Hey everyone. I've recently been introduced into the awesome world of fishing, and I'm looking to get a bit more info. Most of my fishing up until this point has been catfishing, and personally, it seems like something I'd like to do a lot more of. I live in Victoria, TX.. so most of my fishing would be on the Guadalupe or some of the bayous near the mouth of the river. I'd like to hit up some of the other local fishing holes, like Coleto Creek, Lake Texana, and Saxet Lakes in the event I ever attempt to do some bass fishing.

I suppose the biggest step I'd need to take is getting a boat of my own. Most of the fishing I've done has been down on the Guadalupe and bayous in a 14' Jon Boat with a 25hp. The water can get pretty shallow out near the mouth of the bay, so a flat bottom Jon Boat seems like the best choice for my needs.

My question is, should I buy new or used? I've looked around at new boat prices.. and for a new 14' Jon, 25hp, and trailer, I would already be looking at $5500+ not to mention all the other parts.. While used prices tend to be well under $3000 fully loaded. I only plan on using this boat for about 3 years or so, by then I imagine I'll be ready to move on to bigger and better things. So I'm guessing buying used is the way to go right?

Anything I really need to be aware of when looking for a used boat? I'm really looking for a 14' Jon boat, so I can be able to take a couple others out when needed, but still not be too big for my first boat. I want to be able to navigate through shallow waters, so a Jon boat seems perfect.. what do I need to be looking out for with a used motor? I've seen plenty of old motors around here and craigslist that seem to be running just fine with proper maintenance, but how old is too old?

Here's a pic of the kinda fishing I like to do.. I'm not looking for anything too crazy just yet. Thanks in advance for any tips and suggestions..

What ever you buy, make the seller meet you at the lake to test it. A motor can sound great while running on the hose, and not run worth a flip when under load. Also make sure the trailer is in decent shape.

+1 stick with used. let somebody else take the hit. i never buy any vehicle or toys new, to many deals out there right now

I have my grandfathers 14 ft jon boat that is from the early 80s and it was kept in good condition so it works great for my needs. it is rated for 15hp so that is all i have on it but i too would suggest a test drive on the water to run the motor and to check for leaks. there are a couple posts on here from other TFFers that have rehabed a jon boat so check them out... good luck and happy hunting!

Im a pretty good drive but Ive got a older 65 mod. crestliner v bottom (I think better than these new ones) with a 75 20 hp mercury console steer,elec.start, new battery, troll mtr, depth finder.trailer has 3 new tires and rimsreg. till 2011 title in hand $1200.Only problem needs reverse linkage adjusted. Can send pics all I need is email address

Buy used. That way it doesn't hurt so bad when you put the first scratch on it.

Been fishing out of a early 60s model loweline with a early 60s 6hp evinrude since I was old enough for my dad and grandad to take me. Both still work great!! 14ft jon boat is fine for river fishing and even some of the small lakes but the big lakes can get too rough too quick for the little boats. Regardless of what you buy test drive first.

Man go used save that $2000 for fishin gear, since your only gonna use it 2-3 years and you can resale it for close to the same. The new one will drop in half when you use it one time. When I got mine I drove 140 miles one way to test run it for an hour with the owner and I asked alot of questions (he was very helpful). Then back 2 days later to pick it up. I saved alot with a used boat and its a great boat.

Another suggestion: A used boat and trailer, and a new motor. I went that route, got a new motor on Ebay for $1000 less than msrp. Worked out well.

I would buy used. Don't buy one that has a "lost title". It's not always so easy to get the title replaced.

if your'e going to run really shallow you need to make sure this boat has power tilt/trim else you can't go any shallower than a big boat cause you won't be able to trim your motor up to get the prop up out of the mud/sand/rock. I can run mine in 8" or so and mine is a big 2070 superjon, lowe roughneck with a 115 horse Merc Optimax on back ... got my little tab on the back of the lower unit shifted way to the right so that I can raise my prop up until it's cavitating really bad to go even shallower at full throttle ... I've hit sandbars like that though and that's no fun but it's what I gotta do sometimes to get up where the fish are.