Decisions on pond/small lake boat.

[kickbasskid]

I think I am going with this: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131654&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153.2291570&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153&fbn=Type%3A+Kayaks%7CHard+Shell&f=PAD%2FType%3A+Kayaks%2FHard+Shell&fbc=1&categoryId=2291570&s=A-StorePrice-DSP&parentPage=search&searchId=22979738843

[jerbs]

http://www.creekcompany.com/

Pontoon boats for $199. Good boat, for great price. I like water skeeters but ODC's are cheaper and customer service is good.

[sdshort]

I would go with #1, I would stay clear of any inflatable, I had one and returned it within 2 days... also I found that Walmart is the cheapest place to get a deep cycle battery. I can run all day on mine just trolling around.

[dougw82]

first one

[PelicanRaider]

funny how that kayak ad from Dicks calls it a "sit in".  It's not.  That's a sit-on-top kayak and they are MUCH better for fishing I'm told.  I almost never fish from my kayak anymore (still LOVE kayaking though!)

Here is the boat I have:  

http://www.directboats.com/20bara10efib.html

I love every minute I spend in it.  Great boat!  Stable, PLENTY of room for one or two people.  Lot's of fun...but MUCH cheaper if you go to Academy sports... just $500 there.

Still, you won't go wrong with that kayak!  Again, I hear sit-on-tops are the bomb!

[MA_Bass]

I would say go with anything other than an inflatable or a canoe. I fished form a canoe for many years but now have a 17' catamaran (2 coleman canoes, 2 50# electric motors, stable enough for 3 people to stand). The only drawback of a canoe is that they will kill your back if you plan on staying out for any amount of time. Swivel seats are key. I've kayaked before but never fished from one. They look like highly versatile boats but I like the extra space of a larger boat. Plus its nice to have enough room to invite a friend. As for the motor, I say why not go for the biggest motor and biggest battery that you can find? The weight won't be much different. I bought my 55# Minn-Kota transom mount on sale for ~$280 last spring. A large deep-cycle battery from Wal-Mart was ~$70 and the charger was ~$50.

[32251]

go with the Sea Eagle.  I love mine.

[SV1000]

IMO I would not choose either one. And I was very tempted at buying a two-man plastic boat and opted for a jon boat. Cheaper, more room and more options for improvements.

In my case, if my boat was solely to be used for my lake I would have gone with the two-man plastic. If money was not an issue (app. 3,500.00), it would be this:

My neighbor has one and it's like walking on a floating dock.

[MA1232]

a quick search on Boston.craigslist.org return this....

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/618102793.html

Inflatable is not bad if you don't have a mean to transport a large boat.  However, if you can transport them get the widest boat you can buy.

[btcprince]

the little tracker type plastic ones are nice for what they are, but i would choose a used jon off craigslist personally. for years i had a 12ft alum. skiff with an aircooled 3.5 hp motor and added a couple swivel seats. canoes dont give you the stability. i like to stand. advice is get one that you can add to and has the most options you can do it. sounds like you will be stuck with the one you get for a while, so choose right. good luck

[MA1232]

hey is a nice one....

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/618804043.html

[jjbassjj]

you should def. go with an aluminum jon-get a 10 or 12 footer from craiglist

[huskertko]

I will add my 2 cents for the bass Hunter, i just bought a 9 foot pond prowler from BPS, same boat style as your looking at, and I have to say it is a very stable platform to fish from.  I am not exactly what you would call a svelt person   :-[, 6' and about 235, and I can stand up move around and feel very safe.  I have no fear of the boat capsizing or anything like that, although a PFD IS STILL REQUIRED.  

I have fished from a pontoon kickboat which was OK but it is very low to the water and if you are in places where gators live, there is another name you would go by, DINNER. I would stay away from any inflatable for that reason alone.