What type of boat?!

So, I’ve been a bank fisherman and small stream wader my whole life. However, I’m not ready to get some sort of smaller boat/kayak. My question to you experienced individuals is, what type/which one? Hauling will be my biggest issue. I was almost ready to get a fishing kayak, but then started thinking of how to haul it on my car - 2012 Nissan Versa hatchback. I would like to avoid dropping $1000 more on a trailer, and I’m just not sure having a roof rack installed would be worth it in that little car.

Any and all thoughts/suggestions appreciated, as long as serious!

Thanks in advance!

Small and lightweight to be within your vehicles tow capacity. I’m of the thought that a Jon boat is as light, tough and versatile as a body can ask for. If you’re younger, a 12’ and trolling motor will get a lot done. If you’re older a bit, a 1448 Jon is much more stable having a 48” wide floor. Kayaks and canoes are both cool but have limitations. I’ve fished out of a canoe and if roof racks and loading/unloading isn’t an issue, an aluminum canoe between 12’ and 15’ would do well also. I’ve done a lot with all the above, got to make up your mind what suits you.

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Originally Posted by megalotis

So, I’ve been a bank fisherman and small stream wader my whole life. However, I’m not ready to get some sort of smaller boat/kayak. My question to you experienced individuals is, what type/which one? Hauling will be my biggest issue. I was almost ready to get a fishing kayak, but then started thinking of how to haul it on my car - 2012 Nissan Versa hatchback. I would like to avoid dropping $1000 more on a trailer, and I’m just not sure having a roof rack installed would be worth it in that little car.

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You might try posting here:

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/kaya...ll-watercraft/

I use a float tube. There pretty cheap and easily transported. You can't move fast in one, but that's never been a concern of mine. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX4bLA_ZRPQ

I thought I'd like to have a canoe - just for small ponds and stuff. Well, I quickly found out that I was way too old to fish comfortably out of a canoe. Not only did I have to lift it in and out of the bed of the truck, I found that just fishing out of it was dang'd uncomfortable. Not being able to easily turn around or move my legs was a killer.

If I were in your position, I'd look for a 12' jon boat with a little portable outboard (the 3hp kind with the built-in gas tank) and a lightweight trailer. Your Versa might not be trailer rated, but it should be able to pull that (maybe 500lbs tops) without issue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by megalotis

So, I’ve been a bank fisherman and small stream wader my whole life. However, I’m not ready to get some sort of smaller boat/kayak. My question to you experienced individuals is, what type/which one? Hauling will be my biggest issue. I was almost ready to get a fishing kayak, but then started thinking of how to haul it on my car - 2012 Nissan Versa hatchback. I would like to avoid dropping $1000 more on a trailer, and I’m just not sure having a roof rack installed would be worth it in that little car.

Any and all thoughts/suggestions appreciated, as long as serious!

Thanks in advance!

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I kayaked for 5 years using a Nissan Versa as my vehicle. I eventually bought a trailer but I car topped for a while. When it died it had 267,000 miles on it. Over those 5 years I used a Jackson Coosa.....Wilderness Ride 115.....Big Game Prowler II and a Native Slayer Propel 10. My favorite was the BG Prowler II. Eventually I could no longer lift kayaks so got back into boating.

Regards


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wide flat bottom is my thought , a trailer can be had cheap . I just sold one that wasn't bad for 50 bucks a few months ago .
of course if you waited till now to buy you will pay a lot more for whatever you get most likely .
one thing for certain the stability of a wide flat bottom coupled with the much easier to land fish and keep loads of tackle in will steer me away from yaks and canoes almost every time ,that and you cant ever ever take a bud with ya , short of a little bitty doggy :Rofl
I do know a yak has been on my list for a good while ,but I just keep remembering the I wasn't comfortable in one when I used it and it was a 3,000 dollar high end foot paddle fancy pants big long thing . a close friend runs a kayak guide service and I went out with him in his professional /tournament set up yaks and even though it wasn't just totally terrible , I still didn't click with it much .
and I done me more canoe travels than a native American and they are for sure tricky vessels unless you are pretty agile and know how to do what when ….
trolling motor and john boat gets my vote . my 2 cents

I had a 10" Bass Tender rigged with a trolling motor and fish finder. I paid $300.00 for the whole rig with trailer. It was a great little boat and it caught a bunch of fish.

The Frog Boat - Home

Check out this boat. I see a local angler with one of these on one of the lakes I manage. He just uses a trolling motor and he says he loves it. Pretty interesting design.


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My suggestion in better times would be post up in the KY forum and see if someone would let you ride along and see what kind of set up they have. I have met and let people try out my kayak in the past so they would have an ideal if they wanted to pursue buying one. With Covid 19 most everyone may be more careful about meeting up. I love kayak fishing, but small aluminum boats would work good for you also. I have fished out of kayaks, canoes and small aluminum boats. See if you can do a ride along to figure out what you want. If I were closer and not under a shelter in place I would b glad to let you paddle a kayak one day. Best of luck.
Flintcreek.

I fished out of a 10ft Bass Tender for a few years. I carried it in the bed of pickup for a few years before finding a used jet ski trailer and converting it to carry the boat. I added a trolling motor, fish finder and 5hp outboard. I have caught thousands of fish with this rig. A Versa would easily tow this 500 pound set up.