Can't Decide Between A Kayak Or A Jon Boat

[fishva]

Hey, guys. I've finally saved up enough money to get off the banks. Now I just can't decide what to get!

I'm torn between a wilderness systems 115x kayak and a jon boat.

I almost always fish small lakes that allow kayaks and electric motors, and 90% of the time I fish by myself.

I like the idea of a kayak because I can get some good exercise and fish some spots motors can't go very easily. Plus, it's cheaper overall.

I like the idea of a jon boat because of the motor and the ability to take someone with me the other 10% of the time.

In other words, I'm conflicted. What would you do if you were me?

[Marty]

I've never owned either, but have fished from a friend's john boat numerous times. There are always tradeoffs in something like this. I suppose you have to consider the waters you fish, how often you want company, overall roominess, how much stuff you like to take along, the ease of handling the boat and personal preferences. Unless you can find a way to buy both, you're just going to have to determine your priorities and buy accordingly.

[Darren.]

Definitely tradeoffs.

 

You can take a friend with you in the jon boat.

 

You can move the kayak by yourself to wherever. You can't with the jon boat.

 

You can customize either with the layout you like to fish in.

 

Portability. Kayak, hands down.

 

Just my .02.

 

I considered a jon boat before I decided on kayak fishing, too. No regrets at all going the kayak route.

[aceman387]

I have never had a jon boat but i do have a ride 115 and a pond prowler.I haven't used my pond prowler since buying my kayak three years ago. Kayak fishing is that much fun.

[flyfisher]

I was in the same situation and went kayak.  I was realistic in my expectations when figuring out which would work.  Sure i might take someone out with me a few times a year but the majority of time i would be solo and moving a jon boat around isn't as easy as throwing my kayak on the roof of the jeep.  The other piece i considered was having to register the jon boat because of a motor....not much money but the added hassle of doing that and then if i trailered the jon boat i would have to register that too, again, not a huge deal but one more thing.  Then there is maintenance on the trailer as well.

 

I went with a kayak and just picked up my 4th one in as many years after selling a few and buying some others  Name brand kayaks hold their value extremely well for the most part and i have never sold one for less than 75% of what i bought it for.

 

All that being said, I will eventually get a motor powered boat but it will most likely be a modified V so i can take out my soon to be 4 year old soon and fiancé but i can guarantee you that i will not be getting rid of the kayak when it happens.

[Darren.]

I was in the same situation and went kayak.  I was realistic in my expectations when figuring out which would work.  Sure i might take someone out with me a few times a year but the majority of time i would be solo and moving a jon boat around isn't as easy as throwing my kayak on the roof of the jeep.  The other piece i considered was having to register the jon boat because of a motor....not much money but the added hassle of doing that and then if i trailered the jon boat i would have to register that too, again, not a huge deal but one more thing.  Then there is maintenance on the trailer as well.

 

I went with a kayak and just picked up my 4th one in as many years after selling a few and buying some others  Name brand kayaks hold their value extremely well for the most part and i have never sold one for less than 75% of what i bought it for.

 

All that being said, I will eventually get a motor powered boat but it will most likely be a modified V so i can take out my soon to be 4 year old soon and fiancé but i can guarantee you that i will not be getting rid of the kayak when it happens.

 

I ended up motorizing my kayak with a minn kota 30. Had to register here in VA. No biggie. Makes a huge difference in getting places, keeping "hands-free" when fishing in certain areas, etc.

 

Wife and kids want a boat -- for skiing and such. I'd prefer to stick with the yak. LOL

[RipSomeLips]

Some great points listed above. I love Jon boats but own a kayak because it's easy to own and transport solo.

The thing that annoys me about Jon boats is when it's windy the constant slapping of waves on the metal gets real old real quick. It's the little things ya know.

My final suggestion would be look into a nuCanoe, it's a canoe kayak hybrid, can be easily stood up in, and some models can easy have a second seat placed in for your buddy the 10% of the time.

[flyfisher]

I have heard a lot of good things about the nucanoe but the one draw back to me is the weight.  They seem kind of heavy (based on specs of course).  I eally like my commander and now that i have a shiny new 2014 model with the new seat, I may even use the seat instead of hte captain's perch 95% of the time.

[frantzracing0]

I have a 12ft semi v with a 5.5 hp johnson and a 35# trolling motor. The reason I would take a jon over a kayak, I can launch my boat and run 10 miles up or down stream (in the river) and fish alot more areas than I could paddle to. Kayaks are great, but I can go alot more places with my boat

[fishva]

Awesome feedback, thanks everyone. I think I'm going to explore kayaks as an option for now, and not rush into things. If I go the kayak route, I can put the money I save towards some electronics, which is appealing.

 

I'll also check out the nucanoe. I hadn't heard of those before.

[fishva]

One more question about kayaks: if you're fishing while the water is still cold (fall or early spring), what do you wear to keep the cold splashing water from making your life miserable?

[Darren.]

One more question about kayaks: if you're fishing while the water is still cold (fall or early spring), what do you wear to keep the cold splashing water from making your life miserable?

 

A lot of folks will wear some sort of winter water wear... I don't have anything like that but when I go out and it is cold, I usually wear sweats under a pair of jeans, and a coat over top of my PFD (always wear one!!). I have gloves from BPS with the fingers cut out so I can feel the line, etc.

 

I'm also in a yak that doesn't get wet except from the paddle, or when I pull a fish in to weigh and measure. If you get the 115 you'll probably want to plug your scupper holes to keep a bit drier.

[flyfisher]

One more question about kayaks: if you're fishing while the water is still cold (fall or early spring), what do you wear to keep the cold splashing water from making your life miserable?

