Jon Boats are More Versatile Than Kayaks
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- This is me comparing Jon Boats to Kayaks. If I could only have one it would definitely be a Jon boat. What other kind of boat videos would you like to see?
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One of the things I like about B.Lat, he's a top level pro, but has never lost touch of roots fishing. I believe if something happened to the pro deal, he'd shrug it off and still fish for fun and relaxation. He knows he can find fun in a jon boat and a 5 or 10 acre pond.
That’s literally all I do during the off-season
I pull my 14ft Jon Boat with my Chevy Impala. I look kinda goofy at the boat ramp sometimes, but I'm out there fishing just like everyone else at the end of the day.
I didn’t even have a trailer when I started! I can relate.
I have a Chevy impala too. Just looking for a Jon boat 😂
Just got to get on the water!
Getting it done, that’s what matters
I slide my 12 foot jon boat nose first in a beat up Honda oddessy.... then just back right up to the water crawl back and slide it out
I'm 50 I've had the same 10 ft Jon boat for 34 years and I have caught tons of bass in the backwaters with a trolling motor I look at the kayaks but I can't make a change when the Jon boat has worked so well for me
I enjoy the exercise I get when I fish from a kayak whether it's pedaling or paddling. For some people that's a con but it's a pro for me. It's also a huge plus that I don't need a trailer.
Yeah. Until you make the mistake of going to far. Now you been on the lake or river a few hours and realize you have to paddle back. I take my paddles an my trolling motor. I never do that again. My arms were on fire for over a week lol
I purchased my first kayak 32 years ago. It fit my lifestyle as I could drop it in the bed of my pickup truck and be on the water in minutes, just grab and go. I always figured that one day I would be in a bass boat but I noticed something along the way. Friends who had boats, that first season they were on the water every weekend but the second year they were out about half as much. By the 3rd season they were only getting out a few times. It happens, life, family and career keep you busy. Pick a water craft that fits your life, that you have time to use. I fish year round out of my kayak and I fish in three local kayak tournament series. Fishing kayaks have drastically improved over those 30 year but I still enjoy the aerobic benefit of the paddle, I am a minimalist at heart.
Amen brother. None of my boat guys are getting out in the winter in 28 degrees, but my kayak buddies are ready to go. Between the community, the exercise, and being so close to the water in peace, I much prefer kayaking. A lot of my friends who have boats do too.
I have both and love them both. I never thought of the fellowship point. You are so right. Love the videos and your opinions
Great breakdown! I ultimately chose to go the kayak route after owning a couple different 8-10 ft jon boats because I can carry and launch a kayak just about anywhere (I paddle a 50ish lb sit-inside kayak), I can cover just as much water with a kayak or much more if its a multi-day trip, and I can survive much worse weather in a kayak with a spray skirt (this depends on individual ability but I am comfortable in waves that would swamp a 10 ft jon boat).
dude had to shout out, since im early. I live in SC- found you on youtube a while back and have been going back to watch all your videos. Love that you're local to me, kinda hopin maybe one day we'll meet up and fish. haha. Love the content man. :)
Excellent vid. Really broke it down and helped me compare-contrast, which has been a long-standing curiosity for me due to availability (or lack thereof) of those boats in my area.
Really cool categories to compare. Tugged on the heart strings when talking about fellowship. Great video!!
That’s a big deal in this fishing thing. It’s just not the same when I don’t fish with another person.
Another great video. Thanks Blat!
Great video Brian, I like the way you explain you options on each
Good info B.Lat!! I got a kayak for Christmas,,,so I’ll be making my pro & cons,, this spring. I’m 50 and pond fish 80% of the time. I’ve been fishing jon boats, since I was 10. I’m looking forward to trying a new method of fishing.
You have a lot of hot takes but I'll have to say, the best one may be the "fellowship" perspective. Fishing, hunting, cruising, I just love taking friends and family out on the jon boat for the simple sake of being together. Keep up the great work and tight lines!
Great topic B. Lat.! Well done!
I hope it helps!
Great points. Awesome video!!
Great video B.Lat !
Great video! Comparisons on point!
