Small Boat

I live on a private lake and had a small jon boat that I just jump in and fish, the major problem I had is keeping rain water out of it. You must have some sort of a bilge pump system. I have a small plastic boat that is self bailing so i don't have that problem anymore, just something to think about.

I actually have a 14' Flat bottom but not great to fish out of.

I actually have a 14' Flat bottom but not great to fish out of.

I have done my share of fishing over the decades. I have owned canoes, kayaks, center consoles from 17 to 22 feet and rented and driven boats to 77 feet. I am 63 and my wife and I currently own a 14’ Jon boat. We really like it much better than a canoe or kayak. It allows us to fish together and has enough room for all of our stuff, which is substantial. The pros are stability (I can easily stand up in it), I don’t have to deal with a gas powered motor (I only use a trolling motor), it will get into very shallow areas and under small bridges. Cons are it is slow (about 3 miles an hour), although it holds all of our fishing stuff there is not a lot of room left to move around, with 2 batteries it only has about a 7 mile range, and on open water it is not good in windy conditions. It has been great for us and good enough to document a few world records.

[quote=Osbornfishing]I have done my share of fishing over the decades. I have owned canoes, kayaks, center consoles from 17 to 22 feet and rented and driven boats to 77 feet. I am 63 and my wife and I currently own a 14’ Jon boat. We really like it much better than a canoe or kayak. It allows us to fish together and has enough room for all of our stuff, which is substantial. The pros are stability (I can easily stand up in it), I don’t have to deal with a gas powered motor (I only use a trolling motor), it will get into very shallow areas and under small bridges. Cons are it is slow (about 3 miles an hour), although it holds all of our fishing stuff there is not a lot of room left to move around, with 2 batteries it only has about a 7 mile range, and on open water it is not good in windy conditions. It has been great for us and good enough to document a few world records.

I bought a Pedal Kayak and I am already regretting it.

Go for the Pond King 2 man. Only $7k…lol. I always wanted one for the small lake I used to live on,

https://pondking.com/cdn/shop/produ...eight=200&v=1590158500&width=300

can I ask why your 14 is not that great to fish out of? I was thinking of getting a 14' for more room. My wife and I fish out of our 12'

You and your wife will really enjoy a 14’. It has much more room than your 12’, but should still be great for the way you fish.

How much does your 14 weigh empty? Weight is a major factor for us. Most of the places we fish don't have a boat ramp and we have to carry our 12 to the water. Our 12 is a 1975 sears jon , It is extremely light compared to a newer 12' alumacraft .it is also more stable, we both can stand and use our kayak paddles to move through thick weeds. We use 1 group 27 battery 55lb minn kota with maximizer will run all day fishing. top speed 7 mph 2 people 6 rods 2 backpacks small ice chest and a 15lb dog

Go for the Pond King 2 man. Only $7k…lol. I always wanted one for the small lake I used to live on,

https://pondking.com/cdn/shop/produ...eight=200&v=1590158500&width=300

I found a USED (2015 Pond King) Champ that was never put in the water for $2500. It is called a Rebel XL but Pond King said it is a modified version of the Champ. I am rigging it up today. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/murs...rlkey=hi5y8hhxkdvahosfxtt2o2scv&dl=0

Congratulations. That looks like that will work. Thanks for letting us know what you got. I can’t wait for the fish pictures.

Years ago I had a 12’ aluminum Jon boat with a 35hp Evinrude on it (tiller steer). I used it to run around on the Red River between I35 and Texoma. The prop barely hung down past the bottom of the boat so, planed out (eye watering speed), I could run through 6” of water. I paid $500 for it and dearly wish I’d kept it.

looking good, if you want to put an outboard on it EPropulson might be a good pick.