Slipbob,
I have grown up pretty much fishing many different styles of fishing. Wading, boating, shore fishing, dock fishing, freshwater, saltwater.....name it, and to be quite honest with you the preferred method is a personal choice that only you can truly answer. If you can afford the boat and the expenses of using it the variety of fishing you will open yourself up to is quite exciting. However, if you are content with fishing for whatever species of fish it is you can get from you favorite spot, stick with it. After all as most of us know, if you are comfortable and catching fish, it's heaven however you go! Good luck and may whatever choice you make keep you happy.