Where to look for a small fishing boat?

[Redstar]

I'm tired of fishing from shore or out of a too small raft. I'm looking for a small-ish boat to make fishing more fun this year. Just looking to hit the local lakes, nothing too crazy yet. I've been checking here and craigslist but no real luck so far. Where else would you guys suggest I look for a boat?

[GWP]

Depends on what you are looking for. How much you want to spend. Some of the places that sell boats have small trade in boats as well. I picked up a 10' Jon that way. Craigslist has been good for me. Kind of the wrong time of the season though. You talking a roof top or pull behind?

[mallard79]

How much do you want to spend? What EXACTLY do you want in a boat?  My brother has a really nice Basshound for sale.  I think it is 10' and has swicel seats, livewell, running lights, wired for the lights and electric trolling motor from the factory.  really stable boat to fish from.

[Redstar]

Depends on what you are looking for. How much you want to spend. Some of the places that sell boats have small trade in boats as well. I picked up a 10' Jon that way. Craigslist has been good for me. Kind of the wrong time of the season though. You talking a roof top or pull behind?

The off season has to be the cheaper time to buy right?!   I'll have to stop by the local boat yards, thanks! I have about $1k to put towards a boat right now.

Not totally sure what I want. This will be my first real boat. I want it to float and not give me too many problems? I'm thinking something in the 10 to 14 foot range with a small trolling motor so I can easily fish the local lakes. However, I'm sure the fish bug will bite and I'll end up wanting a bigger boat in a few years won't I?

I'd prefer one on a trailer, seems like there would be less futzing around to get it set up and in the water.

[bak2huntn]

Get what you want the first time ! If you don't you might as well drive down the road thowing $$ out the window.Just my 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Go north on the Guide... Just out between Kline and Smith road on the right hand side. I saw something for sale this evening. Looked like an aluminum 12 footer for $150!

-Steve

[Redstar]

It does make sense to buy what you want the first time if you know what you want. What I do know is I want to get out and fish this year without having to fight for dock space or deal with blowing up a stupid raft. And that if i want to save my ego I need to catch a bigger fish than my girlfriend this year...

Thanks for the tip Steve! I'll have to check it out tomorrow!

[Smokepole]

You can find some screaming deals on Craigslist if you work it till the cows come home.  May as well hold out for a 16'er.  You'll be wanting one soon enough.  You can go crabbing in chop & buck the waves on the lake when the afternoon winds kick up. Sometimes boats will pop up under the general merchandise section, so keep an eye out.

[bowtech721]

Ya I would definetly keep a close eye on craigslist... I get alot of screaming deals off of there but you need to be prepared to jump on something quick if its a good deal as they seem to go real quick

[Alchase]

Ya I would definetly keep a close eye on craigslist... I get alot of screaming deals off of there but you need to be prepared to jump on something quick if its a good deal as they seem to go real quick

And if you do not mind buying stuff from Meth Maggots 

[coop2424]

Cragislist is my favorite for picking up deals but you do have to be quick to act when you find one.  I picked up a 12 foot aluminum with trailer which does need work but I got it only for $75 bucks.  Right now is the best time to buy in my mind.  Post a wanted listing on craigslist of what you are looking for and maybe someone that needs some cash will respond.   

[Buckmark]

Go north on the Guide... Just out between Kline and Smith road on the right hand side. I saw something for sale this evening. Looked like an aluminum 12 footer for $150!

-Steve

I saw that also, looked like it had a little outboard sitting with it.

[daddysprad]

Be careful of the dreaded "onefootitis" that only occurs after you buy.  " If it was only one foot longer or one foot wider I would never need another boat".

[wildmanoutdoors]

If you get serious about fishing boats you'll never stop. I skipped marriage and kids because of it. And because of it I have a 20 foot salt boat, 40,000 dollar jet boat, drift boat and 3 pontoons! It just gets worse!

[JackOfAllTrades]

Some of the happiest days of my life..  Day I bought a boat.  Day I sold a boat.

Money holes in the water! 

-Steve