Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Like the title says, I'm kicking around the idea of getting either a canoe or a small boat such as a Bass Baby or Pelican Raider.

Things that make me lean towards a canoe is that they are lighter and easier to car-top, which is important because I would be using it alone, mostly. It's also somewhat cheaper, but that's a lesser consideration to ease of use.  I've seen videos of canoes with even just a 30 pound motor and they can really move.

Pluses for the small boat are more room, stability, more room, built-in storage and live well, wiring harness, etc. If I had a truck I would almost certainly go for the small boat, even though I'd probably need a 55 pound motor and two batteries. But I don't imagine the chancellor of the exchequer signing off on spending thousands on a used truck (would probably need to be a 4-door) just because I bought an $800 boat LOL.

So, if you've wrestled with this decision, what did you decide and why?

Thanks!

Jonathan

Views: 1463

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I'm a traditionalist - my vote is for canoe. It is more portable and "fits" the intended use and locale better.

They can be outfitted in surprising ways to be both effective angling platforms and somewhat comfy, too. Google "fishing + canoe" and see what I mean. Stability is a concern, though, particularly if you are not accustomed to them or rusty. Take it slow at first

I grew up in a canoe and would like to have another one. The canoe Derrick mentions is interesting. Whatever you do, get some kind of lumbar-support seating. Canoes are cramped and something for the back is nice to have.

For the past 2 seasons, I have been launching a 11 ft kayak I got from Dicks and it is light enough to throw on top of just about any vehicle, is more stable, to me, than a canoe, and I can go places where larger craft simply can't. If you have small waters and creeks in your region, you might want to give them a thought...

RSS

Latest Activity

wag replied to Danny Phillips's discussion Boats
" Sold 17 ft and bought a 2017 Xpress 16 ft front stick steer with 40 hp Yamaha ob.  "
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"Understand John….we were so windy in March ……..hope it drops off…"
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"I have yet to see 50 degree WT and it's too windy today."
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"Always welcome…….I waited 16 days to go from 50 to 60 on this river….its a…"
Monday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"Great intel, Jeff! Thanks!"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"Not in my region Dick….typically our shallow crappie bite centers around the March full…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Nice Predator up Shallow….3/30/2025

"Thanks Dick…..the Bassmasters Elite series comes to town for the North Carolina open next…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Big Sow Full of Eggs….3/30/2025

"Jeffrey don't it seam like the crappy bite is a little early?"
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Nice Predator up Shallow….3/30/2025

"A great test for any panfish gear. Congrats."
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Monday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Monday
John Sheehan commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

Big male redear from today!!

"Fine Fish1From shore also!"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

Big male redear from today!!

"Pretty Troy…..let’s go!"
Sunday
Troy Dorman posted a photo
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Grandson Cody and I splashed this afternoon…mixed bag of 38 fish dominated by shallow black crappie…surface temperatures up to 66.2 degrees"
Sunday

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service