Jon Boat vs Fishing Kayak Which Should You Buy

The question of Kayak or Jon Boat comes up a lot for me and other youtube fishing channels. Should you buy a Kayak or Jon Boat is so common because there is so much overlap between the two boats. They are not fully interchangeable and each has it's trade offs. I have not seen a real attempt to explain the pros, cons and experiences of owning the two platforms. I own multiple jon boats and kayaks. I also fish from each of them routinely and have for years. In this video, I will take that on water experience and help you decide which way to go for your boat choice. HINT...I said I own more than one of each LOL!

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#kayakfishing #jonboat

[MrBluesluver]

Great video. Very informative. I grew up on a small river and a 10 foot jon boat was perfect. A few years ago, I bought a cheap kayak and really liked it. Recently, I retired and moved to an apartment and had to sell the kayak. Storage and money are both an issue now and here in South Central Kansas you have to license any boat with a sail, motor, or any power other human. (rowing or pedals). I finally got a place cleared to store a small boat and am looking at another 10 foot kayak. I'd like another jon boat, but for now will have to pass on one. Around here I can get a nice 10-12 foot yak for about half of what a decent used jon would run. BTW, I'm 73 and have no problem with a yak, just take your time until you get in shape.

[antcri]

Good to find a channel that's not Bass obsessed.

[YakAngling]

I'll take the Kayak any day. It may take more work loading and paddling a kayak but I get to fish better waters in remote lakes, rivers and ponds on my YakAngling channel by kayak over boat.

[outdooradventureswilliamvest]

I say it all the time Warren preach it. The kayak community is something special. That is one of those things that cant be beat!

- William

[stevehogan]

A motorized kayak has enabled me at 73 with emphesma to kayak and enjoy fishing. I have to be careful regarding over heating down in SWFL summer heat but so does everyone else.

[umbraascensor]

Great video highlighting different aspects of each boat. I am kind of getting into fishing this year, only fished a few times and where I live, a boat is almost a requirement. Primarily, I think I'll be fishing solo with possibilities of one or two people joining on occasion. I've tried kayak fishing the other day and it was fun except for the wind pushing me about constantly as well as not having a place for my fish or easy access to my tackle gear. Starting cost, for a kayak looks to be around $400 for a simple basic Lifetime Stealth. Then adding a fish finder to find the fish and possible an anchor so I don't move about while casting. I am looking close to $800 up to $1000. Storage for the kayak rig is no problem.

I'm also considering an older 14' jonboat with a 20HP motor, trolling motor and a fish finder equipped. The cost is between $2000 and $3000. I fished off a bass fishing boat which was fun. It was nice being able to get to my destination easily and then using the trolling motor to stay in place. No casting stopping after a few spins on the reel adjust the kayak with the paddle then continue reeling in. just arrive, set and cast. It was also nice being able to move about the boat and stand when I wanted. I had room for keeping the caught fish and tackle no problem as well as multiple rods. This was a guided fishing trip. My biggest decision against a jonboat is storage and cost. I also operate out of a ford explorer so throwing something in the bed isn't an option. Either light enough to throw on top of the SUV or able to be moved on a trailer. I also want to have the option to have friends and family join as they can without having to buy extra kayaks.

As an experienced fisherman in both, which do you think is a better option? During the winter where I am southern South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama area, fishing in winter is doable. With a kayak, I'm afraid I won't have as many opportunities to fish due to cold temperatures and water; whereas, with a jonboat, I still have opportunity as I won't get as wet getting in and out or hauling fish in. Right now, storage is a challenge until I get my own place and so is cost. I also don't want to get something expensive then decide fishing isn't something I truly want to pursue but don't want to miss a possible good deal. I am checking out the jonboat sometime next month to see if it is a boat I want.

[tylerwebb]

Awesome video you seem like a cool dude !

[vulpixgrant]

I keep my Kayak, on top of my Jon Boat inside of the Storage Shed out back lol. That's why I bought the 12' Jon Boat it could sit on a Harbor Freight trailer and still have the door shut. The Jon when camping with me first time last month, and the grounds wouldn't allow me to keep it with the van. So storage lot was nearly a mile from the lake, and I ended up never using it because it was such a hassle! That's why I bought the Kayak, and learned to ask the Grounds about their boat/trailer policy!

[LovingIdaho]

I prefer a medium v to a john boat . It works better than a john boats in the rivers . We use our feelfree lures in the lakes, ponds and more around here .
If more people want to come, I take the medium v aluminum boat.

[CastFish]

I say get at least a boat and a kayak....I love having a boat for bigger water and a kayak for the skinny

[Romans_]

Thanks for this! I’m going with the yak based on the workout factor. (Also storage)

[carlomiranda]

What your thoughts on Tandem fishing Kayaks? My son and I love fishing and figured just get a tandem instead of two kayaks.

[paulcarver]

If you wanna put a coating on bare plywood try epoxy not as much smell as fiberglass resin .just a suggestion...enjoy your build

[JMag]

My two biggest reasons for owning a kayak are affordability and portability. I love my predator 13 and I'm planning on buying a Topwater PDL 120 soon, not because I hate paddling, but more because I also fish in the ocean and want to be able to cover more water and be hands free so I can battle the fish more and the current/waves less.

[LSeymour]

Video is right on time! I'm actually debating now lol

[GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Great video! Maybe one day I’ll have both 👌👍

[jaspurr]

Well you say that you can’t think of a ‘down side’ of a Kayak? Well you mentioned it up-front, it is a ‘solo’ experience, and like you say, to have your Kids along you have to buy them a Kayak too! They are going to be more ‘Vulnerable’ out there alone. With the Jon Boat, you can have more family fun, and a great day out, taking a Cooler and sandwiches for lunch together, it seems more ‘Social-friendly’ and also safer.

[UWPcustombaits]

I have both and have way more fun and take my kayak out way more.

[killa_treez]

Man, great video for insight. I'm looking at the same question, I've got two boys who love fishing but really want a fishing kayak to get into the sport. It's a tough choice starting out but your answer seems to be correct, you need both!

[Southernfinapparel]

Great comparison! Glad you like the gear! Tight Lines!!