Curtis B. Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 I was hoping to get some opinions on this. I currently have an older sit-in kayak that isn't very easy to fish from. I have been thinking about upgrading to a small Jon boat a lot, but the fact that it would be heavier, potentially require a trailer depending on the size (don't know how much longer I will have my track) and looks like it will cost substantially more based on what I want to spend have me thinking about getting a bit bigger sit on top kayak. I would like to take someone with me occasionally which is another reason why I would like the Jon boat, but for as much as that would happen I don't know if its worth it. Also, the boat would probably be slightly more roomy. Thoughts? Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted January 13, 2014 Super User Posted January 13, 2014 i think you have it nailed already as far as the differences go. I will also add depending on your state you will have registration and the associated fees for the boat and trailer and the upkeep of both of those items as well. Kayak upkeep for me involves putting a tarp over it in the winter and taking it off in the spring lol I would also say that you can go more places in a kayak than a jon boat. I am in the same situation sort of as i try and figure out how to take my 3 1/2 year old out in the boat with me fishing. Part of me wants a jon boat but the other part says screw that and put him in the kayak with me and make ti work till he is old enough to paddle on his own... Quote
dustin11 Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 I have a bass boat, so I like to stand and fish. I think a jon would be the way to go personally even if you just put a trolling motor on the back. But a kayak would be cheaper in the long run. Also you could consider a canoe if you wanted to take more than one person. You could keep your kayak and let whoever you take with you use it and you use the new one. Quote
Hanover_Yakker Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 I was hoping to get some opinions on this. I currently have an older sit-in kayak that isn't very easy to fish from. I have been thinking about upgrading to a small Jon boat a lot, but the fact that it would be heavier, potentially require a trailer depending on the size (don't know how much longer I will have my track) and looks like it will cost substantially more based on what I want to spend have me thinking about getting a bit bigger sit on top kayak. I would like to take someone with me occasionally which is another reason why I would like the Jon boat, but for as much as that would happen I don't know if its worth it. Also, the boat would probably be slightly more roomy. Thoughts? Roominess in a jon boat? Not necessarily so in my opinion. The only reason you need roominess is to carry more clutter and things that make noise while you are on the water. Jon boats are inherently noisy. Cost is a huge factor - both initial and ongoing. As far as the other person - who are we talking about? A kid? Your family? Someone that is larger than yourself? Not trying to offend here - just being honest. The reason is very simple - most kayaks have a maximum load capacity that is not advisable to surpass when underway. I personally would skip on the co-angler as your deciding factor. Unless you are fishing in tournaments together frequently, then that makes sense. As for choices, if the co-angler is your final straw, then you are limited in your kayak hulls choices, albeit they are good ones..... Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130 (550 lbs capacity) - $800-1000 Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Tandem (most stable of all the ones listed here in my opinion) - $1000-1200 Ocean Kayak Malibu Two and Malibu Two XL (375lb and 450lb capacity respectively but the wettest ride of all the choices) - $650 - 850 Hobie Outfitter (based on the Outback platform only has a 425lb capacity, added benefit of the Mirage pedal drive) - $2750 Hobie Oasis (based on the Revolution platform and has a 550lb capacity, added benefit of the Mirage pedal drive) - $2850 Jackson Kayak Big Tuna (500lb capacity, widest of the choices at 35.5") - $1700-1900 new Most of the fishing kayaks typically come with a couple rod holders. Only items needed to add are you, a couple PFDs and a couple paddles (Hobies come with them already but I would recommend getting different ones until they change their paddle design). There might be a couple more, but those are your best options in the kayak line. By comparison, the Bass Pro Shops smallest welded jon boat offering is the 2014 Grizzly 1448 - is 14' and weighs 437lbs., does not come with the trailer, motor, seats, etc. is 48" wide and has a maximum human weight capacity of 425lbs. Oh yeah, it costs $2400 The smallest riveted model is the 2014 1032 Topper riveted jon but it is only 10' and has a maximum person weight at 275lbs and max load total of 320lbs. at $499. Doesn't come with the trailer, motor, seats, etc..... Quote