Timely video. I am trying to make the exact decision right now as I get back into fishing, but also adding the in bass raider style plastic boats into the mix. I used to fish out of a kayak ~10 years ago pre-kids and enjoyed the peaceful aspect and connection to nature, but also want a platform stable enough to stand and cast/flip. My pros/cons are similar to yours and it is basically a coin flip at this point, but I am quite certain the Mrs' would not go for your recommendation of "both" (or all 3) in my case😜
B Lat your information is very insightful and useful. Got a 2009 Old Town Big Game kayak which is getting worn out. After living in the Mid West I was exposed to Golden Eagle canoes which are lighter and more stable than a kayak.
Thank you! I was leaning towards a Jon boat as my first vessel. The kayak I would get cost more than the Jon boat/motor I’m looking at.
Heres a solution. Get both.
Awesome video Brian!!!
Great video! Thanks for your guidance. I am convinced I need .......both.
very nice video!! i am from the Netherlands,here we fish a lot out of float tube''s fully customised with trorlingmoter,livescope and more.
I think the float tube is the cheapest way to get on the water and gives a great feeling when you catch a lunker with youre legs in the water or get towed by a 120 pound fish.
But kayak's and jon boats are also great fun.
Nice, very nice side-by-side comparison!!
My man... this was amazing... I follow numerous pro fisherman and I'm just a Kayak dude.. All i can say is everything you said was on point. I will add to your comments, just like picking out lures match the hatch... I live in south east MO, yes we have lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock but there 3 hrs. from me. I can slip my kayak in some skinny waters and go after big Small mouth bass. One draw back is bigger lakes, its hard to cover water. For me a Peddle kayak gets the job done. Thanks for recognizing the Kayak community.
Great video well done!!
Nice. I choose a canoe good blend of both. And I can hold more of the gear I buy on you website. I added a trolling motor and fish finder to mine. All total spent about $600 for everything.
Hey Brian great video! I've been running the jhonny bass 100, it's like a mixture of kyak and jhonboat. The reason I got that boat was due to not having a truck at the time and I wanted a boat with a motor. The jhonny bass 100 was all of that and it fit on the roof of my Subaru. With a 2.5 hp gas motor it boogies I think the 4 horse will be just right.
I also forgot to mention I tow my wife and kids around in the kanoe it's a blast!
I'm a kayak fisherman addicted to yak fishing for sure, been fishing from a Hobie PA12 for 6 yrs now. But I do think John boat pretty awesome too. I plan on getting a used one this coming year, the yak do have good resale value depending on brand. I sold my first PA12 for same price I paid for it. So I fished my first PA12 for 5 yrs for free. I did buy it used & took care of it & it sold super quick. Their both awesome & have their pros & cons. Definitely have b aware of surroundings people live scoping locked on their screens might run u over...
Man I love your video definitely sheds some issues on both boats! I've had both and agree with you on about everything! But t the yak is what I attack! Fishing, definitely stealth camping,and slot of small game hunting with and without dogs. Would love to fish with you sometime , great video!!I also have a stratos 194 2006 and tournament fish, I'd rather paddle and camp.
Great video, I agree with your points that you made.
I have owned bass boats since 1988 and purchased a very nice kayak (Wilderness Atak 12) to fish some small bodies of shallow water. I like catching fish out of the kayak, being close to the water but my biggest problem with kayak's is the fact that boat control is problematic even with a light breeze and if you are used to the precise boat control that a foot control bass boat or john boat offers, you will be very disappointed in how the kayak just cannot maintain position. I do have an 8' pole that I can use in the scupper holes and it works to hold the boat but it still can swing based on the wind, much like 1 power pole versus 2. Even a light wind that does not hardly affect the bass or john boats but in a kayak it can ruin your day! I will be selling kayak this spring as it just has been disappointing! Thanks as always for your terrific videos!
A trolling motor with a GPS spot lock feature is a God send, especially on windy days. I use a Motoguide Xi3 on my kayak. It's not cheap. But, if you can afford one, you can't beat it. Simply hit that anchor button on the remote and the motor keeps you on your spot until you're ready to move.
High value video thanks Brian
Glad it helps!
Classy guy and a fishing fatherly fella like myself. I just became a fan and hit Subscribe. Thanks for the good vids!
Brian, You are the man! I love your videos!
