FS Digest

Howdy everybody. I want to take my fishing experience to the next level, and finally be the proud owner of a new or pre loved fishing vessel. I have a good chunk of change ready for good deals that might cross my path in the next few months for a boat. However, I have no experience with kayak fishing. I grew up in Jon boats, that's what I know best and the most comfortable in. I want to chase big flathead in larger water systems and some bigger lakes, and I'm curious whether a kayak would be appropriate for it or not. I have enough space at home to store either, obviously a kayak would store more comfortably tho. I already own a truck, but have no dock of my own to leave the boat at. Would have to drop every trip. To get to certain spots I would have to cover quite a bit of water, several miles potentially (round trip) in moderate flow areas.

I've seen kayak catfishing on YouTube and pondered whether or not one of those nicer trolling motor kayaks would be better than a Jon boat overall, as I could probably get out on the water faster and with less hassle. Thing is kayaks are kinda a one person deal, so bringing friends out without their own kayak is out. My other bigger problem, however, is figuring out if I could actually bring the equipment I need, travel several miles out, and catch and land large fish safely. I fish two rods, bring live bait and also carry a heavy tackle box. The box could be sorted into just essentials but would still have a little heft to it. The lake system I like to fish is popular, plenty of boaters and of course some are jerks. So safety from others is also a concern. What do you guys think? Yay for kayak fishing or go the more traditional route?

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by dubble_oh_seVen124

Jeremy Loc: America

Neither for me. Inflatable Raft for rowing and fishing if big boats shouldn’t be on the body of water

Maximo Loc: Jupiter, Fl

16’ Lowe V-hull jonboat with a 25hp four stroke always got me out and got me back. Side console with steering and remote motor tilt, swivel seats, extended bow deck with storage below. Plenty of room for a fishing buddy and gear.

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

Last summer while camping I saw a 2-seat mini bass boat on the small lake we parked our camper trailer at. Told my wife when we get back I’m shopping for one. We both enjoy fishing the small lakes with it. I bought an 8’er so it fits the truck bed while pulling the camper.

I use a Minn Kota Endura 40 with a group 31 battery, goes for hours.

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

BOAT !

Simon2020 Loc: St. Augustine, Fl

kayak

Roger Lahti

Sounds like your describing conditions that really call for a modest aluminum V hull boat you can mount a modest motor on after you get it out of the truck. In my younger days I used a 10’ Livingston double hull fiberglass boat with a 10 horse motor that would skim across the water like racer. It was stable and fit my pickup bed. I eventually built a trailer out of a harbor freight trailer for it. Might be a bit cramped for two but it would carry two. I think you’ll find a kayakers even with an electric on it too slow and too hard o be seen by speeders. And not that stable.besides your gear, you have a battery or gas tank and your other gar. Too small.

mcdclc Loc: Pomona, NY

Check out porta botes. They come in several sizes from about 8 ft. to 15 ft. Handy for storage. The down side is that they are quite expensive.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I heard they're also very heavy. I have a 9' bass hunter pond boat with a minn kota 55 on it. For big flat heads personally I wouldn't use less than a 14' xwide Jon boat. Capsized once lost alot of gear. I like my 1754 center console tracker with deep sides between front n rear deck.

gene so Loc: Las Vegas, New Mexico

I love kayaks, but the areas you plan to fish in, the equipment you want to use , make a vee hull boat a wise decision.

Whitereb Loc: Lake Guntersville Alabama

Big flat heads will be a challenge in a kayak. I have fished with a fellow told me about him catching a 35lb flathead pulled him around and around get it close to him could tell that he couldn’t counter the fish finally a boat came over helped him pull it to the shore. I have caught up to a 10lb in my kayak without any problems. I have a small 15’ bass boat with 48hp don’t have that issue anymore good luck.