Bass boat, or kayak?

[flyfisher]

2 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

How is this even a question? I can see bass boat vs jon boat maybe, but a kayak is "more fun, gets you places you can't with a boat, and puts you closer to the water" is an euphemism for "I can't afford to own, keep, and run a boat"

And I think that many people who get boats are just fat and/or out of shape and don't have ability to fish out of a kayak.

[BoatSquirrel]

3 hours ago, flyfisher said:

And I think that many people who get boats are just fat and/or out of shape and don't have ability to fish out of a kayak.

Then there is also the possibility that folks with bass boats want to cover a lot of water, fish big water-safely, fish big tournaments, and go fast.  

[gim]

The upkeep on a boat is significantly more than a kayak. Maintaining a boat is kinda like maintaining another car to be honest. Plus you gotta have space for it too. A canoe or kayak works well on skinny water and in small rivers. I have one and that’s exactly what I use it for. Given the choice between a bass boat and a kayak, I would choose the bass boat though.

[jaimeastin]

4 hours ago, BoatSquirrel said:

Then there is also the possibility that folks with bass boats want to cover a lot of water, fish big water-safely, fish big tournaments, and go fast.  

Or the waters around them just aren't kayak friendly.  

[Rip_lipz]

Last 5 years I have really gotten into bass fishing. I started bank fishing ponds early 2013-2015. 2016 I purchased a ascend kayak from BPS. Then in 2017 upgraded to a 1985 bass tracker that I found to small. Then 2018 to present I bought a 97 ranger 518dvs. I love having a bigger boat, I got a really good deal on it in the winter. Moral of the story is you'll eventually buy a boat, So just do it now. Start up is a little costly, but the wife loves sun bathing in the back while I fish, Win win for me.

[J Francho]

I've run both for years.  Thinking about a pond prowler or small jon as well.  They all have their purpose, though lately, I've preferred my Hobie Compass over all. 

 

 

[PAbasser927]

I have a boat and a kayak.  The boat is great if I am going out with the family or someone else, but when fishing solo I take the kayak 100% of the time.  I will actually bank fish/wade my local river before going out solo in the boat.  I enjoy the minimalist approach to the sport.

[Allen Der]

18 hours ago, flyfisher said:

And I think that many people who get boats are just fat and/or out of shape and don't have ability to fish out of a kayak.

I'd say it's almost the opposite.  A lot of big boys buying kayaks and wanting to stand in them.  Probably why all the newer boats are barges and set up for motors or pedals.  

4 hours ago, Rip_lipz said:

Last 5 years I have really gotten into bass fishing. I started bank fishing ponds early 2013-2015. 2016 I purchased a ascend kayak from BPS. Then in 2017 upgraded to a 1985 bass tracker that I found to small. Then 2018 to present I bought a 97 ranger 518dvs. I love having a bigger boat, I got a really good deal on it in the winter. Moral of the story is you'll eventually buy a boat, So just do it now. Start up is a little costly, but the wife loves sun bathing in the back while I fish, Win win for me.

I'd rather have a nice kayak than a 20+ year old glitter rocket with a crappy two stroke carbed motor.

[flyfisher]

15 hours ago, BoatSquirrel said:

Then there is also the possibility that folks with bass boats want to cover a lot of water, fish big water-safely, fish big tournaments, and go fast.  

I said this tongue in cheek to show how pointless of a comment he made.  I don't even care what people fish out of as long as you have fun out there.

[Choporoz]

I fished out of a 10' kayak with a lousy seat for a couple of years and often wished I was in a boat.  I loved kayak fishing, but never really preferred it to being in a boat; except for a getting on some small waters.  This year, I'm in a larger yak with pedals and much better seat.  I rarely consider going out in a boat any more.

[Boomstick]

I am facing the very same dilemma. I really do want a bass boat, which would be enough to fish with my kids and friends off of but with all of the medical bills I've been hit with, it might be a little difficult, where I can buy a rigged out fishing kayak for myself and a couple of cheaper ones for the boys and that's not too expensive. There's a couple of motorless lakes I could use the kayaks on that I could not use a bass boat on, but for the most part I'd be fishing many of the same lakes.

