Kayak vs Jon boat

[Justin Roberts]

I'm in the process of getting either of these.  What's everyone's preference?  If I get a kayak, it'll have a trolling motor or peddle system. The John boat in looking at is 18 foot fairly new with fairly new mercury 4stroke 5hp, with trolling motor.  The kayak would be around $1k, vs the boat is $2k.

 

Mind you, I'll be fishing all winter and was wondering how kayak fisherman deal with the seasonal effects.

 

Thanks for input.

[Dens228]

I may be partial but I'd go with a kayak.  I have a Bonafide SS127 with a motor and fish until the water ices over and start up as soon as there's enough ice free water.  Clothing wise I start with merino wool and layer over it as needed, I also use NRS boots.   

I know a jon boat can get through shallows but I can do that and also fish a few places where any jon boat is too wide to get through some man made channels to get from one body of water to the other.  

As a major plus, in the off season my kayak hangs on a rack on the back wall of my garage.  Completely out of the way. 

[Jleebesaw]

   If i didnt have a boat at all, i would definetly go with the johnboat. Its just easier to fish from a boat. You can bring more stuff. You can have 2 people in it. There are many obvious advantages.

      Does the johnboat have a trailer? If not, the kayak will be easier to load and unload. It may not seem like it initially, but handling a small boat without a trailer sucks! I just noticed you said 18'. It must have a trailer. 

       Some fishing spots cant be accessed with a boat but a kayak can get in them. They are small enough to get places boats cant. Plus even some lakes are carry top access only, meaning most boats cant be in them.

    Kayaks certainly have appeal, but i personally wouldnt own one without already having a boat.

[Bird]

I fish from my kayak year around with of course a trolling motor. 

Always wear waders and always have my PFD on.

 

This particular boat has central located motor pod and fishes very well " Jonny boat bass 100 "

[KrzyyImportz]

I'd say it depends on the body of water you're fishing. It says you're in Oklahoma, same as me, and the wind can get brutal. I have a 16ft Tracker 165, basically a "1654" jon boat with carpet and a side console, and I don't bother going out if the wind is 15+mph. Even if it's 10+mph, I stick to the channels and wind-protected areas.

 

In my opinion, I'd go for the 18ft Jon. You'll be able to fish a lot of water, especially open water, whereas the kayak you'll be limited especially on those windy days. The only downside is that 5hp isn't going to move that thing very fast, my guess around 5-6mph?

[Hook2Jaw]

I would prefer a two thousand dollar kayak to an 18' Jon boat that is underpowered.  I had a 1436 Tracker Topper with a 9.9 and a 40# bow mount with a foot control.  It was a nice little boat and I could do 25 miles per hour in it.  I'm going to go out on a limb and say that 18' you're looking at can do 8 or 9 miles per hour.

 

It's also way more above the waterline in comparison to a kayak, meaning if a stiff wind hits it, it'll sail off your spot.

 

Take a look at the Old Town Topwater or Sportsman 120 PDL the Hobie Compass, the Old Town Salty PDL, and the 2,000 dollars and under Native Watercraft offerings.

[J Francho]

3 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

I would prefer a two thousand dollar kayak to an 18' Jon boat that is underpowered.

What he said!

[gim]

Are you planning to fish with someone else?  I assume the kayak is a one person style, and you could take someone with you in an 18 foot jon boat.

[Talio]

3 hours ago, Bird said:

I fish from my kayak year around with of course a trolling motor. 

Always wear waders and always have my PFD on.

 

This particular boat has central located motor pod and fishes very well " Jonny boat bass 100 "

I'd like to ask you a question about wearing waders in the winter on a kayak.  This was my plan since my wading jacket and waders combo keep me 100% dry when I've taken a drink before, but I also see the argument that you'll still get wet if you can't get back in the boat fast enough and therefore it's still not as safe as a dry suit.  What are your thoughts?

 

For OP...It would totally depend on what kind of water you deal with.  Jon boats are almost always going to be more expensive cause of your engine and requires way more maintenance, but will be far more comfortable on calm water. An 18' Jon boat will also probably need to be launched from an official ramp on most public water, where you can kinda launch a kayak from anywhere.  Kayaks I also feel like handle rough conditions better due to most being rotomolded.  I was in an 18' Jon boat in the Delaware River once and the wind started kicking up white caps like crazy.  Added to the already heavy commercial traffic and tugboats on the water, we almost didn't make it back.  The waves were crashing over the gunwales and swamping us out.  He stayed on the motor and I pumped like crazy.  However, I got out there in similar conditions this past summer in my kayak and I had no trouble.  You can't swamp that thing because physics.  I suppose I could be thrown from it one day, but I've yet to meet the wave that even triggers my stumble response.  Just a couple of things to think about.

[J Francho]

42 minutes ago, Talio said:

I'd like to ask you a question about wearing waders in the winter on a kayak.  This was my plan since my wading jacket and waders combo keep me 100% dry when I've taken a drink before, but I also see the argument that you'll still get wet if you can't get back in the boat fast enough and therefore it's still not as safe as a dry suit.  What are your thoughts?

