One-man Boat

[Clemson]

I would welcome some suggestions about brands of one-man boats to look into.

I fish mainly small, southern ponds for bass and bream. I would be looking for something that I could transport in the bed of my pickup truck. Inflatables, john boats, canoes, cats, tubes..... the choices are bewildering.

I would sure like to hear from some folks with experience in small fishing craft. I do have a small Minkota electric motor, but I am not afraid of paddle or fins for propulsion.

I think I would prefer to stay dry, but I am not morally opposed to those craft that require me to wear waders.

Any suggestions where to start?

Clemson

[hardhat]

I would highly suggest a port a bote. These boats are very easily transported, easy to set up and very stable on the water. When I am not using it I have it hanging on the wall in my garage. I have the 12 1/2' model and love it. Two adults can stand up in the boat without having to worry about instablity. I believe that they start with a 10' model.

[mojo]

If you're interested in an inflatable- this packs down small, weighs 18 lb. is frameless and if you get the deck you can put a motor on it.
Navigator II by Northfork Outdoors.
A Porte Bote is nice also. We wanna get one of those one day. 16'er though.

[BigCliff]

I float my 240# in a Outcast Fishcat tube occasionally, and it serves me well. If you'd rather keep yer feet away from the critters, a Perception Swifty Kayak is a great choice. They're super stable, will float 350#, and short enough to ride easily in the back of a pick-up. (though tying it down is wise)

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Clemson,

Float tubes and pontoon boats are great out west but you are in the south and that may mean alligators or snakes. I think you would like the Bass Hunter style boat. The "Best Value" would work with one man. Your trolling motor would work for propulsion and you have plenty of room for a big battery. They are stable and would work for stand-up casting.

[Frank Whiton]

Clemson,

The Old Town Preditor is another very good choice for pond fishing.

[Clemson]

Thanks for the great ideas, guys. Please keep 'em coming.

Frank, I do see a few snakes, but that hasn't kept me from wading the farm ponds. The typical farm pond has a mud bottom, and it is not at all unusual to find yourself literally knee deep in mud, particularly in the upper end of ponds which are fairly heavily silted. When you put a couple of feet of water on top of that muck, you quickly have a situation that limits your ability to cast!

I like the idea of a boat a bit better than a float, but there are times when portability would trump comfort. Maybe that would be an excuse to buy two craft......

Clemson