Newcomer Looking For Advice

[Okie Outdoorsman]

Hello all, I am new to the site and the area. I was looking for some advice on boat choices. I will primarily be fishing the Gasconade, Osage Fork and Big Piney as well as some small lakes and ponds. I am sure that I will venture to some other areas but these will be my primary areas. I have narrowed it down to two choices (for the most part because these could easily change based on sound advice). I am looking at getting either a square stern canoe that I can mount a trolling motor on or the one I am leaning towards is a 14ft Jon Boat that I would also mount a trolling motor on and possibly a small outboard in the 5-10 horsepower range. The reason I am leaning towards that is for the space and stablility. However I have limited canoe and river experiance, so I don't know if that wouldn't be a better option. I was just want to make an informed decision with feedback from people who have been on these rivers and what their opinions are for the best all around small boat for the area is. I will be fishing both solo or with one other person. My mind is not nearly made up so I will gladly take any feedback or advice. Also, since I have never really fished these areas I will gladly take any advice that you would think would be helpful for a newcomer.

[FishinCricket]

Welcome! I replied in your welcome thread, but my specific advice regarding your OP here:

I own a 16 foot by 4 foot river john. I have a 5HP Briggs and Stratton (short shaft) Motor and a 40 lb/ft thrust Minnekota troller.

I like the room in the John, I like the stability. I think I could live with the space and stability in a flat back, wide bottom canoe.. But it would be less of both for sure.

My particular motor is a little heavier than some jet motors I have seen (not enough power from the motor to plane out, so my boat runs in about 12 inches of water instead of 4-6inches like a jet motor might), but I only have about $2,000 wrapped up in everything..

All in all I would say the type of set up I have is almost perfect, but if I had the money I would find a jet motor, personally.

I will extend again the invitiation to float the Niangua or gasconade with me to see how my boat handles on our Ozarks rivers.. (I swear I am not a weirdo, just a friendly salesman)

Peace, and welcome again!

[Okie Outdoorsman]

Cricket,

Thanks for the invite. I am deployed right now but when I get back I will take you up on you offer....I would like to see how you have you boat set up.

Thanks again.

[FishinCricket]

Cricket,

Thanks for the invite. I am deployed right now but when I get back I will take you up on you offer....I would like to see how you have you boat set up.

Thanks again.

Well keep you chin down and your trousers up soldier, look alive!

Seriously though, thank you for your service to this country, we'll see you when you get back.. Just lemme know, sir.

Peace, keep your eye out on the reports!