I’m glad you’re not like most CZcamsrs and quit making videos when you got popular. Love the videos!
Great presentation! I agree with you wholeheartedly on almost all of your points. And even though there are always special circumstances that will make one style of boat a better choice than another, I have to speak up on behalf of the Jon boat when truly comparing apples to apples. I'm somewhat of an old fart who, when I was a young kid, fished with my dad in a small Jon boat, and I still sometimes use that same boat to this day.
Comparing Apples to Apples:
To compare apples to apples between kayaks and Jon boats, let's consider a Jon boat that is small, and can be used (on appropriate waters, of course) with no outboard motor (people nowadays have mostly forgotten that rowing is an extremely quiet and efficient way to propel a small boat). My Jon boat is 12' long, 32" wide across the floor and 48" wide across the gunwales. It has low sides which are a few inches lower than the standard-height, 15" transom, which reduces the weight. It weighs roughly 70 pounds. It's suitable for two adults, and is wonderful for fishing solo on quiet waters. Admittedly, it can be hard to find a boat having these specifications nowadays, but they were once very common.
Storage and Maintenance:
A bare-bones Jon boat needs no special conditions for storage and requires zero maintenance. No building material in the entire boating world is more weather-resistant or lasts longer than aluminum. My Jon boat hasn't had a bit of maintenance since the day my dad first bought it in 1963. These days, the paint is scuffed and discolored, but for practical purposes it's still as good as new. To make this comparison, consider that if modern plastic kayaks had been available in 1963 when my Jon boat was made, none of them would be in usable condition today since polypropylene becomes brittle with age and is further degraded by sunshine.
Launching:
A small Jon boat like the one I have can easily be carried upside-down on one's back, just like you would do with a canoe. I simply put an old-fashioned boat cushion across my shoulders as padding between myself and the floor of the boat. I lean the boat up on one end, step beneath it and let it down onto my back, and off I go. Most modern fishing kayaks weigh nearly twice as much as a Jon boat of comparable size, and they certainly can't be carried long distances this way. If you have launch sites that are difficult to get to, it's no contest which boat has the advantage (though to be honest, I'll say that I usually choose a solo canoe in that situation, because carrying these is easier still).
And you do NOT need a trailer for transporting a Jon boat that is similar in size to fishing kayaks. Small Jon boats can be tossed in the back of a pickup as you describe for kayaks, but roof-top carrying is even better. It's sadly true that very few people nowadays exercise the kind of ingenuity with regard to car-topping boats that was fairly common decades ago, but you can still buy good roof racks, and with simple modifications to the rack, loading a small Jon boat on the roof of a car is is just as easy nowadays as it was in your grandfather's time. In the old days, it was common to install a loading-assist rail on each side of a roof rack. With one rail on each side, spanning between the front and rear support bars (or extending beyond them if the span between bars is short), you can easily take any carry-able boat and slide it up onto the roof of any vehicle. Even when I was a scrawny teenager I routinely loaded our 12' Jon boat onto the roof of our full-size van, by means of those side bars. On a more typical car like an SUV, it's easier still.
Versatility:
Even though I have stressed the comparison of similar boats, let's not forget that even a Jon boat as small as the one used as a reference here CAN be used with an outboard motor of about 5 H.P. There are times that's a huge plus, and yet it doesn't permanently put the boat into a whole other category.
The fellowship pretty much sold it for me hands down... Thanks
I used to pull a 17-ft proline center console with a Buick century.
My next purchase is definitely going to be a nice John boat. I definitely want to take out a family member or buddy and share that experience. Nothing like being on the water!
Me too! I’m building one this summer
And you are correct presentation is most important I was a trout guide for two decades I can tell you that’s what makes fish bite. Safety is another facet but we are talking about boats. Reliance you didn’t look at. I’ve been hard core stuck but i could still paddle out off the situation
Good video Brian
Informative video! You can actually split the difference and get a Meyers Sportspal Canoe. Based on Brian's criteria, it'd handily out-point either I suspect. It. has a wider range of effective propulsion options: paddle, trolling motor . . . or small outboard motor on its square stern models. Two large men can stand in longer models at the same time, price point is excellent, options/customizations are endless, light weight making trailer optional and on and on and on.
