Decisons Decsions

[JigMaster4]

So I am going to be getting my first type of watercraft later in the year, however I don't know if I should go with a jon boat or a kayak. I will be fishing smaller reservoirs or lakes ranging from about 6 acres to 126. However mostt of them are 6-35 acres, with a couple in the 70's or 80's and a couple in the 120's. If I got a kayak I could/might end up putting a trolling motor on it to help me out. The jon boat would have a 10-20 outboard. Which one would be best for my situation? Btw towing is not a problem for either.

Thanks!

 

update: actually after reviewing, 95% of the lakes I fish will be 1-45 acres, if that makes a difference.

[kjfishman]

 In my opinion a kayak is probably a little more versatile, easier to handle and car top by yourself.  This is something you have to decide what is right for you.

[Avalonjohn44]

I fished from a kayak for years, wish I would've moved up to a bigger boat sooner. I could never seem to carry enough gear, got blown around a lot, and constantly worried about tipping over and losing my gear. If you can get a jon boat or some bigger used, I would do that.

[Ski213]

You said an outboard on the Jon. Only an outboard or trolling motor as well?  

I don't think there's a wrong answer. There's a lot to be said for each. I think it mostly comes down to what attributes are most important to you. 

In the situation you describe I would lean towards the johnboat for the additional room primarily. I think either would work for you though.  

[Tracker22]

1 hour ago, Avalonjohn44 said:

I fished from a kayak for years, wish I would've moved up to a bigger boat sooner. I could never seem to carry enough gear, got blown around a lot, and constantly worried about tipping over and losing my gear. If you can get a jon boat or some bigger used, I would do that.

Idk what type kayak you had but I carry 4 poles, a full sized tackle bag, anchor, spud pole, drinks, snacks, trolling motor and group 24 battery, paddle, brush grabbers, scale, tools, fish finder, minnow bucket and a few more misc items and I still have empty compartments. Besides a keg of beer what else do you need?

Also, what I've seen is Jon boats catching the wind while the wind blows right over my kayak. 

If you compare "apples to apples" on pricing, a fully rigged kayak is far cheaper than a Jon boat. 

Safety is another concern. I think Jon boats are safer than kayaks due to visibility. I personally won't go out on the big waters with a kayak.

And you can't walk very far in a kayak and it's really difficult when you have to pee.

No matter what you decide, spend your money wisely, don't buy cheap, do some research and you will be happy with either one.

[fishnkamp]

Lets talk about a few things. What would your dream boat look like? What is your budget? Are you thinking new or used?   If you are thinking an aluminum jon with an outboard and trolling motor look at a boat like the Alumacraft Crappie Deluxe in either a tiller model or the stick steer model.  Another option would be the Crappie Jon which is sorta the same but only a tiller boat and cones in at 14 foot long.These boats are really nice on small to mid sized water and yet have plenty of room for two anglers to fish. I just sold a similar boat made by Polar Kraft.  I had made an all electric trolling motor boat out of it in order to fish several drinking reservoirs. G3 makes nice boats with the same floor plan. The big choice to me is between one of these rigs that uses stick steering ( you drive from up front while running the gas engine and trolling motor) or one that you run from the rear using a tiller control gas engine and a rear mount trolling motor.