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Ten cheap ways to get yourself on the water

Date: |
8/04/07 |
Tackle Type: |
Watercraft |
Manufacturer: |
Various |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction: Do boaters always catch more fish than shore anglers? Not
always, but they do have a distinct advantage when it comes to being able to
move around to locate the fish. In addition to mobility, anglers on the water
are able to employ a wider array of lures and techniques. I would also argue the
added element of fishing from the water adds to the overall experience itself,
and for me there is nothing more therapeutic than a day spent "on" the water. So
what stops anglers from boating? Usually the cost. Owning a boat can be
expensive, and not everyone wants to store, maintain, or service a boat. But
getting on the water doesn't have to be a costly endeavor, and we explore ten
different ways to get on the water, for less than you might expect.
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The Water
Skeeter Day Tripper Pontoon Float is ideal for the pack in angler |
Water Skeeter Day Tripper
Pontoon Float:
Float tubes actually have the advantage of getting into waters that bigger craft
can't access. For those looking for the opposite of a large boat Water Skeeter's
Day Tripper is the ultimate in portability. This combination tube/pontoon float
only weighs seventeen pounds, yet is able to support 350lbs of weight. The
pontoons allow the float to ride higher than a normal float tube, and anglers
have two 420 denier storage compartments for tackle. The
Pontoons have .5mm PVC bladder with
Boston valve protected by a durable 420 denier outer cover that's
triple-stitched for added strength. The top section has a head rest and attaches
to the pontoons with adjustable straps. When its time to go the entire pontoon
packs into an included 420 denier backpack with adjustable shoulder straps. This
option only costs $149.99 and allows anglers to get on the water quickly.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Low cost! |
L
Anglers get wet |
J
Easy to transport |
L
Unable to cover a lot of water |
J
Can operate in skinny water |
L
Can't carry too much gear |
 |
The Outcast
Prowler Tube comes with a full length inflatable floor and 54 ounce
hydration bladder |
Outcast Prowler Float Tube: The Outcast Prowler is the SUV of float tubes
and offers anglers a heavy duty 600 denier PVC construction.
Designed for all-day fishing, the Prowler is
equipped with a 54 ounce hydration bladder and a full-length inflatable floor,
helping make this among the driest tubes for both anglers and equipment. The U
shaped tube is more hydrodynamic and is designed for improved overall
ergonomics. Outcast is known for quality, and they back this tube with a five
year warranty. The Prowler will set you back $450.00, and is a good tube for
serious trout and bass anglers.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Good for trout anglers |
L
Anglers will still get wet |
J
Easy to transport |
L
Unable to cover a lot of water |
J
Hydration pack |
L
High cost for a tube |
 |
The Outcast
Fish Cat Streamer XL gets angler out of the water, and is able to cover more
distance |
Outcast Fish Cat
Streamer XL Pontoon Boat: I'm a big fan of inflatable pontoon boats. These
versatile boats are not just for trout anglers anymore, and more and more
bass anglers are starting to make use of these boats. Anglers can carry plenty
of gear, and many even customize the boat since it has a rigid aluminum frame.
The Outcast Fish Cat Streamer is an extremely affordable boat and can be
maneuvered with either fins or the 6 foot aluminum oars. This boat can be set up
relatively quickly (not as quick as a float tube but still pretty quick) and is
also easy to pack into a car. The Fish Cat retails for only 379 dollars and is a
great way to get to fishing on your local river or lake.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Low cost! Great value! |
L
Setup takes longer than a float tube |
J
Stable and anglers stay dry |
L
Can't be carried over long distances |
J
Can carry more gear |
|
J
Able to cover a decent amount of water |
|
 |
The Water
Skeeter Fish Guide is designed for serious pontoon fishing, and is a great
boat for fly fishermen |
Water Skeeter Fish Guide
Pontoon Boat:
Though not recommended as your first pontoon boat, if you do find that you like
fishing from a pontoon and would like to step up to a premium boat here's the
one you want. The Water Skeeter Fish Guide is a much more rugged and feature
rich pontoon. Built with PVC-coated 1200
Denier pontoons and a heavy-duty powder-coated aluminum frame the Water
Skeeter's can handle much rougher water, but when you get into motionless water
you are actually able to stand up on the standing platform and cast. This is a
great boat for fly fishermen but bass anglers will also like the raised storage
deck, aluminum rod holder and multi purpose storage bag. Best of all if you
don't want to row the Fish Guide has an aluminum plate motor mount capable of
holding a trolling motor. The Fish Guide retails for 899 dollars.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Ability to handle rough water |
L
Setup takes longer than a float tube |
J
Casting deck great for fly anglers |
L
Can't be carried over long distances |
J
Can carry a lot of gear |
L
High cost of ownership |
J
Motor mount |
|
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The Kwick
Tek Airhead is a great value, and is able to carry two anglers from point
"A" to "B" quickly |
Kwik Tek Airhead 2 person
Travel Kayak:
Want to go camping and still bring a two person watercraft? The Kwik Tek Airhead
inflatable kayaks are excellent for camping,
vacationing, exploring remote lakes. Perfect for the paddling enthusiast that
doesn't want to drive around with a kayak on their rooftop, these travel kayaks
fit easily into the trunk of your car, and setup in a matter of minutes. Not
designed for serious white water, but good enough for moderate conditions, this
boat's quality design allows you to get moving faster and easier than any of the
boats we have looked at so far. The boat not only features low drag, but has
superior tracking due to 4 bottom fins. This boat is able to support one angler
and plenty of gear or two people with some additional tackle. The Kwik Tek
Airhead 2 person travel kayak is a great overall value at only 299 dollars.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Great value! |
L
Can't stand up and fish |
J
Portable and quick to setup |
L
Not a kayak for the ocean |
J
Can carry two anglers |
|
J
Ability to handle moderate water |
|
J
Can cover decent amount of water quickly |
|
 |
The
Perception Prodigy is a good starter kayak for those that prefer a sit
inside design for stability |
Perception Prodigy 12
Kayak: Kayak fishing is all the rage now and there are really two distinct
designs, sit in or sit on top versions. The Sit in version can feel more stable,
but anglers do sacrifice some mobility when fighting fish.
