Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I trust Ford-Truck opinions when it comes to my truck, so why not get some insight on another subject?

I grew up in coastal North Carolina, so I've always had larger fishing boats. I now live in Colorado and I'm looking for a small boat to carry out on a couple reservoirs here in Colorado to do some some fishing. Ideally, I would like something that I could put in the back of my truck, rather than trailering, but I wouldn't mind trailering, either. No prference there.

I want something large enough to carry myself and my Brittany hunting dogs -- they go everywhere with me. They are all older dogs, so I want some stabilitiy, but not necessarily for a large puppy.

I also want something that I can put a trolling motor on rather than paddle.

I'm stuck between a 12' - 14' aluminum fishing boat/jon boat (used), or a 15' square-stern canoe (new).

Thoughts? Suggestions? Experiences?

 

the jon boat wins every time for me.

 

jon boat for me as well. good steady boats, good fit for what you described.

 

Jon boat......capsizing with dogs and tackle in the lake is no fun.

 

Definitely would get the Jon boat.

 

How about one of those plastic boats?

 

Thanks for the responses fellas.

I'm pretty much settled on a jon boat. Now the question is whether I go with a 12 footer that I can slide into the back of the truck, or a 14 footer and trailer. Also, for small reservoirs and ponds in Colorado, will a 45-lb. thrust trolling motor suffice, or should I look for a package deal with a small outboard gas motor?

Ideally, I'm trying to trade the 1973 F100 flatbed for a nice jon boat set-up.

 

My vote would be to get the small outboard motor and a 14ft on the trailer.