Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I am interested in hearing opinions about Yamaha Wave Runner's that are rigged for fishing, or suitable for that type rigging. What are your thoughts about the positive and negative features? I've had several boats from 16 Starcraft aluminum to 26 ft. Gulf Coast center console bay rig.

I am too old and crippled to deal with a big or heavy rig anymore, and may not be able to deal with a wave runner either, but still have the urge. I would like to have something that my 8 year old nephew and I can bass fish in local lakes. My thinking was a Wave Runner would fit in my garage and possibly be easier to handle, both launch and loading. I guess I've more interested in hearing all the negatives, since the positives are easier to deal with. Just Sayin...RJS

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Well RJS,
My 2 cents is they suck gas like crazy and they don’t like weeds (where most of the fish are). They are fun to play with...once, by yourself. They are a bit tippy with 2 people and you can’t turn around on the seat, easily, either. I would recommend a simple, flat bottom, aluminum boat that you can easily trailer and get in/out of. Perhaps a 12’ jonboat with a trolling motor would suffice to get you out if you don’t want to mess with a motor? You could add a depth finder to it and have a nice, simple package to handle and teach your Grandson in. Easy to trailer and can also get you into shallow water. You could add a power pole or Talon to help you anchor if you don’t want to use an anchor, too. There are options for pond hopping, just sayin’ 😉

DB Ed Loc: Brock, Nebraska southeast ne

I have a 12ft Jon boat it's a little hard for me to get into because they are easy to tip I kinda unsteady on my feet I almost need someone to steady the boat when I get in also need a raised seat , to uncomfortable to sit that low

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I have a 12’ Jon boat also and bought a clamp-on seat that attaches to the existing seat with screw clamps and is fairly comfortable and cheap. Raises you up to a better sitting position.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

There is also a free-standing pedestal available which could straddle the bench. A seat could be bolted to that, too. Lots of options to get you out on the water.

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

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Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Thanks for all the help. I had suspected as much. Wave runners and their ilk for "hot dogging" and little else.

A john boat, either 14 or 16, with an electric trolling motor are probably more along the lines of what I need for my fishing intentions. Such would also be more easily disposed of when I'm gone. I know how to deal with hauling, launching, and loading that rig already. I never intended to travel miles and miles over open water anyhow! Just Sayin...RJS

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Best of luck with your choice and the time with your Grandson

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

DB ED: you have described my condition. I have to have something that is both steady, but light enough to deal with. I am no longer a 6'2" 200+ youngster that would tackle about anything, sometimes foolishly! I've had two knees replaced and my wife says I didn't do the proper PT to get back in shape, but mostly i was always joking with the physical trainers and just telling them jokes to keep my mind off the pain! When you are 85 and tottering, you think twice about what you undertake. Just Sayin...RjS

Cleemartin Loc: Hampton, Virginia

First, they do NOT tip over easily. Second, they sip gas. Third, they can easily be rigged out with several rod holders, a cooler & a bait box, plus a wind shield. Most of those that I am familiar with are used in the lower Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. You can fish the flats for trout or scoot across the bay (12 miles) and fish around the pilings of the bridge tunnel complex.

DB Ed Loc: Brock, Nebraska southeast ne

Hope whatever you do it lets you continue fishing.

MStone Loc: Hayden Lake, Idaho

I suggest a three seater or one of the new Seadoos that are set up with a platform and is designed for fishing.

https://www.sea-doo.com/us/en/shopping-tools/customize-your-own/fishing/fish-pro.html

They are pretty stable but be sure it has a boarding step...the are very difficult to get in if you are in the water without one. The new 4-stokes are pretty efficient especially if you get the lower performance model.

Schancer Loc: Hayward, WI

I hate 'em. They mess up my fishin'.

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

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Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

RJS this topic came up a while back and almost cost me banishment from the forum. Now, there were a lot of negatives about these machines and their riders. Having grown a bit wiser and with more understanding and knowledge of these craft and their pilots,yes pilots, my remarks at the time could have been misunderstood. As the canoe kayak bass boat pontoon rubber boat plastic even tubes share our waters, why not the wave runners? One stipulation. They should abide by the same rules and be as courteous as we are as anglers.