Aaron124 Loc: Arlington Ohio

I have been thinking about buying a simple small boat for fishing on a resivoir or small Lake. Just wondering what people suggest to get. Nothing to expensive or fancy just looking for ideas or suggestions.

BILLBYRD1 Loc: Prattville Al

I bought a used stick steer boat and added depth finders/lcd on the back of the boat and on the foot-controlled trolling motor. Does very well in shallow water but handles the deeper lakes and rivers easily. Paid $2000.00 for it and is more than I could ask for. Drive on trailer makes it easy to load and unload plus it is easy to pull behind small truck or car.

yankiedoodle Loc: Shelton, Ct.

I have always had boats of various types all my adult live. Have a 16ft side console deep boat with a 40 and a 8 hp side kicker swival seats, live well, depth and side view fish finders and 2 bow mount minkotas
which I use in fresh and salt. Great boat for the sound, lakes and Fl. I had a 12ft. with a 8hp and a bow motor on a trailer that was great for one on lakes and rivers in Vt. It is all what you are after--don't waste your money on going overboard or go cheap. Figure out what your needs are, what you plan to do, how you plan to use it , then either buy it or buy something and add to fit your needs. Good luck

BUCKEYE

I just started fishing again this year after about 15 years off and I've found it more addictive than I ever anticipated. I am the proud new owner of a Pelican Bass Raider 10E. I've had it about three months now and use it a couple of times each week. So far, I couldn't be happier with it. I have my own pond back in the woods away from civilization and I often go out there after work to unwind. I also have a fishing membership for a 200-acre lake and the Bass Raider has worked well on the pond and the lake. If I was going to put it in a river, I think I'd want to get a gasoline-powered motor. The Bass Raider is rated for up to a 3 1/2 horsepower motor. I bought it at Academy Sports and while I was there, I picked up a small Minn Kota trolling motor, a paddle, anchor, life jackets and stopped at Walmart for a battery. I have just under $1000 in everything. I have a full-size truck, so I didn't need a trailer. I can load and unload it by myself. I don't need a special place to launch the Bass Raider. I can drag it down to most any place and put it in the water. I like to fish alone so I use just one of the seats, which leaves plenty of room for all my gear and a small cooler. I like people but I like a little solitude too. This little boat works well for me and I was able to stay in my budget and get a new one. I have long believed that if I buy something used I might just be buying someone else’s troubles.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

A few questions regarding your situation: Alone or with others?
Vehicle type ?
Tow or no?
Budget ?
I am one of "those boat guys".... I have seven "floaty things to fish in". 4 are one- man, belly boat (least $) couple of pontoon-type (one is backpack-type for the hike-in places) and a killer inflatable from Sea Eagle, the 285fpb. The sea eagle is 9' and accepts a motor. It also fits in the trunk of my car, even w/the motor/battery etc. Less than $1000. My multiple people boats are more $$$ and are specific to the water to be fished and the fish targeted. Drift boat for the river, Livingston 12' for the lakes, & a small pontoon boat when the party is on the water ! Only the Sea Eagle was bought new, so I have no prob w/ used, just "caveat emptor". Craigslist and the backlot of a reputable boat dealer are best shopping, though not this time of year. Deals galore come December or January-February.
Motors are the one thing to consider buying new, especially gas ones, electric..toss-up.
Good luck on your search and pleeeease.... be careful, addiction is SOOOO easy, I admit my weakness.... I am talking with a guy about buying his 14' Sea Eagle Foldcat and I have a 40yrold 10' Seaswirl in the carport to restore as a winter project. DISEASES CAN BE PREVENTED.... the innoculation is a wife or money worries... I have neither !

6106b

I would buy used boat as big as you can afford.The small boats are the ones that get you into trouble. The motor is a major cost so keep the engine size on the lower side and get great gas miles.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Peddle power kayak and you will out fish many of power boaters. 2K - 3K and you are set to go. No cranking the motor, no hoping the battery is going to turn over the engine and no fuel requirements. At least give it a thought.

plumbob

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

You speak of the Hobie I presume. Besides being a one-man boat ( can't fish w/ friend along), you are "working" the whole time on the water. You are basically buying a $500-800 kayak w/ a Pedal system priced equivalent to a nice 4-stroke ! YETI LOGIC ! $2-3 k ?? Ridiculous in my opinion. That will buy a used boat, trailer, decent motor and beer for the friends you have brought along ! Hey, it's your money, be wise.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

I was skeptical of kayak fishing for most of 2018 but seeing what my two neighbors were catching changed my mind. One has peddle powered Hobie the other with an paddle only Old Town. I purchased a paddle only Bonafide and have caught more fish this year than I would have in my 14' with a 9hp motor because I can get in those areas I was just looking at from a distance. My only regret was not getting a Hobie. We all get together after our outings and the fishing tales and planning for the next days trip are the topics on hand. Just throwing it out there nothing is Ridiculos just a choice. Tight Lines my friend.

BUCKEYE

I agree, boats, like rods and reels are not "one size fits all." What works for one doesn't work for everyone. Do your research and then buy what works for you, your budget, and the kind of fishing you are into.

Aaron124 Loc: Arlington Ohio

Thanks for all the great advise. Lots of helpful info that I will keep in mind and ponder over while I do my research. Happy fishing guys!

Paul1111

I also have a pelican bass Raider and it is a fantastic little fishing boat

Aaron124 Loc: Arlington Ohio

Well to answer your questions first, I would prefer a small 2 man boat. Don't need much. I drive a Chevy Silverado Z71 so Indo have 4 wheel drive and a two package. My budget is one I can't really answer because I don't know what's good for spending on a boat or how much is two much. I am not looking to be one of those "Boat Guys" like you. I am simply just looking for a decent size boat for a buddy and I to take on a river, lake or resivoir to throw a line in the water. But I can completely under stand the addiction part. The more I see people out on the water in their boat the more I want to get one to go out deeper and see what out there. But I highly doubt the wife would allow me to own that many boats LOL. Although sometimes I think the boats would be cheaper than her in the long run.