Breathable waders and a waterproof top fits the bill for me.  A lot of guys who are really into the cold weather fishing will go with a dry suit but i am not going out in the rivers in that kind of weather. 

 

If it is spring time i will go with rain pants too but generally if it is cold enough to worry about going in, I am wearing waders.

[B@ssCrzy]

One more question about kayaks: if you're fishing while the water is still cold (fall or early spring), what do you wear to keep the cold splashing water from making your life miserable?

 

I just wear my rain gear over whatever will keep me warm enough.  Only thing that gets cold and wet are my hands, but I plan on getting better gloves in the fall.  I have a sit-on-top so I make sure that I have all my scupper plugs plugged up as well.  One comment on the jon boat vs. kayak....Kayaks are gaining in popularity all over the US.  Because of this kayak fishing clubs and tournaments are popping up all over as well.  I don't know if you have any interest in tournament fishing or joining a club, but if you get a jon boat you would immediately eliminate that possibility unless you find a club that is geared toward electric/small boat only.  Which I don't know that there are that many across the US.  I fished my first tournament in a kayak two weeks ago and it was a blast.  Not to mention it was very reasonable compared to clubs/tourneys in a powerboat.  It was only $25 (big bass pot included).  If I would have entered a tournament with my powerboat your are looking at shelling out at least $50 entry fee up to $150-$200, plus gas for the boat on top of that.  Not only did I have a great time, but I met a lot of fellow anglers that I can glean information and techniques from.  Just a thought.  Good luck. 

[HeavyFisher]

Dont forget, you can always get a tandem fishing kayak. The best of both worlds, when you want to fish alone you can but if you bring a friend all you have to do is add another seat and your good to go.

[frantzracing0]

I would consider a jon boat. Either flat bottom or mod v. I understand the appeal of kayaks being easy to transport and all but with my 12' I can load and unload with the trailer all by myself. Not a problem at all. I would never trade mine for a kayak honestly. BUT, that being said, I fish in a river 95% of the time where a kayak is less useful to me. I need to be able to get miles back upstream on a larger river and could never do that with a yak.

 

There are trade offs with both, but me I would get a boat. I have under $1000 into mine and its fantastic. That includes boat, motor, trolling motor, trailer, battery ect.

[bowjunkie76]

I have a Ride115 and would not trade it for 2 Jon boats.  It paddles so easy, with minimal effort i have outrun jon boats with 40lb thrust trolling motors.  when setup right they are a lot of fun and just find a nice used one cheap so when you have someone you want to take with you.  I now own 4 and are worth there weight.  Good luck on whatever you get.

[fishva]

I have a Ride115 and would not trade it for 2 Jon boats.  It paddles so easy, with minimal effort i have outrun jon boats with 40lb thrust trolling motors.  when setup right they are a lot of fun and just find a nice used one cheap so when you have someone you want to take with you.  I now own 4 and are worth there weight.  Good luck on whatever you get.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate it. Is it as easy to stand in as they advertise? I've only used rental river kayaks that a fart will flip over.

[bowjunkie76]

Yes you can stand up and fish in them. I have done it a lot. Even on a moving stream. It is pretty nice. You will not be disappointed with the ride series kayaks.

[bowjunkie76]

[frantzracing0]

I have a Ride115 and would not trade it for 2 Jon boats.  It paddles so easy, with minimal effort i have outrun jon boats with 40lb thrust trolling motors.  when setup right they are a lot of fun and just find a nice used one cheap so when you have someone you want to take with you.  I now own 4 and are worth there weight.  Good luck on whatever you get.

 

but can you travel miles up river to fish a spot and then rin 5 miles the other way to fish another great spot?

[bowjunkie76]

but can you travel miles up river to fish a spot and then rin 5 miles the other way to fish another great spot?

 

I can but it would take a lot of paddling!!!!  In that analogy you are comparing a runner to a car.  you can travel farther and faster but I can be more versatile in shallow water and I am quieter.  Also If I was going to fish 2 places 5 miles apart I will put in up stream and fish one spot and go with the flow to fish the 2nd.  when I am done I will have a 2nd vehicle waiting to catch a ride.  We do this a lot and I never kayak alone so it is a given for me.  Most of my kayak fishing is float down stream or lakes and it fits my need better and I like them more.  Just my opinion.  take it for what is is worth

[frantzracing0]

I can but it would take a lot of paddling!!!!  In that analogy you are comparing a runner to a car.  you can travel farther and faster but I can be more versatile in shallow water and I am quieter.  Also If I was going to fish 2 places 5 miles apart I will put in up stream and fish one spot and go with the flow to fish the 2nd.  when I am done I will have a 2nd vehicle waiting to catch a ride.  We do this a lot and I never kayak alone so it is a given for me.  Most of my kayak fishing is float down stream or lakes and it fits my need better and I like them more.  Just my opinion.  take it for what is is worth

 

Very good point, leave it to me to not consider putting in upstream of both spots hahahaha I understand the versitility of a kayak and honestly wish I had one myself to fish the shallow coves of the river that my boat cant get to. To the OP, do what best fits your needs and budget. Its a liberating feeling that first time you set off and realize youre not glued to the bank anymore

[Christian M]

Im in the opposite situation! I have a Tracker Tournament TX17 which I bought after selling my 14" John and my 14" Scanoe. don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Tracker, but I ususally fish solo, and there are a lot of small ponds around me. I keep thinking about how nice it would be to toss a Kayak on top of my truck and fish when I only have a few hours. I'm looking at a used 12' Native Slayer thats fully rigged and in great shape. Just gotta decide when I'm gonna finally pull the trigger.

[Felix77]

For me it was an easy decision.  I needed something that I could drag around on top of my little Kia.  The 115x gave me everything I wanted, and then some in a little package.