Jon/ Fishing boats... Teach me.

Stick with alum, flatbottom, with a 6HP or less sized motor.

Nothing smaller than 10 ft, and have a freaking blast.

Alum > glass only because of weight, and overall ease of use.

 

I think I'm going to go with a 14ft if I can a 10 ft just seems so small.

 

Get a couple kayaks, he can go out alone when he gets older. If anything, resale value should be good

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If you run across a Gheenoe or a Riverhawk in your search, then pounce on it. Its a hybrid canoe/flat back boat that's almost impossible to turn over. It is very nimble, and can draft in almost no water. I have a 13' that's perfect for my son and I. They are very hard to find and almost never for sale, so if you see one, don't miss out.

 

Side note. Teach the boy how to piss from a boat. It's a vital life skill. We found out last year on a fishing trip that one of our buddies couldn't piss from a boat. Having to make a run to shore so he could piss, led to more teasing than any adult man should have to endure.

 

How can you not? It's like pissing on land... only in a boat? It's not like you need a course on it

 

I was typing the same thing. Lol

Worst case, you fall in.

 

We were dumbfounded too. We were talking about it at my daughter's 4th birthday party on the weekend, and my Aunt said "hell, even I can piss from a boat" lol.

 

As far athe boat. Look for a used BassTracker. 14’ and up. That’s a one shot deal and will give you everything you want. If not that then do not get a trolling motor on the rear. You want a little wind when you fish and you’ll be trying to position the boat more than you’ll be fishing. It’s such a PITA that I built a mount for the front of my buddy’s 12’ aluminum V and used a 50lb minnkota w/ spot lock. Night and day difference when out on the water.

 

I think you are getting some advice which will put you way beyond where you need to go. Based on your original post, either a v or jon boat will work in the 12 to 14' range. I also think a trolling motor is all you will want or need based on your description of the only 2 lakes you will be fishing. That will get you on the water faster, cheaper and easier than any of the other suggestions.

 

Another vote for a flat-bottom, aluminum jon boat. Dad had one when we were little and he'd take us up the river for trout fishing. Head up stream as far as we could, raise the motor, float down stream fishing with spinner bait or corn. Good times as I recall. Don't remember any of us (Dad and brother) falling out or having any kind of problems.

 

Thays funny you say that. I was driving to a customers shop out of town and go around a corner and BAM, there was a flat bottom boat on the corner for sale. No gas engine, and i think was 14ft but a front and rear trolling motor. Had 3 seats and decent storage all wrapped in carpet. Called the number and left a message so we will see what he wants for it. Wish i knew how to uoload a pic always saays file to large. Same thing my wife always says...

 

You took the pic with your phone? Email it to yourself but select "large" instead of "full size", then open the email and save the smaller pic for upload.

 

Ill have to do that. I bought it. Guy called me back. Its 14ft. 2 trolling motors wired up nicly so one man can use both from the back. Fush finder, vest, live well, 3 seats that swivel with backs, capert lined inside, power outlet wired up, with trailer for $600 bucks. Couldnt pass it up.

 

It doesn’t matter what you get. You’ll be spending time with your boy, on the water and fishing. It doesn’t get any better than that and he’ll remember it for his entire life.

 

I would have left HER on shore.

 

Damn dude...score!

Now go have fun with your boy

 

That's a great deal. Have fun fishing with your boy.

They tried the first time it happened (I was in a different boat). We did call "her" Stephanie all week though.

 

$600! Great buy.
Now check the trailer tires, bearings and lights

 

Then check that the boat floats.