Help me set up my boat:)

[nralover]

Guys, I just bought a 14' jon boat for a great price, and was given a trolling motor by my in laws. I will spend most of my time on a 16 acre lake that has some good bluegill. How would you rig a boat, if it was going to be used mainly for 'gil fishing. Any ideas/tips for gear, accessories, etc would be appreciated. Thanks, NRA

[chaunc]

Get an eagle 320 fishfinder for $120, and an anchor to hold you in place. A good walmart battery for your trolling motor and you're good to go. Oh yeah, dont forget your flotation device. And wear it.

[badbrad]

A buddy of mine has taken several small jon boats and made them into something special. To fish Chaunc is right, you just need the basics. But if you want to be comfortable while your out there you can do several things. We built a wood platform on the front of the boat and covered it with outdoor carpet. Mounted a seat pedestal to it and a homemade trolling motor bracket. Ran some 8 guage wire from the trilling moter along the side of the boat to a homemade battery box located at the back of the boat. We also mounted lights that can be controlled by a switch and plug-in's for any accessories you have, especially if you fish at night. I use a small Moon glow light at night and just plug it in. Works like a charm. We also carpeted the boat throughtout to minimze the noise. It was some work, but the finished product is pretty awesome and it's a heck of a lot of fun tricking it out. Don't forget having a good sculling paddle.

[dr_duff]

I have used 14ft rental jon boat for a year now being a guy who rents from the city lake here. My first purchase in the way of being comfortable would be a good cushioned seat to put in the boat and make sure to give yourself as much leg room as possible. I would agree with the fishfinder also. Don't spend to much on one because you are not going to need a big one. There is a post on this site for showing your boat. I think it is under the crappie forum. Go to that and you will get alot of ideas. Don't forget you floatation device and the seat I am talking about is a seat with a back on it not the floatation cushions. Good Luck.