Just starting out need input about boats/canoe

[oochow]

I'm just starting with crappie fishing been going steady for about two years now and been doing pretty well from the bank but now I'm wanting to get out on the water and been looking at buying a canoe to get out in the open water but not sure about it yet. I live up in the north east corner of ms around pickwick lake so there is some big water around. Any input on what type of canoe or if a canoe is a good starting point for a crappie rig would be great!

[feeshrman]

If your gonna be fishing Pickwick i would definitely get something a little more stable than a canoe. That water is deep and cold. A good semi-v john boat is what most of us have started out with. If you want to keep it small as possible I would get a 14-15 footer with at least a 15 hp motor. You can get one with tiller steer or console. But I would probably try and find a stick steer. You basically sit and run the outboard and trolling motor from the front seat. It also allows more room for gear in a small boat since it has no console.

[oochow]

I definitely wouldn't paddle a canoe around the main lake in pickwick too many big and fast boats just thought around the back up water and areas around the main lake plus some local watersheds and small lakes around Corinth.

I'm really looking at a small small budget here trying to work to put my wife through college so just need to start out cheap as possible and thought a canoe may be a good cheap start

[hotrod1]

Kayak Walmart 250.

[hotrod1]

16' deep v-hull with a 25 on it. Would be great. One of those short one man boats with a trolling motor on the back would be the ticket. You would get more use out of the v-hull. The one man is killer in the spring. You should find either one from 400-1000.

[bird down]

I got a one man I could sell ya

[stormcloud]

Keep fishing off the bank until she gets out of school, then tell her it's her turn to support you. (?) Might work?

[Cray]

One of those one man boats with trolling motor would be better than canoe. Especially in those small lakes you are talking about.

[canebreaker]

There are plenty of good spots to fish without getting out on the main lake of Pickwick. Spring crappie fishing for sure. The landing boat ramp to the marina, around it and the creek within 30 foot of shore. I've found some deep holes in there. The north side of Goat Island has been good too, before the fleas get out.
Any motor on it, it will have to be registered.
Tie a leader to everything you don't want to lose. A must, wear your PFD at all times.
Academy.com , Collierville,TN has some yaks and noes on sale.
Check craigslist.org for some if you haven't found anything yet. Some are listed in general, sporting goods and boats.

[jimmydee1]

If that's what ur gonna do....my first investment would be a good, no EXCELLENT.... PFD! Not familiar with ur neck of the woods, but I have a 14 ft jon boat (paid $75.00) with a 5 hp OLD Johnson ($110.), and a good TM with a better battery ($214.). I use it till its time to get serious with spider riggin. Lets me get up close and personal in the ditches goin into the main lake and around some warmer water not accessable with a bigger boat, and is good early before the 250 HP boats hit the water. I've even shot some ducks out of it....on purpose!!