B Last thanks man for this video was thinking about a kayak for the simplicity but jon boat is just all around safe and comfy
Sweet I’ll try and let her know I’m getting both! She’ll say we’re is my rod and tackle going! Jon boat! Thanks for another great comparison!
keeping it real. good job!
Killer vid, I have an ascend 10t kayak (my first and only), love it learning a lot with it, but I have a buddy that has a 12 foot JonBoat and i got to say even with the hassle of a trailer the JonBoat for a noob in the water is a million time more fishable and forgiving making the fishing day easier for a person. personal opinion, we live in utah and the lakes are calm-ish where we fish we always stay close near the shoreline be it kayak or Jon boat.
Kayak is definitely more advanced boating in some weird way.
I have to say I agree on all accounts. I have a $800 Tracker [no engine] my kids and I fished out of over 150 times last year. Without the kids being able to come, it just wouldn't be the same [fellowship].
I do see a huge appeal in getting a nice kayak ['cuz B.Lat said so] to play in the tournament scene. That looks like a ton of fun.
I like the layout of this video. Almost seems like if you can swing it financially and storage wise, have 1 of each. I’m looking at Jon boats for river fishing now. Trying to decide if a jet is worth the extra money or if I can make a prop work good enough.
Tunnel hull
Good comparison. Don't forget that the Tiny Boat Nation is really growing in the tournament area, too... But I do see & understand the appeal of a kayak. I think it's a Win/Win in promoting the sport of fishing. I compromised with a 10ft Basshunter EX roto molded boat. 🍺🎣
I love tiny boat nation culture! When I get older I want to build tiny boats and flip them
We started with 2 kayaks, then went to a 12ft Jon, then a bass boat, then a fishing pontoon. Of all of them, I missed the jon boat so I bought an old Alumacraft stripped it down to bare metal and rebuilt it exactly how I wanted it. It's light, great storage, ability to fish 3 easily, and all the fancy electronics (i-pilot, Panoptix Livescope, remote electronic anchor, etc.) It's all about matching the needs to the fishing environment around you IMO. If I lived near bigger lakes I would probably have a bass boat. If I lived near just small streams I may just have a jon or yak. If I lived on a big lake and had a lot of grandkids or something, I would go back to pontoon.
I can’t wait to build a Jon boat!
I enjoyed the video. I fish from a kayak because I love the idea of just unloading my kayak at any body of water with or with out a ramp, I just pull it out the truck and slide into water. I fish oceans, lakes, ponds, creeks with no problem. I pick the brightest color kayak when I purchase, I want to be seen, If you buy Camo then you risk not being seen. Get a safty flag with a light, they help alot. I fish from a Hobie, so going off shore 3 plus miles is no problem, if I break a drive I paddle back. I have also towed in a few boats (Jon and Bass boats) back to the dock. A kayak gives me more access to fishing locations that you can't get into with a Jon boat, Shallow water, vegetation, tight pilings, or surf launching.
Kayaks are very specialized for one person. Please do the same thing but compare a car-toppable square stern canoe to a jon boat. Some square sterns are heavy so stay with one no more than 70 pounds - no trailer needed. That comparison is really going to be interesting.
This is such a good channel...chuuch
I live in south Ms and love fishing. I'm less than 30 minutes from Lake Okhissa and that's where I mainly shore fished until they shut it down till 2023. I'm dying to fish and there are only ponds and small rivers (maybe 20 to 100ft wide depending) so I was thinking kayak for my first real boat but I'm wondering if I should just save my money for a Jon boat? See I could go cheap and do Tractor Supply kayak for 300 or find a Jon boat for 400 and fit put it in my truck bed. If you were me BLat what are you doing? Keep in mind I'm headed back out to Okhissa soon as they open so...I'll be in skinny waters until then but once they open I'm back on a big lake. Jon boat or Kayak?
My wife loves that shirt!! Where did you get it? Love the channel!
Keeping it reel👊🏽💪🏼💯
The fundamental flaw of a kayak is that when you catch a fish, you put it in your lap and get wet. Canoes are the ultimate minimalist fishing setup. Jon boats are the ultimate fishing setup if you don't want to be bothered with paddling or balance.
