Thread: 14ft jon boat or get a kayak?

I have to agree on those priceless moments especially with my son, but since I don't own either if kayak is a better option I can get my son an I one, I just wanna make the best decision possible and would like opinions from people that own both and have the experience I don't have, thank you sir..

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Unless you want to buy multiple kayaks sounds like you know the answer for you then. I think I would try for the boat as well with your situation. Nobody likes having to pay anything but somethings are worth it. The memories you can make with your son.......priceless.

I do plan on giving my oldest daughter my old fishing kayak so she can go with me when she is old enough. Between me, my wife and our girls we have 4 kayaks now. Probably will add more as the girls age. We love it.

Originally Posted by Rodrigoelgu

boat.......so I can take my 12 year old son with me

There's your answer. That or one boat, or two yaks. My son was 15 when I got back in to fishing and got a boat. I wouldn't trade the time we've had on the water in the past 3 years for anything.

Also, I read above where you said the water gets rough on the water you'll fish. Neither a small boat, nor a kayak is suitable for that. Safety first.

We have 3 yaks and a 17' paddle jon, all have uses, but FYI the paddle jon will float over anything the yaks will, but if you take a large wake the SOT yak will self bail and still float, the boat not so much.

Don't rule out a canoe either. They can go thru some skinny water, if not over loaded.

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Get a pedal kayak. Now that I pedal it’s faster and keeps hands free for fishing more. Plus on windy days paddling sucks!! Look for one with a good seat, and high seat option helps standing and comfort. I can throw in back of truck and go. No fees, taxes or maintenance. Go try them out before buying. Lots of kayak shops have date for trying them out first.

Hi Dave, been thinking about a pedal kayak myself lately . could you tell me what kind of outfit your using and do you like it? are there any other models you'd recommend me checking into? i mainly fish small lakes and sometimes reservoirs' if the conditions are right . Thanks

Originally Posted by treepotato

Hi Dave, been thinking about a pedal kayak myself lately . could you tell me what kind of outfit your using and do you like it? are there any other models you'd recommend me checking into? i mainly fish small lakes and sometimes reservoirs' if the conditions are right . Thanks

linked to another thread so not to hijack this one. Hope this helps.

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/kaya...e-titan-3.html

I’ve fished from canoes and Jon’s from 10 to 16’. I got the idea of owning a kayak a couple of years back and after a lot of thought discounted the idea. Shoulders have the beginning of Arthur and I don’t believe that I could take the long, into the wind paddles home. My thoughts about a Jon is that it all depends on where you want to go and how you rig the boat. A trolling motor has served me well going just about anywhere I cared to go. A push pole made from clothes pole and a PVC T fitting,pole into the 1 1/2” side and the 2 or 3” continuous gets cut off half way and makes the foot. The other end also works as a stake out pole to tie off to. If cut to the right length it will fit inside the boat when towing and traveling. New since I fished out of a Jon full time is the stakeout mounts. Letting the wind blow you into place, with a little planning, then staking out, would have been a great asset for me. A sculling paddle moved many a small boat almost silently for many years before trolling motors. One thing I will say is to get the widest Jon you can find or afford. Just my thoughts, good luck tith your choice.

if there is company involved the 14 foot john is the way to go
or you could buy 2 yaks