 

I could burn some calories with kayaks as well, which is always a plus.

[jaimeastin]

20 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

 

I could burn some calories with kayaks as well, which is always a plus.

You can't beat getting exercise doing something you love.  Kayak fishing is so rewarding.  When I am able to, I will be back in my yak and will leave the boat at home more often.  We have 4 kayaks and only purchased a boat due to my back issues.  

 

I love my boat for just what it is and does.  I did not buy too much boat or too little.  My heritage is decked out... I will soont have more gear on it that what I paid for the boat, bit that's okay.  My kayaks are rigged up too!   That's the fun part of the kayak, making it a better fishing machine. 

 

Find one you are comfortable with and have fun.  

[LadiMopar]

On 7/7/2019 at 6:03 PM, Kyle S said:

Also, any beginner kayaking tips you or anyone could recommend? 

 

Congrats on the new yak, may it bring you many years of joy...as for beginner tips...always wear your PFD, never paddle water above your skill level, and if you're going out alone let someone know the where/when of your trip. 

 

Maybe this sounds a little like a "mother hen" but having had a few too many close calls (and it only takes one) deciding what your life is worth makes doing those things a whole lot easier. 

 

I'm a disabled angler/kayaker and maybe these things are a little more to the forefront of my mind, but safety on the water should imho be everyone's concern.

 

[MN Fisher]

19 minutes ago, LadiMopar said:

always wear your PFD

This cannot be stressed enough - whether it's a Yak, canoe or full boat. You never know what's going to happen on the water and a PFD is the only thing between you getting home or you drowning.

[haggard]

On 7/6/2019 at 9:14 PM, Kyle S said:

I’m curious to see if any of you all have spent some time on both platforms and prefer one over the other. If you could only have one of these platforms to fish out of, which one would it be, and why?! Thank you???

The obvious answer is: it depends.  On where you're located, what bodies of water you have access to, how you like to fish, who you like to fish with, etc., your philosophies and your finances, and your physical abilities.

 

In my experience (or opinion) the biggest difference between bass boat and yak is the time it takes to cover long spans of water. Second is how many people are on the boat (see-also: comfort) - do you usually fish alone, or with others? And third, cost and maintenance.

 

To answer your specific question, if I had to choose one, currently it would be a fishing oriented yak. Ultimately, for simplicity and versatility.

 

[Rip_lipz]

19 hours ago, Allen Der said:

I'd say it's almost the opposite.  A lot of big boys buying kayaks and wanting to stand in them.  Probably why all the newer boats are barges and set up for motors or pedals.  

I'd rather have a nice kayak than a 20+ year old glitter rocket with a crappy two stroke carbed motor.

20 year old boat that does 60 miles an hour with power poles mega imaging minn kota ultrex… ill take that over a kayak any day.

[r83srock]

I have been in glitter rockets all my life, and have owned my current one for over a decade, thankfully it’s paid for , which allows me to use it a whole lot more! ? I love it, however, there are issues with bass boats, especially older ones like mine with a not so crappy but sometimes stubborn two stroke. They can be maintenance heavy if neglected or maintenance light if taken care of, but you will always be investing money into it. Every year something needs to get fixed or replaced. It’s to the point where I budget for it and expect those costs. Just last night a guy in my Tuesday nighter asked when I’m getting a new boat, I replied, no time soon. Nothing wrong with a new one, heck I’d love to have a new one, but it doesn’t fit my budget, for some, it may! Now, about a month ago I purchased two fishing kayaks for my girlfriend and me, and so far I am having a blast out of it! I’m learning way more about kayaks than I ever thought I could. It’s a different experience, it reminds me of when I would fish out of my uncles 10’ jon for smallies as a kid. I’m honestly hooked! I’d say, gets kayak first! Pay cash for it, and it’s something you can keep for the rest of your life with no regrets, pretty easy on gas too! I still recommend a bass boat too, but I’d get the kayak first.

[drscholl14]

Before I bought my bass boat (used) I was thinking about buying a kayak just to get out on the water.  The only one I felt that I would want to fish out of would be a pedal drive kayak which were around a couple grand.  I thought about it and decided that if I spent that kind of money on a kayak eventually I was still going to want to buy a bass boat.  So I kept the $2k and stayed patient and a year later I bought my bass boat.  

