So I really want to buy a small jon boat to trailer around southern jersey. My pops got a 21 foot sport craft which can't fish the small freshwater areas I want to get to ( dont get me wrong, 45 inch striper and 80 pounds drum are fun ). I was looking all over on sites and all I'm finding are either cheap plastic pond boats from dick's sporting good, or Lunds jon boats which are 5k+ for a 12 foot boat. I've drove down to some dealers and they don't have anything I can afford. On craigslist I saw some interesting finds but can't afford at this very second.
Anyone have any jon boats that can spread some wisdom?

pelican makes some pretty affordable boats I want to say 500-700 for $500 to $600 bucks, throw in a trailer thats another $400 minimum, and a 15 hp Merc thats another $1800. Maybe a Minn Kota 30 pound trolling motor for $150. If you plan to go out at night you will need to get some lights to throw on there too but that is like 50 or 60 bucks.

That is realistically what you are looking at for a brand new set up. The big $$ will be in the engine. If you watch CL you may be able to pull a motor for a few hundred. Remember, old doesnt mean bad. If you can find a used set up for under 1500 jump on it.

Otherwise you can do what I did and buy a raft and hook up a trolling motor too it. It will be good enough to get you buy until you can afford a better rig.

Something like this http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Excursion-5-Boat-Set/dp/B00177J4UC and then get there motor mount and a 100 dollar motor and a battery of your choice and you are in business. It isn't a speed boat but it is tough and will do in 95% of all fishing scenarios.

Hope this helps

-Brian

Thanks a lot man, but since I posted this I decided to hold off my jon boat idea, my dad cant use his sportcraft as much so I need to use it so its not a sitting money drain, its now a moving liability :)

I actually found some places up some creeks that are deep enough for my 21 foot with 3.5 foot draft, but I can cast out to for them large mouths.

But I'm not undecided to waste my money into a new bike or a new DD