Topic: first boat

[PaulC]

I'm looking to purchase a small fishing boat for a pond I have that is off my property (great fishing).  Was originally going to buy a 10 or 12 foot Jon boat but was wondering if one of those Bass Hound boats I see on craigslist are better?  Usually its just me and sometimes my 9 year old daughter fishing but will occasionally have a friend want to join in.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks

[Curt - RI]

It all depends on what your needs are. Not sure what the length is on the bass hound boats, but they look to be pretty small.


If you were fishing solo 100% of the time, I'd say to go with one of them, but if you plan on sharing the boat with another person even 25% of the time, I'd suggest going with a 12 foot jon boat, just so you'll have bit more space (for safety reasons).


Better to have a little extra room and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[PaulC]

Thanks Curt that was what I was leaning to but wanted to get some feedback.

[Joe P]

Jon boat or a crawdad. Good stable small boats!

[Curt - RI]

Joe P is right. If you can find a Coleman Crawdad, snap it up. They're tough to find, but well worth buying if you locate one. They're tough and extremely stable for their size (11 ft.) 

I have one that I bought about 20 years ago for $200 and I won't part with it for anything.

[Patrick]

I had a Bass Tender a few years ago. OK for solo. Wouldn't fish with it with someone else. Just too small.

[Curt - RI]

I had a Bass Tender a few years ago. OK for solo. Wouldn't fish with it with someone else. Just too small.

Agree 100% 

[bless]

I also bought a Crawdad from a neighbor roughly 20 years ago and wont ever get rid of it. Stable enough for 2 of us to stand & fish all day long, lite enough that I can take it out alone, you really cant beat em