Just bought my first Jon Boat!

Used to have a bass boat but wanted something smaller and more rugged.

What are the safety requirements specific to jon boats?

Here is what I have so far:

-Life Vests for everyone on board
-Fire Extinguisher if you have a gas tank
-Whistle or horn

Is an oar required?
Throw-able flotation device?

Anything I'm missing?

Lights, if you're out in the dark. Red/Green bow and 360 Aft White, minimum. Read your TPWD Annual Booklet. It's all there. IslandJim

Throwable is required

Right after wearing a PFD, an oar is the most valuable item you can have on any boat.

Good thread on boat items/tool essentials
boatessentials

Not required by law, but very important. Dual bilge pump. Why dual? Because when you really need to use a bilge pump, you'll want to get rid of water fast and redundancy is good. Get the type that can run dry just in case you accidentally run them dry.

BTW what type of water are you planning to fish?

I don’t think the fire extinguisher is needed unless your gas tank is in a covered compartment. That’s what my local park police guy who inspected me said anyway.

Whistle or horn
Life jackets but if you want to count an inflatable you have to wear it.
Throwable PFD

Alumacraft14: The most effective bilge pump? A scared man in shin-deep water with a bucket! I once saved my 38-foot motor yacht from sinking with a bucket. One bucket into the galley sink, one bucket into the head sink. For five hours! Says the man who had no insurance coverage on his boat. ...IslandJim...

An oar might be required by law but you will be up a creek without...

When we bought our Ranger RT188 mu wife asked where the paddle was?

I told her we didn't need one because there is no way you could paddle a boat that big very far anyway.

If the trolling motor won't get us back we will juat have to call for a tow.