Kayak or Jon boat?
Getting more and more into fishing and wanting to pick something up to get out on the water. But I can’t decide which option is best. For those of you that have one or the other what has been the pros and cons?
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by TheSteeg
Need a trailer for a jon boat, and they can cost a bit more, but on the other hand, kyaks can get up to any price you can afford pretty much. A jon boat is going to be a littleeee better in the wind. Nothing i hate more than getting one cast in then have to spin the boat back around. A trolling motor will help on a jon boat, more money though. More room in a jon boat, pretty much same accessibility though. Sometimes ill get going pretty good with the trolling motor then quickly pull it up to coast on top of lilly pads. Thats always fun. You can also bring a guest. It depends on you, i would say a jon boat is better but then you have to trailer it in and longer set up.
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by River922
I was asking about kayaks earlier in a different sub. They all said it’s not worth buying anything cheap. So 1-2k for a “starter” kayak. I figure I can probably get a job boat for that same price. I am leaning more towards the jon but nervous because I have little boat experience (and backing a trailer is my kryptonite lol). And I think having the project of building some platforms and other modifications would be fun.
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by TheSteeg
The building is definitely a huge perk, and people want that stuff on craigslist if you do a good job and youre looking to upgrade. Not sure how the resale would be on an expensive kyak, ive just never had an expensive one. A jon boat will be perfect for someone new. If you do ever decide to put a gas motor on it, please ignore the speed limit signs people put out. They do this so you dont make big waves that damage the seawall and other boats, when in reality getting on plane or going very slow is the only way to make small waves. Practice backing it up in other places, or a public ramp that no one is watching haha
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by River922
That's a lie. I have a 10.5' Fleet Farm kayak I payed under 600 bucks for... I have two mounted rod holders for trolling and my 5" Garmin fish-finder mounted on the top. I've taken that think on two Great Lakes and tons of inland lakes and rivers. You can't stand-up in it and doesn't have those fancy paddle systems but if you want to get fishing for cheapish. That's the way to go! You don't need those fancy stand-up kayaks to get on the water. Often to not those things are super heavy as well. All depends on the bodies of water near you and what you want to fish for... Don't recommend musky fishing out of kayaks and I'm from Wisconsin so I have a S-load of bodies of water near me!
PS: I also own a 16' V-bottom Lund so I might be based when it comes to kayak choice. I also duck hunt out of my kayak as well. Boat motors can also be a bitch and a money pit as well!
Make/Model - Believe it's a 10.5 Perception Sound. "Sounds" about right!
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by Buydontselle
You can stay dry in a jon boat. Cold weather fishing in a kayak would be challenging.
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by SharkLaser667
Rayz
Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.
Jon boats can carry more like coolers. bait pails, larger tackle boxes etc. Some can go on a roof rack. Also can bring a friend.
Garry
Loc: Wellborn, Florida
Jon boat, You can modify it as you want the sun won't effect it like a fiberglass kayak, overtime will develop sun damage. You, if you are like me, are more apt to get wet, not fun at all in freezing weather. Jon Boat, you can add an out board motor and get to fishing area. Depending on your load you can still pull the Jon boat over dikes and such
Dude if your alone then a kayak is the way to go. And not expensive or long 10 foot kayak is perfect. I have both never use the John any more too heavy and if your rowing you are facing the back of the boat.
Trick to backing is go slow and put one hand on bottom of steering wheel push that hand in the direction you want the trailer to go.
I like my creek boat. 12.5 ft molded plastic seats two has livewell and 55lb trolling motor steered with feet to keep hands free for fishing. It's light enough to put in bed of truck , but I trailer it for ease of loading and unloading.
One motor failure in that jon boat a mile or so away from your launch and you will be hating life rowing especially against the wind. Experience talking here. Bought a new fishing kayak outfitted it with everything from rod holders to a inflatable vest for under $ 1,600.00. No more motor repairs, or non ethanol gas purchases. Fishing has improved because I get into those places I could only see from a distance so I wouldn't bottom out or get the prop sucking mud. Its your choice it all depends on your fishing conditions and needs.
plumbob
Having fished saltwater from both Jon boat and kayak I’d go with the Jon boat.
Although it takes a little longer to trailer etc I like the idea of being able to stretch and even stand up to stretch my legs during a long day on the water. I power my Jon boat with a small trolling motor without issues. Just my 2 cents .
I would say it all depends on your age! A kayak or canoe is very hard to get in and out of and to keep upright, where as a Jon boat or as we call them where I live a bateau with a trolling motor is easy to get in and out of and you can't turn it over unless you yearly try that's my thoughts!!!!
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