Aluminum or Kayak for Fishing

[TomAcc1]

Just wondering what people think about whether to fish from a kayak or a small aluminum/jon boat? I currently have a sit on top kayak and wondering if it is worth the switch to a small boat?

[Terry]

Really depends on where and what you fish for

However 

i can go a lot farther in a boat and carry more toys 

also I have never tipped a boat. Lol 

[porkpie]

I’ve fished out of a kayak, I’ve fished out of a 14 foot sportspal square stern, and I even have a heavy duty inflatable kayak for fall steelhead.  A 14 foot tinner outclasses them all as far as I’m concerned.  I have a Great Lakes boat, a tinner, and the inflatable kayak.  I got rid of the sportspal and the Nucanoe 2 person kayak that I had.  Nothing wrong with them, just not as capable!

Edited August 15, 2022 by porkpie

[akaShag]

4 hours ago, Terry said:

Really depends on where and what you fish for

However 

i can go a lot farther in a boat and carry more toys 

also I have never tipped a boat. Lol 

x2

[DRIFTER_016]

Both!! they both have their uses.

I have multiple watercraft.

I have 2 single man pontoons for river and stream fishing, a sit on top kayak, an 8' Zodiac, 12' tinny and an 18 footer. Like tackle you can never have too many boats!!!! 😁

[Rizzo]

haha I am like Drifter. 16.5 footer, 2-12 footers, 8 foot jon boat, 2 kayaks, canoe and a pedal boat...each has a time and a place. So if you can't do both a kayak and a tinny, and the purpose is exlusively fishing (not paddling etc) I would opt for a small tinny. I tend to bring a LOT of gear when I go and a tinny allows for it to come along

[Podric]

Not enough information to give an opinion and really what do you care about what others think.  Go with what you like.

Missing info: 
1. Do you want a 12footer to throw in a truck?  Do you have a truck?"
2. Do you want a 14 footer with a fixed gas motor?
3. What\where are you fishing?
4. What is wrong with you kayak?  Do you have to trailer it or do you have a ton of convenience.

Kayaks can be rigged to the hilt.  Down riggers, 6 rods trolling, fish finders, nets, cooler, motor and can still be stood up in.  Never seen a foot controlled trolling motor on one though.  It is insane how much stuff and what can be hauled up on in a kayak.  No limits, even a basic kayak can have most everything you would want.

Aluminum you don't have to physically exert yourself to fish, can be bashed about, can be more stable, you can bring a friend in the boat, you can stretch your legs, take a kid.

Grass is always greener on the other side but I bet when you get there you will miss not having the smell of gas, exercise and being close to the water.  The fishfinder can setup will probably be better and the trolling motor will allow more finesse. 

 

both, yep, have both.

Edited August 23, 2022 by Podric

[pics]

I had a 12 foot boat and that particular one felt like I was sitting on the floor of it.. theseat was way to low and some of the Jon boats will feel the same way unless you add a raised seat. I also have a sportspal pointed that I used to fish from but I hope to trade or sell in order to get a 12 foot flat back to take to moose camp.. my sit on kayak does the trick in for some cases but I can't carry much..