Excellent vid - although I have been a kayak fisherman for 16 years, so I'm biased. I just stumbled on your site, love it so far. I really think it's great to see a pro bass fisherman fishing out of a kayak. But I would disagree about the safety and resale aspect. A SOT kayak is essentially unsinkable. And if you spend the money and buy a top level kayak, the resale value is really good.
get the thing that locks you in position for your yak , if you dont have it already, spot lock
A canoe seems to me to be a compromise between the two. All the portability of a kayak and the fellowship of of a jon boat. You can even put a trolling motor on a canoe!
nice vid. ..imo, storage and transportation need to be double weighted. many people cannot store a jon boat and trailer hence kayak is the victor. but i like both!
That's a nice looking shirt where did you get it? I agree a guy needs both boats actually 3 boats. Canoe,kayak,and a Jon
BLat check out the motorized sportsman kayak I think you would enjoy them the mobility while fishing
Ok thanks man
Solid video. I’ll take either one. Only tipping point for me towards John boat is the ability to stand up. Not every kayak can be stood up in.
I gotta have both
Good comparison that's why I have both lol
I have both 14’ Jon boat two trolling motors pro drive ipolit on the rear and rear wheel kit best thing I put on it and trailer and a hobie 360 14 love both both are easy to launch but the trailer hard getting around with can’t fit in truck 5 1/2 bed cost rite now 3500 in the Jon boat 5500 in hobie they share the fish finder soon the trolling motor
How does a Jon boat stack up though when you look at the newer kayaks like the Old Town Autopilot series with a spot locking minn kota built in?
Kayak will always be a kayak.
Very fair assessment
Which is your favorite?
@@BrianLatimerFishing I'd give the nod to the jon boat. I've thought about kayak fishing but just can't make the leap. Jon boat better for running trot lines for catfish and stringing LED lightbar on front and flounder gigging.
My Hobie PA 14 cost more than a jon boat and trolling motor. Now I am wishing I went the other way.
I have to agree i have about 5gs in mine and love it and everything but it's i can't take a buddy with me or get from point a to point b quick 😔
@@rodrigoelgu 100%. Love my Hobie but sometimes feel I am missing out on fishing being a little easier on the jon boat. Once on the water that is.
I'm in college right now. Jon boat will be my selection when I can afford it but for now I'm rocking my $180 paddling kayak that I got 5 years ago.
Kayaks weren’t as popular when I was in school. I had a 12ft Lowe Jon boat
Love your channel brother & enjoyed the vis. I've owned both (v-hull jon boat) & wish you would've included portability & weight. Being able to cartop my kayak on my MDX is significant; could not do that with my 175lb jon boat. The weight factor is also huge IMO. Although, the 55lb Minn Kota I used on my JB made it easy to fish vs. paddling....
That was the second point that I explained actually!
@@BrianLatimerFishing My bad brother; totally missed it!
@@travismchance yeah I have that to the kayak. It’s definitely less intimidating to haul than a Jon boat
You should give guys a heads up about the danger of passing boats w a jon boat. One wake from a big enough boat and your sunk in seconds. And a small jon going against strong wind and current if a storm blows in is very tough, even w a small outboard. They catch wind like a sail and aren't streamlined to push through current easily. Love my jon boat but can be very dangerous on the wrong waters.
B-LAT said so lol!!
I'll take one of those leaf filled kayaks off ur hand!!
Well done sir 👍🏾. I do agree with most of what you said. I am a avid Yakker and love it, and no intentions on getting a boat because of some of the cons that you mention about the John boat or boats period. Yet your analysis was well done and legitimate.
No trailer, no motor, no gas, no batteries, no seized wheel bearings, no flat tires, no roadside breakdowns, no registration fees, no licence plate renewals, no parking hassles -- kayaks have a lot of advantages. I own a small aluminum boat with motor and trailer, but we use it for maybe one trip out of 10.
Rigt here.
Jon boat. All the way.
Like being able to fish with others in the same boat.
Plus hate having to load/unload a kayak from the top of my SUV. Jon boat just back up to the water and your in.
I have a question for you guus. My son and i are looking at buying a 2 man kayak but we can also get a good jonboat second hand. Here in South Africa you must register any boat AND do your skippers licence but that is not needed for kayaks. The 2 man kayak looks really good but now i am not so sure. Thanks for great and informative videos.
