The same angler might spend a morning trolling on Lake Geneva, then an evening vertical jigging on Lake Annecy. Two alpine lakes, two very different characters, and yet only one boat to buy. Between a tender that can't handle rough water, a ski boat cluttered with seats and a cruiser that is too comfortable to fish from, the choice deserves real thought. Here are the criteria that matter and where White Shark boats fit in.
What should a fishing boat offer on Lake Geneva and in Annecy?
Lake Geneva is a vast, deep body of water, where boaters often head well offshore and where a chop can build when the wind sets in. Lake Annecy, which is smaller, is quicker to cross and lends itself to short outings. In both cases, what you need from the boat is much the same.
- A walkable deck all the way around: when a fish runs, you need to get from bow to stern without climbing over a seat.
- A reassuring hull: better a hull that handles chop than a boat you have to bring in at the first gust of wind.
- Space and storage: rods, landing net, cooler, fish finder, clothing and safety equipment.
- An engine suited to low speeds: trolling is done slowly, and not every engine is happy running that slow.
The rules to know before rigging the boat
The equipment depends on fishing rights, and therefore on the rules. On the French waters of Lake Geneva, a fishing license is mandatory, and trolling requires the corresponding option, according to the overview of fishing on Lake Geneva published by the Haute-Savoie tourist board. The same page states that only the license from the relevant AAPPMA (local angling association) allows you to fish the whole of Lake Geneva, on both the French and Swiss sides.
In Annecy, the page dedicated to fishing on Lake Annecy describes a separate set of rules: the “trolling and sounding” option is required to fish from a floating craft, the total number of hooks is limited across all trolling lines, and these lines must not be spread more than 6 meters from the boat's centerline by a guiding system. Chumming (baiting the water) is prohibited.
Why is a center console well suited to fishing?
On a center console, the helm station sits in the middle of the boat, which frees up an open deck all the way around. It is the layout found on most sport fishing boats, because it lets several people fish at the same time without getting in each other's way and follow a fish from one side to the other.
This layout also has limits that are worth knowing. A center console does not offer the shelter of a cabin boat, and you remain exposed to wind and rain. In return, it makes maneuvering simpler, makes launching from a boat trailer easier and is easier to live with than most enclosed boats when several people are fishing.
Which White Shark should you choose for your lake and your style of fishing?
The center console range comes in several sizes. The information below comes from the boating press and third-party catalogs: it is meant to help you get your bearings, not to replace the model's spec sheet. Specifications vary with the engine and options, and should be confirmed with Motor Boat 74 before you decide.
| Model | Published specs | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| 210 CC Origin | Smallest open boat in the current range, up to 7 people, 115 to 175 hp according to the specialist press | Outings for two or three, easy launching, frequent use on a smaller lake |
| 230 CC Origin | About 6.95 m long, 2.53 m wide, 7 people maximum, 300 liters of fuel, 200 hp according to a third-party catalog | A good compromise for alternating between Lake Geneva and Annecy, with a tank that allows long outings |
| 250 CC Origin | Hull described as capable in rough water, full-width bench seat, console that can take an optional sink, stove, refrigerator and toilet | Full days on Lake Geneva, fishing with several people, comfort for the crew |
| 300 CC Origin | Top of the Origin range, center console | Large crew, long outings, higher budget |
The range also includes Evo versions, such as the 240 CC and 280 CC, and SC models, which some catalogs class as cabin boats. For day trips on Lake Geneva, the 230 CC is often the natural starting point, especially since the boating press presents it as suitable for both cruising and fishing.
What equipment should you check before buying your fishing boat?
A fishing boat is judged by the equipment installed, more than by the sales brochure. What matters for fishing, and what varies with the version and configuration, has to be checked model by model.
Think about logistics too. If you alternate between the two lakes, a boat trailer matched to your boat makes life much easier: the boat follows the angler, not the other way around. And since White Shark boats are powered by outboard engines, end-of-season maintenance follows its own logic, explained in the article on outboard vs. inboard winterization.
How do you go from wanting a boat to buying one?
The most useful thing is to describe your plans precisely: main lake, number of anglers, technique (trolling, vertical jigging, lure fishing), season and where the boat will be stored. From there, a professional can steer you toward the right size, tell you what the factory configuration includes and what can be added later. Ask to see the boat, sit at the helm and picture your rods in place before signing anything.
For a fishing boat on Lake Geneva, the most common mistake is buying too small to save money, then giving up on outings as soon as the wind picks up. Conversely, a boat that is too big for Lake Annecy becomes a chore to maneuver and store. The right choice comes down to how you will mostly use it.
Want to know which White Shark suits the way you fish? Tell us about your lake, your crew and your budget, and Motor Boat 74 will help you compare the models and their configurations.
FAQ
Do you need a different fishing license for Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy?
Yes, the two lakes fall under separate rules and separate fishing associations. The license that lets you fish the whole of Lake Geneva, on both the French and Swiss sides, is not the one for Lake Annecy. Check the license and the options required for each lake before you gear up.
Can you troll from a center console boat?
The boat allows it, but fishing regulations decide: the trolling option, or “trolling and sounding” in Annecy, is required. In Annecy, the total number of hooks and the spread of the lines are regulated. Also check that the engine holds a steady trolling speed.
Can the same boat be used on Lake Geneva and on Lake Annecy?
Yes, provided you have a boat trailer and follow the boating and fishing regulations on each lake. A mid-size boat, such as the 230 CC, is often the best compromise between comfort on Lake Geneva and maneuverability in Annecy.
Which White Shark is best for two or three anglers?
The most compact models in the center console range, such as the 210 CC and 230 CC, are usually enough for a small crew. The right choice also depends on your main lake and your outings: try out the working space around the console before you decide.
Is an outboard engine suitable for lake fishing?
Yes, it is a common setup on center console fishing boats, since it keeps the engine off the deck. Check the trolling speed, fuel consumption and winterization requirements, which differ from those of an inboard engine.
