I just moved to by Chickamauga and am looking for my first boat. As a kid and teen, I fished out of jon boats in Indiana, but we fished ponds, strip pit lakes and smaller bodies of water. How accessible and safe is Chick for a small boat? Would you be ok, if you stick to the creeks and sloughs? I've looked at the mini boats, like the Bass Hunter, and some 10-12' jons with a 42" bottom. It' going to be just me for now, since I work from home and literally don't know a soul here yet. I'm also open to a kayak, since I had one in Florida, but am thinking peddle powered, which would make fishing easier. I'm just curious as to what people use, what is the most stable and would deal with wakes and waves, and how much of the lake you can get to with something like that. Last, where would you buy? I've been by Academy and Bass Pro, but not to a boat dealer yet. Cash is tight, so I'd consider used, but from Florida, I know that can be a mess. Thanks!
Small Boats on Chick?
- Thread starter Jay C
- Start date
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BUY THE BIGGEST BOAT YOU CAN AFFORD! YOU'RE GONNA NEED IT IN THE SUMMER MONTHS WITH THE WAKE BOATS AND PLEASURE BOATS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD ALL AROUND BOAT TO FISH OUT OF AND IS CHEAP TO OPERATE, I WOULD GO WITH A 175 BASS TRACKER. THERE ARE A TON OF THEM OUT THERE FOR SALE AND YOU CAN GET ONE AT A FAIR PRICE. GREAT FIRST BOAT TO START OUT WITH.
FishingwithRusty
Well-known member
if you stick to the creeks and sloughs you should be fine in a small craft just keep your head on swivel cause some of us crazy guys in bass boats will run into places its not expected 
but you shouldnt have to worry about wake boats and such in the far reaches of these places. there are plenty of access points in the backs of the sloughs and creeks.
but you shouldnt have to worry about wake boats and such in the far reaches of these places. there are plenty of access points in the backs of the sloughs and creeks.
Gator
Well-known member
Welcome! You’ll be good with a Bass Tracker and lots are for sale around here. Check on this forum and on Facebook marketplace and on Craigslist.
I learned to fish Chick in a 14' jon with a 2hp evinrude. Did I have waves come over my bow-yes. did it get squirelly on me when weather blew up-yes. But That little boat covered most of Chick from sale creek to the dam until the day me and my buddy jerked the axle off the trailer trying to use to access some deer woods near browns bridge. LOL! We left the busted trailer in the parking lot hooked to my bronco and went hunting anyway.
takenoprisoners
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2012
- Messages
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This is a late response, but I'd love to hear what you got. I've got a 14' modified V. As Churly says, it gets a bit goofy at times, but it's paid for, and I can row it if I have to. Hahaha
mstrdan
Member
Just read this posting. I am using a 14 foot alumacraft. Love ny little tinny but it gets a bit rocky on the big lake especially during the summer. Done the big bass boat thing a few years ago ready to slow down and just fish a bit these days. I have learned yo find a quiet spot and just relax. For sll the guys and gals looking for thst next lunker, go fot it!