I would definitely suggest the Jon and I’m sure the license isn’t that hard to get. You’ll probably find the skippers course useful as well
I've fished from both. I would cramp up like crazy on the kayak. J boat it is.
tandem kayak still takes the fellowship part 😆
When are you gonna start fishing kayak tournaments? I think you would bring a lot of attention to the sport in the Lowcountry if you came and compete!
I fish enough tournaments. I literally just want fish for fun sometimes
@@BrianLatimerFishing just fish for fun in one of our Charity Tournaments. Look into Lowcountry Kayak Anglers if you ever consider it!
Big props for writing it out using a 🖍. That's gangsta!! ✌🏾
Put a motor on either and you have to register them.
If i can catch fish on a surfboard i'll do it. but i prefer a flat bottom jonny everytime.
Many guys use trailers for work and other hobbies so backing not always something extra that has to be learned. Also speaking of having to learn extra what about boat control/paddling in a yak? Takes a little getting use to for that as well. Your arms will most likely get pretty sore especially if you are out for a long time. JB you may get wet, Yak almost guaranteed something is. Just saying 😁
Hold up. It is so much easier dropping in at the boat ramp with my 10/36 jon boat than it ever was loading and unloading my big 12’ plastic battleship. I enjoyed kayak fishing,it was fun and I caught a lot of fish but after getting my 10/36 im good. Front and rear trolling motor,I can stand up and move around a little. Makes flipping grass and frogging so much more enjoyable.
If you can back a trailer that works. If not it’s a problem.
Be sweet if you did a jon boat build and do E tournaments
Just wait! And just wait!
@@BrianLatimerFishing heck yea i love mine
I use both.
You gotta register a Jon Boat and a trailer in a handful of states. That's another add to the expenses. Yaks have no reg required
Great point!
My kayak is registered only 70 dollars 3 years i kinda wish i went with a jon boat now to be honest
@@rodrigoelgu Illinois you don't gotta register a yak until you put a trolling motor. But Jon Boats are 100+ and so is the trailer registration
I told my wife what you said and she said sure as long as I can pick it out😔😆🤙🏾🎣
That’s a good deal. Women pick out better stuff anyway
Also... a BIG thing for a lot of people (myself included) is the weight factor. I'm 6'4 and 300lbs and between drinking water a little bit of light food and the gear, you definitely exceed the weight limit on your more budget friendly single person kayaks. And on the same note for safety reasons, being a big guy the likelihood of turning the kayak over vs the Jon boat. The Jon boat takes it for me in most cases.
I never even thought about the weight limits of the yaks!
Yeah it changes the stability of the vessel completely. I lost my b.lat spinning combo getting caught in the wake of a bass boat that was pretty much just idling by. Those 3 inch little waves can take the yak right out from under big dudes
I’ve only fished out of a kayak twice and it was a miserable experience, give me a Jon boat any day of the week
My first experience was like that. I can honestly say the better kayak you buy (more money) the better the experience will be. After I got good kayak I really started to have some fun with it. Nevertheless it’s A LOT OF WORK!
Ran out of comment room. I told the boss lady I'm buying a john boat to go with the kayak and was called crazy I blamed it on you... HAHAHA Thanks....
I like jon boats more than my bass boat. It's just simpler. Unfortunately I fish lake Travis in Austin so the jon boat only goes so far lol
I’ve been to lake Travis before
@@BrianLatimerFishing did you like it? I personally think it's a hard lake to fish because the water is insanely clear and there isn't a whole of natural cover.
Wondering how many times B.Lat has fallen out of a kayak?
What about comfort kayaks don't look too comfortable I need to stand up and stretch my legs
First boat? Ha.
Sold the bass boat and may never own another.
Love kayaking the USA.
but . . . Hobie does get a lot of drive wear and maintenance costs are there.
The fellowship in a jon-boat or two-man bass boat is a big plus.
Jon boat in back of the truck 👍🏼
I lived that life
You should have Chad Hoover on with you to get his perspective. I think I remember he keeps a list of the pros/cons of both.
That’s what I just did.
Lol