Kayak vs. Jon Boat

[Rolltide09]

Ok well I am goin back and fourth between the two right now. I am looking at either another Hobie (mine was stolen) or get a WS Commander 120 vs. a Jon Boat. Good things about the Hobie is the hands free fishing but one of my favorite fishing places is covered up in grass mats and vegetation and thats a week point of the Mirage drive whereas the Commander 120  would be able to glide right over them. If I go with the Commander 120 I will add a trolling motor to the back to assist in the longer hauls to make up for not goin with the hobie.   Jon boat on the other hand would be louder in the water than the Kayaks and would more than likely require me to use a trailer instead of just throwing it in the bed of my pickup if I go bigger than a 12ft. I mainly fish areas that are from 2 acres to 100 acres in size along with the public lake right by my house on occasion. I really like the stability of the Hobie PA and WS commander versus what I keep reading on the 1236 and 1436 jon boats. Bad point is that if I get the yak over the jon is that I will be flying solo on fishing trips other than having a buddy go along. Which sometimes isnt a bad thing. What would yall do and why?

[Marty]

I've never fished from a kayak but just finished up my 4th season with a canoe. My circumstances are different from yours and in my case it had to be an ultralight canoe or no boat period.

I have no truck and trailering was not something I wanted to do.

My partner owns a 12' john boat with trolling motor which he uses either solo or with someone else. He tosses it in the back of his capped pickup truck. There's not many places he can't go that a canoe or kayak can.

How weedy are your waters? The john boat has difficulty with heavy mats and I can paddle over them, albeit with difficulty if they're thick and slimy.

I can't help with your decision but the more information you pick up the easier your decision will be (maybe).

Good luck.

[jj2]

I have a kayak that I use in the new river and a 12' flat bottom I use in a couple of small lakes that I fish some that don't allow outboards. the kayak is easier to put in anywhere along the river and more manuverable and handles the shallow rocky water better than the flat bottom but I like the flat bottom better in the small lakes with a trolling motor because I usually fish them with a buddy or if I'm alone I have more mobility in the flat bottom I can stand to fish if I need to and can carry more tackle as well. Where in the kayak stuck sitting faceing the way the kayak is headed and am limited in the tackle I can carry

[Goose52]

Ok well I am goin back and fourth between the two right now. I am looking at either another Hobie (mine was stolen) or get a WS Commander 120 vs. a Jon Boat. ............... What would yall do and why?

Many of us have had to make similar decisions regarding the selection of small watercraft. However, our decision criteria may be different than yours. You're looking at two different types of craft with different capabilities. You sorta have to decide what capability/features are most important to you and then decide which craft best meets those needs.

For me, I considered inflatable pontoons, kayaks, canoes, jons, bass raiders, etc. Like Marty, one of my most important requirements was light weight and the ability to car-top. Then I wanted storage, especially "in-board" storage since I sometimes have a grip problem and if I drop something, I want it to fall in the boat, instead of overboard. I wanted something that could be paddled or rowed without much effort, but would also take a trolling motor. After looking at all those factors, I ended up with a heavily equipped canoe (outriggers, TM, sonar, rod holders, etc).

Good luck in your decision!

[Grey Wolf]

Like to fish alone..........Yak

Need companship.........Jon

[bilgerat]

I own a 14' jon but I got a 12.5 kayak last year. I don't have a trailer, so the jon is a two man deal. Being that my fishing partner's work schedule rarely jives with mine, the yak was the only way to go.

I got a sit on top yak, which is the optimal choice for fishing. I weigh a tad over 200 lbs, but my yak is more than stable enough. I can even sit sideways on it like a bench if I want to. I can get the yak into spots like massive lily pad fields or vegetation mats where even a jon would have trouble.

If you have a Dick's near you, you can get a deal if you keep your eye out. I got a fully rigged kayak (3 rod holders, seat and anchor kit) for $500 last Memorial day. That was $100 off of the normal price.

[hokiefisherman93]

I have yak-fished for a while now, and will not go back to riding in a jon-boat.  A yak is a very peaceful and easy way to fish, no noise at all from a motor and it is very maneuverable in rivers.  I fish the James River a lot, and having that maneuverability of the yak gives me the ability to fish stretches that normally would be inaccessible to boaters.  I own a ride-135 and the yak is sturdy enough to stand and fish without too much trouble.  Look around on craigslist and you can find really great deals on them.  Both the kayaks you are looking at are great ones, but don't be afraid to look around.  If being alone is what you are worried about, don't be.  There are many kayak-fisherman out there that love to fish as much as they can!   If you have any questions PM me.

[bigfruits]

id suggest a regular SOT kayak (without mirage) for the weedy lakes...

[Go Time]

I keep a push pole in my 16ft john boat. When I find myself in some thick weeds (usually hydrilla) I pull both motors up and use the push pole. Boat just glides over the top of the weeds.

[jeremyt]

I would take a look at Jackson Kayaks new model the Coosa. It has an adjustable seat  and you can stand on it. I can't wait for them to have enough in production so I can get one.

[Rolltide09]

Well guys I bought 1436 Waco Jon Boat (1836 model) with 18" sides from one of Dad's friends. Boat is basically new and came with a new galvanized trailer, two new 45lb Endura Trolling motors, two new swivel seats, two new deep cycle batteries and trickle charger for $750. Was a no brainer for me. Gonna start modding her soon.

[Goose52]

WOW - $750 sounds like a good deal indeed!

Now, save up and get another yak to go with it... ;D

[Grey Wolf]

Nice deal on the boat & trailer.

[Go Time]

Congrats! Sounds like a heck of a deal!

[tntitans21399]

Your biggest question is about portability.  A kayak you can move with one hand & just need a hand full of gear.  A jon boat you need a trailer, motor, but can take more gear (& people).

[BassThumb]

That sounds like a bargain.  Put up some pics of the mod process eventually.