Waders are not as safe as a dry or semi-dry suit.  That said, I much prefer them, even having both breathable waders and a semi-dry suit.  A semi-dry has a neoprene neck gasket instead of rubber.  It's essentially the same thing as a dry suit, but doesn't rip your hair out when getting it on and off.  The main thing waders is to wear a wading belt, and keep it cinched tight.  Also look for bib style with clips for shoulder straps in the front.  If you go in, unclip the straps to release the water as you get your waist above water, once you're safe and can remove your PFD.  The tight wading belt will prevent most of the water from swamping your legs.  Always, always, always, always wear a PFD.  It will help keep the top free of water, and keep you floating.  Once you get over the shock of the cold water (you WILL be stunned for a second) going down your back, do not panic or struggle.  Make your way to the boat, and get back to shore.

[gim]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

Once you get over the shock of the cold water (you WILL be stunned for a second) going down your back, do not panic or struggle.

One time when I was duck hunting I stepped in a hole and the water started coming in my waders.  It was mid October so the water was pretty cold too.  I wasn't wearing a PFD since we were hunting a shallow slough and didn't even have a watercraft either.  That is one scary feeling, I'll tell you.  The water fills waders so fast its like an anchor pulling you down.  I was able to get to shallower water quick enough to avoid a catastrophe.  From that day forward I refuse to go any deeper than my waist in my chest waders just in case I step into another hole.

[J Francho]

I've slipped a couple times.  The absolute worst was landing in 4" of water on rocks.  Cut my head, tore a finger nail off, filled my waders, and lost the fish.  It was mid January, and I had hiked at least 3 miles upstream chasing chromers.  Not my best day fishing.  The wader belt is a must now.  While I've never fell in kayaking, I've been the dummy in cold water rescue training and performed one cold water rescue.  Cold water is no joke.

[Talio]

I mean, that's kinda how I expected that to go down.  The waders I have actually have belts at both at the top and waist.  Then, my wading jacket also works kinda like a crappy version of what you described Francho.  So I figure if I go over, between my vest and the trapped air in the legs of my waders, I should fully float.  As long as I can get back to my boat before the water really starts to seep in, I should be dry from the chest down still.  Then I can just change my top and hat and I should be dry.  My long ass hippy hair will probably be a problem though....

[DaubsNU1]

I haven't fished out of a kayak, but did fish out of a canoe for a few years. Space was limited, couldn't stand up, always putting the rod down to position / maneuver, had to paddle to shore to tick (super small bladder...I tick at least once per hour).

 

Getting a boat was a godsend for me -- I could stand, bring all my tackle boxes, bring 8-10 rods, cooler, bring another person to fish with me, outboard motor to get across the lake faster, foot controlled trolling motor, fish finder.

 

Yes, I do have to license boat and trailer, store it, maintenance, and upkeep. But for me it's a no-brainer...I'm opting for a boat 100% of the time. 

 

Doesn't hurt that I found this for sale when we lived in rural Missouri 20 years ago...boat, 20hp Merc and trailer for $650. Easy to hitch, trailer, unload and load by myself (I've got a system).

 

I added trolling motor, casting deck and two seats. It's a great for one or two people...I've taken three kids with me...little tight, but works.  The Merc is from '74 and gets me 25MPH easy. It ain't pretty, but I never worry about scratching it up in the timber : ) 

 

 

 

 

[Bird]

2 hours ago, Talio said:

I'd like to ask you a question about wearing waders in the winter on a kayak.  This was my plan since my wading jacket and waders combo keep me 100% dry when I've taken a drink before, but I also see the argument that you'll still get wet if you can't get back in the boat fast enough and therefore it's still not as safe as a dry suit.  What are your thoughts?

 

For OP...It would totally depend on what kind of water you deal with.  Jon boats are almost always going to be more expensive cause of your engine and requires way more maintenance, but will be far more comfortable on calm water. An 18' Jon boat will also probably need to be launched from an official ramp on most public water, where you can kinda launch a kayak from anywhere.  Kayaks I also feel like handle rough conditions better due to most being rotomolded.  I was in an 18' Jon boat in the Delaware River once and the wind started kicking up white caps like crazy.  Added to the already heavy commercial traffic and tugboats on the water, we almost didn't make it back.  The waves were crashing over the gunwales and swamping us out.  He stayed on the motor and I pumped like crazy.  However, I got out there in similar conditions this past summer in my kayak and I had no trouble.  You can't swamp that thing because physics.  I suppose I could be thrown from it one day, but I've yet to meet the wave that even triggers my stumble response.  Just a couple of things to think about.

 Reasons I wear waders. 

1- they are insulated and warm. 

2 - they keep my feet dry as I'm always stepping in water apon entry and exiting boat.

Forgot to mention, always carry a paddle. 

[Tracker22]

With those options, I’d choose the kayak. Winter fishing is dangerous whether in a kayak or Jon boat. Experienced kayakers tend to use more caution than boaters in adverse conditions. Layered non-cotton clothes with a dry suit of some sort. I’ve been fishing until ice over for the past 5 years and have never turtled but I prepare for it every trip.

