Best Boat for Missouri's Southern Rivers

[WilliamDavidThoreau]

Hey guys,

 

Just looking for thoughts. 

 

What is the best way to fish gravel bottom/shallow rivers?

 

I have been floating/fishing the rivers of Southern Missouri for almost 30 years.  I would consider myself a pro at it.  I take about a dozen trips per year.  

 

I currently run a Jon Boat with a trolling motor at the stern and take it out of the water using the hinge every time the water gets to shallow.  I have kayak'd and I know the new fishing kayaks present a lot of nicer options.  I have canoe'd.

 

Has anyone ever tried crafts like these in shallow water with gravel?  I use an aluminum Jon Boat because I can basically act like I'm in a demolition derby but still have some comfort as far as standing/swiveling raised seats.  But these look incredible, but I have never personally seen one of these.

 

[Bluebasser86]

Looks like a nice boat. Mostly I'm just jealous you get to fish all those rivers that often. Some great fishing and just about as nice of scenery down there. 

[Flatrock]

I like that boat as well.. I can see a lot of advantage to a lay out like that.

[Dirtyeggroll]

I grew up fishing down there and always found it easiest to fish out of a kayak.

[WilliamDavidThoreau]

I hear ya, we do two - three day fishing trips and we all happen to be big men.  Those kayaks hurt our backs, but most importantly our knees.

[Catt]

Those are used by many saltwater anglers for fishing shallow flats, mostly sand bottom with scattered oyster reefs.

 

The on issue is taking a wave over the deck...ya better have everything tied down.

[bagofdonuts]

I'd look at a supreme fiberglass jon. Run really shallow, holds lots of gear for overnighters, super comfortable. They've been using those type jon boats on the ozark streams forever.

[Scott F]

Check out Current River Marine in Donaphin, MO. They specialize in river boats in southern Missouri