, or fall boating trips, a campground could be the perfect place to relax after a long day.

Plus, you can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re looking for a rental RV or motorhome, look no further than Fractional Toys!

Fractional Toys: ATV Rentals, Jet Skis, & Everything Outdoors

Summer’s the time for fun, so stop in today and check out our affordable rental opportunities.

With questions about our rental fleet, give our Oakdale location a call at 651-340-0937 or Rogers at 763-406-2488.