The Perception Prodigy 12 Kayak is a recreational
kayak with a roomy cockpit and signature hull design for easy maneuverability.
It can be customized and is a good starter kayak for those looking for a boat to
do some exploring and fishing. The Prodigy retails for 699 dollars.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Decent value |
L
More oriented towards kayaking than fishing |
J
Good starter kayak |
L
Harder to transport, not packable |
J
Anglers stay dry |
L
Not a kayak for the ocean |
J
Can cover decent amount of water quickly |
|
 |
Like kayak
fishing? The Prowler offers anglers a much greater number of features and is
able to handle some ocean applications too |
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13:
Time to get serious about kayak fishing? The Prowler 13 is a mid ranged kayak
that is able to handle rougher water, and even the ocean.
An ideal choice for recreational paddlers who want
performance from a sit-on-top kayak. Features an oversized tank well, side
carrying handles, backrest, large bow hatch with neoprene cover, and a 6''
center hatch with storage bucket. This kayak offers anglers more customizable
area, more stability, and generous fish fighting freedom. There are plenty of
storage areas perfect for the latest crop of kayak specific bags. The Prowler 13
retails for 849 dollars and is a good boat for a wide range of angling
applications.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Good overall value |
L
Harder to transport, not packable |
J
Rich features |
|
J
Ocean capable |
|
J
Can cover decent amount of water quickly |
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Simple, easy to use, and cheap,
the Sevylor Fish Hunter
Sevylor Fish
Hunter: If you don't want to spend a lot of money and like a more
conventional boat the Sevylor Fish Hunter might be the boat for you. This simple
inflatable comes in two sizes, 9'2" and 12', and retails for only 149 and 219
dollars respectively. These boats can be paddled or fitted with a motor mount,
and for safety the boat is multi-chambered. The hull is constructed from 30
gauge PVC, and even comes with inflatable seats. While not my first choice for a
watercraft if you are on a budget this boat does exactly what it is designed to
do. If you do like this style of boat but want more fishermen friendly features
you can also check out Sea Eagle's offerings.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Downright cheap! |
L
Not the most durable boat |
J
Easy to setup |
L
Doesn't have a hard floor |
J
Multi-chambered |
|
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Zander's
first boat was a Bass Hunter, and these boats though somewhat funny looking
are serious fishing machines |
Bass Hunter UBH:
I've always had a special place in my heart of the Bass Hunter, as this was the
first watercraft I ever owned, and really learned to fish from a boat on this
curious looking boat. Though strange in appearance the Bass Hunter is a serious
fishing boat and the UBH (Ultra Bass Hunter) is the latest version of a old
favorite. Bass Hunter Boats have been known
for their quality stability since 1977, and this little boat boasts a whopping
550 lb. load capacity and will easily handle up to a 5 hp. outboard and trolling
motor. One of the best things about this boat is that it can handle both motors,
one in the front and one in the back. Versatility is what this boat is all about
and if you have a pond nearby nothing beats a Bass Hunter. The 9 1/2' version
retails for 649 dollars, and you will need to invest in at least a battery and
trolling motor right away.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Very stable |
L
Harder to transport, need a truck or your strapping the UBH to the roof |
J
Carry plenty of gear |
L
Needs power to move |
J
Customizable |
|
J
Good overall value |
|
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Ready to
move up to a gas powered motor? A Jon boat is a good place to start |
Tracker 1032 Jon Boat:
A Jon boat isn't as close as you get to a real boat, it really is a real boat.
These shallow boats are able to operate in just inches of water and can be
powered with either electric trolling motors, low hp gas motors, or both at the
same time. The 2007 1032 Tracker Topper is a light two person Jon boat capable
of holding 314lbs and is made out of heavy duty marine alloy. This tough boat
weighs in at 80lbs and is rated for a 3HP gas motor. The boat costs 479 dollars
without a motor, and a good place to start would be a 50lb thrust electric
trolling motor. Move up to a gas motor when you want to spend a little more
money and cover more water.
Advantages Disadvantages |
J
Able to support a motor |
L
Higher cost |
J
Cover more water |
L
Needs a motor |
J
Carry more gear |
L
Harder to transport |
J A
real boat! |
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Conclusion: Getting
on the water doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and determining which
watercraft is for you really depends on your own personal requirements. Every
angler looks for something different in a boat, and much of this is determined
by the type of water and species that is being pursued. It is good to know that
when it is time to get off the shore and onto the water there are choices. All of these watercraft are not only affordable
but easy to procure as well. In fact. every single one of these boats can be shipped
directly to you from
Basspro.com. While you may not always catch more fish on the
water, odds are you will still have a good time looking for the fish from your
tube, pontoon, or Jon Boat. Always boat safe, and see you on the water!

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