I would consider a used all welded aluminum bass boat. It's best to have a front deck so you can fish standing up. 16 or 17 ft. You have to consider your tow vehicle. Aluminum is lighter and easier to tow. Get an on lake demo and have the engine and boat checked out by a shop before you buy. Make sure the boat is properly titled in the name of the person you buy it from and pay by check so you can document payment. Good luck with it.

do like me, ima young college kid that could never afford to buy a bass boat, so a very nice man gave me one..... 1990 17'6'' champion with a 120, perfect condition.... but if i didnt have a guy gimmie one, id probably be very very happy with a flat bottom and a tiller steer, but if i could scrape up the money, id get an aluminum bass boat, used with a 50-75 hp motor on it. its what we used before the Champ, and it is still a great boat.

Thank you.. I was thinking fishing lakes around Longview TX, including Lake of the Pines, but also something portable enough to go with me when i go camping it would help for the boat to be light enough to put by our camping spot so far i have been thinking 10 to 15 ft v haul whith 40 to 50 hp engine and a trolling motor.
I found one that is 14 feet in tyler that comes with a trailer and engine for 400 is this fairly priced?

Boats in that size range will have smaller motors,typically 9.9 to 15 horsepower which is ok for that sized boat. Get a demo ride in the boat before you buy to see if it is acceptable to you and have the owner show you how to operate it. Not a lot of time to fish and camp when you are in college. .02.

Sounds simple but, get the best you can afford. When it comes to engine go with one of the established brands and get the largest allowable horsepower on the vessel. There is a saying when buying boats: The two happiest days of your life are the day your buy it, and the day you sell it. As sure as day one happens, the only way to avoid day number two is catastrophic. Plan for day two. RESALE! If you cut corners when you purchase, you will regret it later.