Unknownwaters Posted May 29, 2015 Posted May 29, 2015 Hey guys, I was just looking for some advice regarding my current fishing boat options. This is my current boat It is a 9 foot inflatable raft that I rigged for fishing. I got it because I was going off to college and I would've rather fished from my little sisters inflatable duck tube than fish from the shore and lose countless lures to snags, some of which still dangle from trees that are just a few feet out of reach to this day. Hell, I even SWAM AFTER some of my snags if I was frustrated enough. But anyways, to this end this raft was perfect. It could fold up and fit in college dorm a long with the motor. However, now that I am done with school I want to look at some other options. My dad has a bass boat that I will likely get someday but until then I want a small boat I can take out on my own. Some of the Pro's of my raft: - Has great stability. I can stand, jump, or do the macarena if I felt like it and wouldn't have to worry about falling in. - It can flat out fly. I have a 10 hp motor on it and the raft can get up to 20 mph if the water is calm enough. Never get tired of zooming around in it. - Can take another person out on it (if I had any fishing buddies that is) - Generally spacious and I can switch out the trolling motor with an electric one if the lake is more suited to it. Some of the Con's: - I swear if I have to patch up ANOTHER hole on it I will save myself the trouble and just stab the raft with my fishing knife. It's pretty durable but occasionally you get a hole that just won't go away. - Boat Motor always seems to have one problem or another.. especially the Carburetor. - Take time to set up. Some days I just want to put a boat in without having to inflate, put the floorboard in, attach the seat and motor, etc. - It is not particularly comfortable. The lack of a backrest means that after a few hours in it my back hurts... and not in the workout kind of way. - It has no efficient means of movement besides the 10 hp motor. I can try and paddle a bit but it really doesn't move well that way. The only real way to fish out of it is to either constantly anchor, make a few casts, pull up anchor, move a few feet and anchor again, repeat sequence or to beg the wind to blow at the right speed and direction to allow you to drift by your spots or not blow at all. I currently fish medium sized rivers, local small lakes, and am considering attempting to fish Lake Lanier in whatever I end up going with. It seems like so many people I have met love kayak fishing and I am considering getting one but I don't know how fishing out of a kayak would compare to fishing from my raft or what some of the pros and cons of kayak fishing would be and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on the matter. I could sell both my motors and the raft to buy a new fishing kayak for around 1000 dollars. I am fairly large so I would be getting a longer kayak. Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted May 29, 2015 Super User Posted May 29, 2015 I'd look at a 1448 jon if you're gonna keep the 10hp or a 1652 if you want to get a bigger motor. Quote
Super User Raul Posted May 30, 2015 Super User Posted May 30, 2015 You will always have engine problems if obviuously you use an engine as means of power, I've had this 6.5 HP Johnson for a very long time and one day the gas pump failed, took it to the mechanic, he changed the pump and that was it, your engine troubles end the moment you have your outboard serviced by a specialist. Do yourself a favor and get a 12 Ft jonboat, is not too big nor too heavy and it can be cartopped easily, no need to inflate, no need to deflate, no need to patch holes no need to install and unistall floorboard and you can install removable seats to the benches, mine has two seats, TM, outboard, depth finder, rod holders, all you need to fish comfortably can be added to a jonboat. 1 Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted May 30, 2015 Super User Posted May 30, 2015 Those Nissan motors are pretty reliable. I'd attribute your motor problems to this wonderful ethanol fuel they make us use. Quote
livemusic Posted May 30, 2015 Posted May 30, 2015 I don't know anything about river fishing but I have caught a ton of fish out of a 12' or 14' jon boat and can fish two easily. I would try to buy a used one in good condition. Other option if one of these pond jumper boats. If you have Academy, Bass Pro, Dick's or Cabelas nearby, they sell them. You can buy one for less than $600. Add a troll motor and battery and you are $1,000. You could also try craigslist. I am going to look at two today and they are $175 each. Quote
Super User Raul Posted May 30, 2015 Super User Posted May 30, 2015 Me in LaTinaAsesina: That´s before I added the seats and the synthetic grass carpet to the benches. Funny, I don´t have any pics on how the tub looks like fully rigged. Quote
Super User Scott F Posted May 31, 2015 Super User Posted May 31, 2015 How often do you do the Macarena while you're fishing? I'd kind of like to see that. Quote
WPCfishing Posted May 31, 2015 Posted May 31, 2015 I fish from a canoe that I rigged myself. I have no issues with it. If I have to pull anchors more often I don't mind. The anchor rope system with winding spools I designed for it makes it very easy and quick. I can tell you the kayak is very tight quarters and you won't be taking anyone along with you. If you're going to make a change go boat or consider a fishing canoe. Mine's 14' with a 40" width. I built and outrigger for it that keeps it totally stable for standing and casting. I have plenty of room in it. I run two batteries and use a 55# thrust T Motor. I can go all day and into the night with it alone or with a friend. You should be able to find a nice used one on line. Prices are very low so its a great buy. If you choose to go new consider the Old Town Guide 160 or 147. Both are great fishing canoes and they're priced right. Here's a link to buy one cheap: http://www.upcycledsavings.com/shoppingcart.php Quote
Unknownwaters Posted June 1, 2015 Author Posted June 1, 2015 Hmm I really appreciate the advice guys. I never actually considered a canoe. I took one out fishing once and it felt super unstable to the point that I didn't want to bring more than a single rod in case we capsized, but then again maybe it was just too small of a boat. I john boat is an interesting option I never actually considered but would be pretty good, I already have a trolling motor and battery that would fit nicely on one too. Quote
Caliyak Posted June 1, 2015 Posted June 1, 2015 I only fish from my Wilderness System Tarpon 100 kayak. I would not fish any other way. Small, light and goes anywhere. My only con, no motor but I get a workout getting to my spots. Pros, no DMV. LOL Yes, my kayak is pretty tight but with rod holders, I can carry 4-5 rods. Also, a kayak is better than shore. My #1 pro, I can go where boats can't. Quote
WPCfishing Posted June 1, 2015 Posted June 1, 2015 Hmm I really appreciate the advice guys. I never actually considered a canoe. I took one out fishing once and it felt super unstable to the point that I didn't want to bring more than a single rod in case we capsized, but then again maybe it was just too small of a boat. I john boat is an interesting option I never actually considered but would be pretty good, I already have a trolling motor and battery that would fit nicely on one too. My canoe is very stable. The shallow v make a big difference. With the outrigger that cost me 70 bucks to make its like any other good casting platform. As a matter of fact I can walk/stepover to the front of the canoe without issue. That's how stable it is. Quote
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