Let's Talk Jon Boats and Fishing Yaks

[Outlander Systems]

Been kayak fishing for years and I'm pretty much burned out on it.

Looking at a handful of 14-footers. Is a welded boat worth the extra scratch? Like, REALLY worth it?

Any things you would change if you were buying your boat all over again?

This thing is going to be predominantly used on a flat-assed lake. I'm not trying to win tournaments; just trying to stack slabs like cordwood.

[TXBK]

What part of kayak fishing has you burned out?

I've been in a bunch of different jon boats, but never owned one. Buying new may be what you are looking to do, but I would find a used one that is in good shape.

[Outlander Systems]

Mostly storage space, and that when my kid comes along, she doesnt have the upper body strength to keep up. I have a sit-in, fishing kayak, and it is cramped. If a line gets snagged, or a hook a monster, it flat out sucks.

I've kicked around picking up a used boat, but the people in this AO on Craigslist and BT are out of their minds. Like, blown out 12' Alumacrafts for as much as a new boat. It's nuts.

What part of kayak fishing has you burned out?

I've been in a bunch of different jon boats, but never owned one. Buying new may be what you are looking to do, but I would find a used one that is in good shape.

[TXBK]

Mostly storage space, and that when my kid comes along, she doesnt have the upper body strength to keep up. I have a sit-in, fishing kayak, and it is cramped. If a line gets snagged, or a hook a monster, it flat out sucks.

I've kicked around picking up a used boat, but the people in this AO on Craigslist and BT are out of their minds. Like, blown out 12' Alumacrafts for as much as a new boat. It's nuts.

I see what you mean about CL over there...yikes!?!?!

If you have your mind set on a boat, then you should get a boat. But, a sit on top kayak is the only way to go for fishing from a kayak, IMO. $500-600 will get you a good, new 12' sit on top. Plenty of space for storage, and pretty stable. I have fished, duck hunted, and bow fished off of mine. Standing up on it and shooting a bow is tricky, but not terribly challenging...t would be better if it was a little bit wider. If it were me, I would tether my kid's boat to mine and drag him along if he had trouble keeping up. There are plenty of tie-down points for that or securing gear. Mine is a 12' Ascend. Just something to think about.

[Outlander Systems]

I've kicked that idea around as well.

I would absolutely love to pick up one of the Perception. Pescador Pilots that just came out.



The problem with doing that, is that is that for roughly the same amount of cash, I could slap together a decent little Jon I could throw the whole posse in.

If my wife and chilluns weren't into the lake as much as I am, I'd get the Perception and call it good.

ETA: One thing I absolutely love about the yaks is rapid deployment. I can carry my wife's boat and mine, throw em in the truck, and be outta the house in 2 minutes flat.

The other huge plus. Is you can literally put in anywhere. Boat ramps be damned.

[MegademiC]

My buddy has 2 tarpon 120s. Awesome kayaks, and you can fid for a decent price if your patient. Sit-on for sure.

[TXBK]

ETA: One thing I absolutely love about the yaks is rapid deployment. I can carry my wife's boat and mine, throw em in the truck, and be outta the house in 2 minutes flat.

The other huge plus. Is you can literally put in anywhere. Boat ramps be damned.

Roger that. I have drug my yak up to 100 yards to water. It'll slide under a fence, no problem. The original reason for getting mine, was for a river camping trip that never happened. I look forward to it, some day though.

One of those peddle-driven yaks would be great for open water. If you even put a trolling motor on it in Texas, you have to register it. I get in too much shallow water, trees, and weeds to use the peddle-drive. I like the quietness and peacefulness of paddling with my hands.

[Leaveammoforme]

The only time I think welded is a plus is when it's a double hull boat. I prefer the smaller rivet boats. I have a 10' and a 12'. The smaller boats don't require a trailer and are a easy carry to water.

The smaller boats seem more rigid. I've had my 10' in the Gulfo De Mexico. While scary being out there, the breaks didn't fold it in half.

[Outlander Systems]

Well, now!

You just said the magic words, as a couple of times a year, I have the opportunity to be near the Gulf coast...

Being able to move it is a big deal.

Have you had any leaking issues with dem rivets, or is that just a bullshit tactic for the boat man to upsell me on a welded boat?

The only time I think welded is a plus is when it's a double hull boat. I prefer the smaller rivet boats. I have a 10' and a 12'. The smaller boats don't require a trailer and are a easy carry to water.

The smaller boats seem more rigid. I've had my 10' in the Gulfo De Mexico. While scary being out there, the breaks didn't fold it in half.

[pinzgauer]

Have you had any leaking issues with dem rivets, or is that just a bullshit tactic for the boat man to upsell me on a welded boat?

Every riveted boat I've seen leaked sooner or later. And faster if used in SW.

You are right, local used CL listings are stupid. Then I hear of a neighbor selling one on a trailer with a Suzuki outboard for $400. Just gotta be there, many sell that way
I'd probably go gheenu before Jonboat.

I've used my mohawk blazer abs canoe in the gulf, the keys, the Indian River, alatoona, Carter's lake, and a zillion Creek's streams and swamps. Just hard to beat a canoe. Nantahala, hiawassee, okeekenofee, etc