Bass Raider 10e and paddles

[Turkot]

Hey all. I'm looking to get a Bass Raider 10e for my backyard lake. Problem is that my lake association doesn't allow ANY motors...electric or not. My question is does anybody have any experience paddling a bass raider?

Its a small lake so it isn't like I'm going even a quarter mile. Just gotta get from here to there every now and then...no rush

I have plenty of lakes I can head up to with a trolling motor, but its nice to just walk into your backyard and hop in the boat

[fivesixone]

I've got a similar 9 footer. I wouldn't want paddles as my only transportation, but it's definitely possible if you're motivated enough I guess. Just paddling it a little bit out from shore when I launch it takes a little work. I'd say look at a canoe.

Other than that, I love my boat, it's pretty much unsinkable and tons of fun!

[Big Phish]

I would recommend either a canoe or a kayak.  I kayak fish and love it.  the only thing about it is you have to have a full set up.  A rod holder, rudder, paddle holder, anchor, dry storage, bungies and plenty of space inside are all necessary to effectively and enjoyable kayak fish.  I use a pelican, but if you have the cash i would look at Native kayaks.  They have some really great fishing kayaks.  

But if that's not your thing, you might be better off with a jon boat.  it'll be easier to paddle than that bass raider and have more space.  You can probably even get one on craigslist or something for a lot cheaper.  My uncle just got one with a trailer and trolling motor in good working condition for 500$

[CGH]

Lake Nazis huh.  Yea I would go with either a canoe or a kayak or maybe a float tube (snake, gators?).  Would be a lot easier to move around than a Bass Raider 10e.  

If it was me I might borrow a small 12volt trolling motor and take that and go talk with the lake association Leadership and explain to them that an electric motor would cause zero damage to lake and it total noiseless. who knows they might turn it in to and electric only lake!

[Turkot]

Thanks for the replies. I have a basic fishing kayak and a pedalboat right now. They both work just fine, but I am looking for something a bit more purpose-built for fishing. A jon boat would work I'm sure. My lake is small but its in a multi lake community. Too bad about the motor policy. I was bummed when I heard it.

Sorry for the double post. It was in another forum and moved here!

[Eddie Munster]

I have a Pond Prowler which is similar to the Bass Raider and trust me, you don't want to have to paddle those things. If you're only fishing those lakes, get a canoe, kayak or one of those fishing tubes.

[VA-Cal]

A small jon boat with oarlocks and oars sounds like a viable option!

Cal

[Turkot]

Well I do fish other, larger lakes that allow electrics. I really like the way the boat is "put together." Solid, lightweight (relative to a loaded jon boat) and there is less customization needed for me to do (as far as little thing like cupholders go).

Anybody think you could install oarlocks on one of these boats? A jon boat is looking more like what I'll end up with, but I wanna be sure that the raider is a total loss without a motor first  

[fivesixone]

From the way you're sitting on these boats, I don't think it would be very comfortable or efficient to use oarlocks. I dunno, I think you'd be too worn out to even think about fishing by the time you get where you want to be. Plus, it's all a plastic material and oarlocks may put a little too much pressure after some time wherever you were to mount them.

I love my Pond Prowler 9', but if I could'nt use a motor, I think I'd definitely look at a smaller john boat, maybe a v-hull, or a canoe. Good luck!