What is the cheapest type of boat to fish the Mississippi River? Question: Hi. I would like to purchase a boat to fish the Mississippi River in Burlington Iowa, but something no frills cheap. Well maybe a few frills. LOL Below are what I'm looking for in a boat.
Would like to tow it with a car.
Needs to support two big guys, fish, and gear. Like at least 600 Pounds I guess.
Want to use it to fish a variety of fish, but I guess my main fish is catfish. Right now I only fish from the shore.
I want to use it to set out bankpoles and trotlines.
I want it to be able to use a trolling moter as well as a big one.
I'm not looking for a speedboat, but I don't want to move super slow. I want to be able to go up and down the river at a decent enough speed.
It can be very rough and tumble as I could care less how it looks.
I know nothing about boats. I don't even know if I need a moter that is 10hp, 40hp, or 140hp. I want to know what kind of boat to buy, how much it would cost, MINUS the moter, but maybe you could tell me what power of moter to look for next. Does this all make sense?
Thanks for any info.
Answer:
I cruise down the Mississippi from the Illinois and up to Hannibal and down to Ohio at Cairo or on to the Gulf on an annual basis; and I have to say, I honestly see all kinds of fishing boats. It just seems fishermen are using whatever they have.
My son and I just talked about your question, and came to a quick conclusion, that the most popular appears to the the larger size aluminum boats, many jon boats, and many "V" shaped bow aluminum boats. Course, we also see alot of Bass boats. . .
But for catfish, muskie, and setting trot-lines - a good size jon boat with a wide beam for two heavy guys sure seems to be the best all around solution, and that's what I would recommend - and it just happens to be your most likely cheapest as well.
Here's a link:
http://www.loweboats.com/jon-boats/l1648-jon/
Regarding hp (motor size) - There is a designed safety reason why boats have maximum hp ratings. I would certainly stay within it.
Many (most those who have never done it) believe you need all kinds of speed to fight the river's current, or to out run the storm - but truth is, this is much more of a 'myth' then a safety factor.
As you probably know, except during flood stage, the Mississippi current seldom exceeds 3 knots. So boating upstream, is really not a factor in a motor powered vessel. And if you pay attention to the weather, and use common sense, you won't have any problems.
John
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