hawghunters Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 I'm a jon boat guy. I've fished from kayaks and yes you can fish more creeks and rivers with a kayak. But on the flip side, a jon boat with a small outboard will get you where you wanna go on some of the larger lakes. You can get a pretty good fishing jon boat on craigslist for under $700 (boat, motor, trailer). If your taxes are like mine in PA, you will another $200 or so. If you wanna take it to the next level you can add onto it a lot, and customize it. I bought mine for $650, and that leaves plenty of room to add onto it. Also jon boats hold their value VERY well. Just need to look the entire boat over and look at the paperwork. All in all, it has to do with your preferences. If taking a buddy is important then that alone screams jon boat. If there are a lot of good creeks and shallow rivers you like to fish kayaks are where its at. If you wanna get it some local jackpot tournaments a jon boat can be used. Take a look through craigslist and see if there are any decent deals right now. You might find something you like. Quote
Curtis B. Posted January 13, 2014 Author Posted January 13, 2014 Generally the buddy would be my size or smaller. I think the best way to combat that would be just put them in my old yak if they want to paddle along. What does everyone recommend as far as a fishing kayak? Right now I am most interested in the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 or some of the Wilderness Systems and the Native Watercraft Manta Ray. Quote
Tugmaster Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 Generally the buddy would be my size or smaller. I think the best way to combat that would be just put them in my old yak if they want to paddle along. What does everyone recommend as far as a fishing kayak? Right now I am most interested in the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 or some of the Wilderness Systems and the Native Watercraft Manta Ray. Lots of answers to that question. 1st, what type of waters do you fish? Lakes and ponds? rivers? What do you want to spend? For the most part the sit on tops are pretty popular for fishing out of. The "hybrid" kayaks such as the Native Ultimate and the Wilderness Systems Commander are great boats but not well suited for rivers over class 1. You still see people fishing out of the sit in kayaks too. Depending on where you live, try and find an outfitter that will let you test paddle some different boats or find someone in your area with a kayak and give it a whirl. I think you will find most people will go out of there way to help you out. Todd Quote
Brian6428 Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 I was in a similar position last year (minus having a kayak). I explored my options thoroughly and decided on a Bass Raider 10E. There is a whole thread (its huge) on them in the bass boats forum here. I really like it. Room for two to fish (me 5'11" and brother 6'1"), very stable (we both stand). We put it on top of our suburban, but a truck would make it easier. Only downsides are that it sights high in the water so anchoring is often necessary, but for the same reason it can get to some spots the big boats can't! Give the thread (http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/25442-any-pelican-bass-raider-owners-out-there/ ) a look. Hope this helps! Brian 1 Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 A jon boat without a trailer is going to be a real hassle to load/unload. In my experience launching a boat from a trailer is far easier than carrying one from a car/truck to the water. Kayaks are nice when you want to fish waters that have limited/no access, but if you want to bring a friend I'd get a 14' or larger canoe, or a jon boat that's at least a 1448. I do a lot of fishing out of my jon boat and my canoe, and the 1 piece of advice that I have is keep it simple. I removed all of the decking and most of the carpet from my jon boat and I'm much happier with it now. Quote
MikeinFresno Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 you can get an OK T13 used, in the $600 range in Calif, it will usually come with seat, paddle and sometimes a FF. The Prowler maybe cheaper. Quote
Hanover_Yakker Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Seat time is my recommendation Curtis. You can speculate all day, but until you get in the ones you are interested, you will never know for certain which brand fits your physical stature the best. Every person is different. If the kayak you choose does not have a seat and foot peg setup that can be tailored to your body style, paddling position with the pfd on, you will end up unhappy and selling it. Take the time to sit in them at a kayak store, paddle them at a demo day or ask around on some kayak forums near you. Most folks will be more than open to letting you paddle theirs around a bit. Quote
basshead1 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Both.lol I have a kayak and a Bass Raider and they both serve their purposes. I use the kayak for no motor zones and hard to launch spots that would be a pain for the jon boat, prefer the jon though. If you mostly fish spots off the beaten path then a yak but if youll just be launching at a ramp then jon boat. I got my boat thinking I would fish alone less but it is the same.lol Fishing is better alone I think. Quote
SFL BassHunter Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Those Gheenoe seem pretty darn cool. They seem to be stable and you can put a motor on them. I don't know from experience but the videos I've seen on them and everything, that is what I am leaning towards. Lightweight at about 120 without motor, you can get a 13, or 15 footer, its stable, you can customize the heck out of em and brand new they go for 1000 for the 13 footer. On Craigslist they are cheaper. Look into them that might be a good middle ground between a yak and a jon. What do you all think? 1 Quote
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