12Ft Jon Boat Vs Coosa Kayak

[Tyler j]

Hello again all you bass resource users, I have some questions regarding a 12 ft jon boat or a Jackson kayak Coosa. Now I would have to add a deck,motor,trolling motor,carpet and storage hatches. With the Coosa I would have to fish finder and rod holder's. The Coosa would be cheaper by far but, would the jon boat be more comfortable. I wouldn't have to title a engine or anything on the Coosa and with the price of the engine I like the Coosa is looking promising. 

                                                                                                            Sincerely, Tyler

                             

[flyfisher]

First of all where are you fishing?  The coosa is designed for rivers and the places i took mine you couldn't get any type of jon boat in there at all.  As far as comfort goes it is all relative.  You obviously have to paddle the coosa so that could be uncomfortable but the seat is top notch and as nice as anything i have sat in on a jon boat.

[Tyler j]

I fish small ponds, the new river and some smaller lakes. The paddling is not a problem but, I'm not sure about landing fish and setting the hook from the standing position.

[flyfisher]

Honestly they are completely different boats with different uses.  You can pretty much fish a kayak anywhere but the longer the paddle the more a motor would be nice.  On a river i like having a kayak because of the maneuverability but you are limited to spot hits or setting up a shuttle or doing a paddle up and float back type trip.

 

if you fish mainly flat water there are better kayaks than the coosa that will still perform well in the river.  I used to stand in my coosa but with the raised seat position it isn't as necessary as you would think.  And as far as setting the hook and landing a fish goes it isn't a problem to do from a standing position.  I have been floating down a river while standing and caught plenty of fish on my fly rod which entails substantially more movement than a traditional casting technique.

[Tyler j]

What are.some other kayak options remember I to take all of my 6 rods and 5 360 boxes with me.

[MacP]

I have a mirage drive Hobie. I love it.

[MacP]

Also a used Jon boat and trailer won't look pretty but they fish well. Cheap too. Trolling motors aren't that expensive.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Other paddle options in the 11-12' range that are good standing hulls to consider are:

 

Wiilderness Systems: Commander 120, Ride 115

Native Watercraft: Slayer 12, Ultimate 12

Old Town: Predator MX

Feel Free: Moken 12

Jackson Kayaks: Cuda 12, DayTripper or Lure

NuCanoe: Frontier 12

Perception: Pescador 12

 

These are just some of the offerings and does not account for other hulls that you can stand in but are not normally used for standing - what you will find in any smaller kayak is increased stability due to typically wider hulls; hoever, they may not feel as fast or paddle as quickly as the longer hulls in the 13-15' range.

 

From what you are describing, it sounds like a 13' hull might be a better option.  Get some real seat time in a variety of hulls and don't rush your decision.  Being that you are in VA, I am certain that there are several of us on here that could help you.  I would even contact Sarah, Brian or Tom at Appomattox River Company and arrange a time where you can come by and get some dry land seat time to understand what each hull offers for you relative to your fishing style.  Once you have it narrowed down, then they (along with others on here) can point you in the right direction for getting seat time in an actual hull with someone that has that hull.  I know Brian paddles a Jackson Coosa himself.  Remember that their demo day is every June and all the various hulls are represented if you are not looking to make a decision right away.

[Tyler j]

Ok this info helps I have talked to Appomattox river and backcountry I like the ride 115 but, if I wanted to take it to philpot lake and target swallows then, I don't believe it would handle wake very well. The commander is cool but if I were to swamp then I'm in the water. I think with the jon I still could take it on small ponds or the river or lake.

[johnwratcliff@gmail.com]

maybe you should look at Hook1. all they do is kayak fishing. they can customize a kayak. they have several different models to pick from. Chad over there is a good dude.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Hook1 is a great company and they do specialize in fishing; however, ARC is closer and they carry more variety onhand to sit in and get hands on. Now when it comes time to order it, then you make your decision based on the best package deal. I'm willing to bet ARC will be able to put a pretty sweet package together that is competitive with anyone on the market.

[Tyler j]

Thanks guys I think I've made a decision.