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Jon boat for bass fishing #11518443 04/03/16 01:56 AM
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Mcd46 Offline OP
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I am in the market for a first boat to bass fish out of. I have been looking at bass boats, but my budget is somewhat limited by bass boat standards. I have found a good deal on a 17 ft tracker grizzly center console with a 50 horse on it.

My concerns with the Jon boat are top speeds in the low 30's, and the narrower beam versus a bass boat. The big plus would be the price point. I also like having a boat that I could run in the shallows and not worry to much with.

Would a 17 ft Jon make a good bass fishing boat?

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11518762 04/03/16 11:58 AM
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Shaun Russell Offline
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You bet it would. I have a 16' Alumacraft with a 50hp and really like it. It will only go 29mph but I'm not in it to race, I want to fish. Keep in mind any boat has its limitations in windy conditions. Learn what the boat is capable of and have fun!



And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11519426 04/03/16 10:21 PM
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mreed Offline
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I have a 17' side console Lowe boat with a 60hp merc on it, in my opinion it is one of the most versatile boats there is. I can take it up the creeks in the shallows for channel cats, or troll around docks for crappie and bass. The only problem is when the wind picks up to 10-15 mph you better not get too far from the ramp because the ride is rough and a little sketchy!


2014 Lowe Roughneck 1756SC / Mercury 60 EFI
Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11519751 04/04/16 01:35 AM
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Mcd46 Offline OP
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Thanks for the replies.

How would a Jon boat of this size/motor do in open water on a big lake (Toledo bend)? Obviously I would be limited to a relatively calm day, and would not be trying to cross the main body of the lake. Just want to get from one creek to the next. Would this be something a Jon boat could tackle, or should I not even think about it?

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11519832 04/04/16 02:00 AM
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67TexasTBend Offline
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It would do fine. You just have to play it smart and know your limitations.

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11520812 04/04/16 04:13 PM
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mreed Offline
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I fish on Lake Bridgeport and I have crossed the main lake in 10-15 mph wind it's rough but it is do-able, like others have said you just have to play it smart and know your limitations and always be aware of a good cove to duck into if it gets too bad.


2014 Lowe Roughneck 1756SC / Mercury 60 EFI
Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11521656 04/04/16 10:09 PM
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central texas Offline
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As long as it ain't windy you will love the setup. I don't go out if 15 mph or more. Best thing I added to mine was ipilot, spot lock is awesome. Because these boats drift fast , if u need to focus on bringing in a fish or messing with gear just hit anchor. I also luv it for catching shad , drive up to a baitball hit anchor and stay put.


Guns 2 worst enemies rust & politicians !
Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11521953 04/05/16 12:34 AM
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Shaun Russell Offline
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Something to keep in mind is your ability to use the natural contour of the lake to stay safe. If it's windy look for launch spots that allow you to stay in areas that has trees to block the wind. I've spent a lot of time fishing at the lake when the wind was at or above 25 mph. The key was that I was in protected areas the whole time. Also use the wind to create a edge between rough water and calm water to fish. I also where a pfd when it is rough conditions .



And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Shaun Russell] #11521968 04/05/16 12:41 AM
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Mcd46 Offline OP
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Thanks for all the input! I think you have boosted my confidence in a big Jon boat a lot. I am in the process of finding a boat that will get me off the bank and on the water, and this boat is back in the running again!

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11522097 04/05/16 01:42 AM
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Po Boy Offline
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Years ago there was a guy that fished in the same Bass Club that I was in. He fished from a 16 ft john with a 20 hp outboard. He would start fishing as soon as he launched his John boat and may never leave the creek where the ramp was located. This guy would finish the year the number one ranking for the club year in year out. There is guys with $50,000. Bass boats today that can't do that.

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11522100 04/05/16 01:43 AM
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Po Boy Offline
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Years ago there was a guy that fished in the same Bass Club that I was in. He fished from a 16 ft john with a 20 hp outboard. He would start fishing as soon as he launched his John boat and may never leave the creek where the ramp was located. This guy would finish the year the number one ranking for the club year in year out. There is guys with $50,000. Bass boats today that can't do that.

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Po Boy] #11577596 05/02/16 12:24 PM
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Mcd46 Offline OP
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Thanks for all the advice here. I did end up getting the 17 ft center console tracker grizzly Jon. It has a 50 hp Mercury and runs well. I got to take it out for the first time yesterday and it fishes great, even in mild wind. I am glad I started off with an aluminum boat, and this one seems like it will work for quite a while. Not the best for getting from point A to B quickly on the lake, but it does cruise well. It fishes around structure and the bank very well though. I am happy, and am off the bank and in the water now. Thanks again for all the help!

Re: Jon boat for bass fishing [Re: Mcd46] #11582784 05/04/16 05:21 PM
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samuel joff Offline
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I much appreciate for 14 ft jon boat. I am fishing alone so prefer 14 ft is much more better for me.

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