 

Couldn't be happier with my decision.

[jaimeastin]

This thread made me get my favorite kayak out... I have been it it in almost two years prior and after back surgery.  I have been feeling the itch to go kayak fishing, but not in my smaller one.  I missed this one as it is fast and stable in almost all conditions.  I took it out last night and did some night fishing.  That old feeling is still the same.  Once it is loaded up, I usually use a few days.  I will go out to a different lake this evening.

 

You don't need a $2k yak to fish out of.  This one was much less than $1k. I have never felt the need for a pedal drive.  I can go over logs and in brush easily.  My least expensive was $150.  They all catch fish and are fully rigged with trolly, fish finders, etc.  The one in the photo, I was originally going to chop up a trolling motor for it and make a rudder.  I truely enjoy paddling and the upper body I exercise I get.  

[Allen Der]

On 7/10/2019 at 6:45 AM, Rip_lipz said:

20 year old boat that does 60 miles an hour with power poles mega imaging minn kota ultrex… ill take that over a kayak any day.

Can't go 60 if it doesn't start.  I'll stick with my 5yr old Lund with a 4 stroke and terrova ipilot.  Plus my kayaks

[928JLH]

Get a yak. Your significant other will appreciate the extra endurance and stamina from the exercise LOL. 

[Rip_lipz]

10 hours ago, Allen Der said:

Can't go 60 if it doesn't start.  I'll stick with my 5yr old Lund with a 4 stroke and terrova ipilot.  Plus my kayaks

98 Johnson starts everytime rebuilt and machined powerhead myself. Some people actually work/maintain our equipment. Dont need a brand new boat when you know how to turn a wrench.

[Allen Der]

8 hours ago, Rip_lipz said:

98 Johnson starts everytime rebuilt and machined powerhead myself. Some people actually work/maintain our equipment. Dont need a brand new boat when you know how to turn a wrench.

going back to the OP's question, a kayak = zero maintenance.  just saying, dont need to be a mechanic to get out on the water

[Mikeltee]

On 7/8/2019 at 2:23 PM, BassWhole! said:

How is this even a question? I can see bass boat vs jon boat maybe, but a kayak is "more fun, gets you places you can't with a boat, and puts you closer to the water" is an euphemism for "I can't afford to own, keep, and run a boat"

Most likely can afford... But do you want to afford it. Most guys here are married to women. A kayak is one and done. A bass boat is a constant reason to complain. Some don't like to give them another excuse. To others its worth it. Of course you can always tell yourself that's not my wife. If that's you give it a few years... There are many reasons to own a kayak and I bet at least 75% of kayakers also have a boat. 20% of them are saving for a boat. The smart 5% just don't want to hear it. To allude to kayak promoters being poor is just plain silly.

[jaimeastin]

2 hours ago, Mikeltee said:

Most likely can afford... But do you want to afford it. Most guys here are married to women. A kayak is one and done. A bass boat is a constant reason to complain. Some don't like to give them another excuse. To others its worth it. Of course you can always tell yourself that's not my wife. If that's you give it a few years... There are many reasons to own a kayak and I bet at least 75% of kayakers also have a boat. 20% of them are saving for a boat. The smart 5% just don't want to hear it. To allude to kayak promoters being poor is just plain silly.

 

My wife is 50/50... She wants me to sell one of my kayaks, I have 4.  She is always complaining that I am modifying my boat or kayak.  She asks why can't I just buy something and be done, that I am always adding more and more to it.  

 

At the same time, she encouraged me to get livescope, she is encouraging me to get the the Garmin trolling motor, and today when I went to buy some gun targets, she asked if I was going to get a new kayak. 

 

She knows I want to buy anything kayak or small boat to love out of state at my mom's...  But now I just sprung on her that I want a deuce and a half!  Now... I can't have it all and we don't have kids, but I do take care of her.  

 

Some of use just prefer kayaks and they are excellent fishing platforms.  I was doing some frog fishing last nigh in my kayak.  It was stealthy and fun!