[Captain Phil]

Your age and physical condition will determine how pleased you are with the choice you make.  I have had both Jon boats and Kayaks. Kayaks are for younger agile fisherman.  They can be difficult to get into and out of.  It's only a matter of time until you get wet.   With a Kayak, you can fish many smaller waters without a proper boat ramp.  Here in Central Florida, we have literally thousands of tiny lakes and ponds, most of them have great fishing. Kayaks are perfect for fishing them. The problem I had fishing in a kayak was with my back.  Sitting in a kayak for any period of time is not for old people with back trouble. 

 

You can put an outboard motor on a Jon Boat.  You can fish with a buddy in a Jon Boat.  You can easily mount a foot controlled trolling motor on a Jon boat.   Both Jon boats and Kayaks are available used.  Both are relatively cheap and easy to sell. Before you make a big investment, borrow or buy both and see which one you like best.

[Talio]

Wow, Cap, I hadn't even considered that angle.  Makes me wonder if kayak fishing can keep you young?  I mean, as long as you keep fishing and you keep using self powered boats, you should stay in pretty good shape right?  Assuming you eat a good diet though, I suppose, and I'm sure all of us traveling around on the road to fish are ALWAYS eating healthy.  Right, fellas?

[Captain Phil]

8 minutes ago, Talio said:

Wow, Cap, I hadn't even considered that angle.  Makes me wonder if kayak fishing can keep you young?  I mean, as long as you keep fishing and you keep using self powered boats, you should stay in pretty good shape right?  Assuming you eat a good diet though, I suppose, and I'm sure all of us traveling around on the road to fish are ALWAYS eating healthy.  Right, fellas?

There is more to physical condition than staying in shape and eating right.   Your genes and accumulation of birthdays are also factors.  It's hard for a young person to imagine they will ever be old.  With some luck, they will get there.  I don't consider myself old.  In my mind, I'm the same as I always was. Unfortunately, my body has other ideas.  ? 

[Talio]

3 minutes ago, Captain Phil said:

There is more to physical condition than staying in shape and eating right.   Your genes and accumulation of birthdays are also factors.  It's hard for a young person to imagine they will ever be old.  With some luck, you will get there.  I don't consider myself old.  Inside, I'm the same as I always was. Unfortunately, my body has other ideas.  ? 

Well the research does show that the body staying in a state of controlled hypertrophy has a significant impact on age related atrophy.  I'm not arguing with you though.  You're absolutely right.  There are a ton of factors involved, mainly joint health and after 10 years of paddling your shoulder is probably shot.  Not to mention, the sun is gonna age us no matter what we do.  I can just imagine an army of old, wrinkled haggard faces with these giant shoulder and back muscle blowing the doors off of some 20 year old!

[DaubsNU1]

Keep moving...my Dad is 79, three rotator cuff surgeries, then a complete shoulder replacement.  He still walks 1-2 miles daily.  

 

Balance is not great, but he can still sit and fish in my boat. Pic from last Sunday.  

 

[Captain Phil]

30 minutes ago, Talio said:

I can just imagine an army of old, wrinkled haggard faces with these giant shoulder and back muscle blowing the doors off of some 20 year old!

That reminds me of an old joke.

 

A boatload of Vikings is rowing down a Fyord.  The leader standing in the front of the boat says, "I have good news and bad news. Starting tomorrow, there will be double food rations.  There will be all the rum you can drink and the wenches are coming by after lunch."  All the rowers cheer.  "The bad news is, The Captain wants to water ski!"  

[YoTone]

i would get a jon boat if i had plenty of driveway/garage space. if space is tight like it is for me the kayak is a nice way to go. 

[king fisher]

I fish out of kayak all the time, and like fishing alone.  If you like to fish with a friend, than a boat is the way to go.  If you have a fishing friend who also has a kayak than you can fish together, but still not the same as fishing out of a boat.  

    As far as wearing waders, don't worry about drowning because you have waders on.  I have fallen in many streams with waders on.  The water in your waders will not pull you down.  The water inside the wader isn't any heavier than the water outside the wader, so it doesn't effect you buoyancy at all.  Lee Wolf was filmed jumping off a bridge with old style heavy rubber waders to prove this point.  It does make it difficult to pull yourself back in a boat or up a steep bank because of the extra weight out of the water.  The only time I was in big trouble with waders, was when I was duck hunting.  I tried to get a decoy that was floating away in some fast current.  I slipped and fell.  I had an ammo belt tight around my waist.  Air in the bottom of my waders, made my feet float, making it impossible to get my feet below my body and stand up.  I took off the belt, let the water flow in the waders, and was able to turn on my back and back paddle to shallow water where I could stand up.  I still wear a belt on my waders, to keep the water out, but am ready to unfasten it if I have to.

     

[Tatsu Dave]

3 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

You can put an outboard motor on a Jon Boat.  You can fish with a buddy in a Jon Boat.  You can easily mount a foot controlled trolling motor on a Jon boat. 

All that and more, You can get up and walk around, carry lots of tackle, equipment and 6-8 rods and reels. A fishing buddy to help net fish, talk, and enjoy the day with, a livewell............wouldn't be a hard decision for me Just sayin'