Fishing in 12 ft Jon boat: Contemplating buying 12 ft Jon for myself and friends. Inexperienced in boating. Just want to fish towards banks, without buying a gas motor. Will a trolling...

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Contemplating buying 12 ft Jon for myself and friends. Inexperienced in boating. Just want to fish towards banks, without buying a gas motor. Will a trolling motor do the job? Thinking a Lund 1240 or similar at 140-160 lbs dry wait. Do I need a live well? Thank you.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Drew Barrick wrote:

Contemplating buying 12 ft Jon for myself and friends. Inexperienced in boating. Just want to fish towards banks, without buying a gas motor. Will a trolling motor do the job? Thinking a Lund 1240 or similar at 140-160 lbs dry wait. Do I need a live well? Thank you.

Good Morning Drew, before you contemplate the amount of weight you will be adding check boat plate recommendations on the inside of your transom, that's a small boat , you don't want to overweigh it, read a post from yesterday from Gene So about what happened to his 10' Jon boat please,,

HarryS Loc: NJ

I fish in my 14' deep v with a 55lb electric motor. I only fish with one other person in the boat for safety and sanity. The weight limits on most boats including equipment are not very much. A live well is a nice convenience but adds a lot of weight. There are portable options that are available. I fish many times with lures only since I don't have a lot of options where I can buy bait. This is how I prefer to fish, there are many choices for you to make it, your way.

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks. I did read that. That made me go from 10 to 12 ft (I had wanted to eliminate a trailer, so I could throw in back of van; after reading that story, I thought we’ll better get longer boat. Basically I don’t want to buy a gas motor. Will a troller push a 12 or 14 footer. Don’t plan on being anywhere but near shore line. I go fishing away from banks on a 16 footer with daughter’s boyfriend. Thanks

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks HarryS. So you don’t use a gas motor? Only a troller? That’s what I want to do, since I fish on Well equipped 16 footer with my daughter’s boyfriend. Just want to take other friends closer to shoreline. Say I buy a 14 footer for safety; weighing 150-250 lbs; would a troller without a gas motor, in addition, push me around shoreline? Would bring oars. I understand I won’t need livewell built in. Thanks very much. All ears here for rookie at near 71, with limited boat knowledge. Thanks very much!😊🐟

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Sure an electric trolling motor will push it , 30 to 40 lb thrust will scoot you around, as long as it's not too windy,,I would have put this post in Main so you can get a lot more responses my friend,,

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks jarheadfishingfool. All ears for more of your recommendations. I don’t want to tip over. I don’t know much about boats. Do want STABILITY!

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks HarryS. So you don’t use a gas motor? Only a troller? That’s what I want to do, since I fish on Well equipped 16 footer with my daughter’s boyfriend. Just want to take other friends closer to shoreline. Say I buy a 14 footer for safety; weighing 150-250 lbs; would a troller without a gas motor, in addition, push me around shoreline? Would bring oars. I understand I won’t need livewell built in. Thanks very much. All ears here for rookie at near 71, with limited boat knowledge. Thanks very much!😊🐟

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Drew, jonboats are awesome for transportation and can easily be pushed by a trolling motor. As long as you don’t overload it, you’ll be fine. You don’t need a live well, as a cooler will suffice.
Think about who you will be fishing with, too. As long as both are not over 250#, A 12’ jonboat will be fine for 2 people as it is 56” wide. If you have big friends, the 14’ may be the way to go as it is 59” wide. Lund makes a great jonboat. Take a set of oars as well, just in case your battery runs low.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Drew Barrick wrote:

Thanks jarheadfishingfool. All ears for more of your recommendations. I don’t want to tip over. I don’t know much about boats. Do want STABILITY!

Weight distribution is always key in smaller boats,👍

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks jarheadfishingfool. Sounds like you were a Marine. Thanks for your service. I was in National Guard — not quite your level of service. Will post in Main.

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks ojdidit: if I buy a 14 footer, say dry weight 250 lbs; would a troller push it without any gas motor. Fishing towards shore line. Anchor: round or the one with prongs that stick into bottom? One for each end of boat? Thanks

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Drew Barrick wrote:

Thanks ojdidit: if I buy a 14 footer, say dry weight 250 lbs; would a troller push it without any gas motor. Fishing towards shore line. Anchor: round or the one with prongs that stick into bottom? One for each end of boat? Thanks

A trolling motor will easily push it around and yes, I would recommend an anchor for each end of the boat so the wind doesn’t spin you around or blow you off a spot. An Anchor Mate installed on the bow can help with balance issues. Don’t forget the PFDs (wearable and throwable), too! Get out there and catch some fish! Good luck!

HarryS Loc: NJ

My 14' deep V is a heavy boat and my friend is 220lbs and I am 170lbs. The battery is 60lbs and our tackle boxes, anchor, add another 40lbs. I had a 30lb motor and in a stiff wind, we would barely move. Went to a 55lb and it was much better. Not that much more to buy a 55lb vs 30lb. Again my boat is heavy with wood floor and compartments.

Drew Barrick Loc: Illinois

Thanks very much!! Looks like 14 ft is safest and smartest. Very much appreciated. No doubt I’ll have more questions!😊🐟