Can You Catch More Fish...

[ozark trout fisher]

Probably a jet boat, if we're purely talking about which one is the more efficient fish catching machine. But what's the fun if you can just gun a motor and get to where you want without any extra trouble? The paddling and the dragging of the canoe through shallow riffles and runs, and having sore arms from paddling through all the slow water, and camping on a gravel bar when you're tired as all get out is at least half the fun of any float fishing trip I go on. And I also do most of my float fishing on smaller waters where jet boats wouldn't be an option anyway. Add on to that the fact that someone paddling a canoe is much quieter than one in a motorized boat, and thus more likely to see more wildlife, and there just ain't any competition between the two in my mind.

My opinion is slightly biased because I have never owned a jet boat, but I can say that I don't have any interest in ever buying one. A drift boat is a different matter entirely. I think that would be pretty neat for the larger float fishing waters like the Eleven Point and parts of the Current, as well as for the occasional trips out west to Montana and Colorado. But in reality I'll probably never get my hands on one.

[oneshot]

I'm going to say Jet Boat.Much more stable when Gigging or Bow Fishing.

oneshot

[zipstick]

Each is a good tool depending on the situation and size of the water fished. If the water is large enough for a jet, pretty hard to beat; As I get older, I get a lettle less adventuresome, and stick more to the comfort of fishing, ease of launching, and air conditioned summer ride, and stability in winter of a jet.

An improtant positive about jet fishing is standing up. Contrary to other views, we see a lot more cruisers and bass who haven't spotted us farther away esp. when putting the sun at our backs. I've caught hundreds of fluke and topwater bass that I enticed to hit the lure given my better vantage point, so I think adding the visibility adds rather than subtracts from my catch. I see lots of strikes which adds to the thrill of the day. I can also see the dimensions of a root wad better to get better casting angles and see more easily other spots like current breaks that may hold fish, and eliminate some of those brush piles that look good at eye level but would be a waste of time to fish thoroughly because they just don't hold enough water.

A jetter needs to be able to cast a little farther at times, cut down on overusing the trolling motor and learn to cast sidearm or underhanded for a quieter entry, not rock the boat with too quick movements. That stable platform, though, really does make the day more enjoyable and safer. Both anglers get to fish instead of one having to paddle. One last safety issue is thunderstorms. It's possible to outrun them a little easier with a jet rather than enduring one in a canoe or kayak.

I just wish more people using jets would be courteous to others on the river. The next time you pass a jetboat that slows down to a troll when passing your canoe or anchored fishing spot, please wave becasuse it could be me.

[FishinCricket]

I'm going to say Jet Boat.Much more stable when Gigging or Bow Fishing.

oneshot

Sorry, Oneshot, but we are discussing game fishing... Obviously people don't gig or bow "fish" from a kayak or canoe... (where would you hang the lights? lol)

[oneshot]

Sorry, Oneshot, but we are discussing game fishing... Obviously people don't gig or bow "fish" from a kayak or canoe... (where would you hang the lights? lol)

So Suckers are not Game Fish?

Okay how about Carp and Buffalo?

oneshot

[Fly_Guy]

I can barely catch a fish if someone throws it to me.

[flytyer57]

Them slimy critters oneshot is holding, I wouldn't try to catch even if someone did throw them to me.

[stlfisher]

I think it just depends on what kind of water you will be fishing. Different craft would work better on different types of water. I almost always wade fish which certainly makes it difficult to cover a lot of water and since I prefer to mostly fly fish It seems to be the most effective for solo fishing. One of the reasons I haven't bought a canoe or kayak is I can see how that might be difficult while fly fishing on solo missions. I would probably just paddle to a spot and then wade as others have mentioned. Now if someone wants to paddle me around that would be just fine.

[Gavin]

Jet boats are for douche bags...I consider buying one occassionally, gotta be drunker than 400 mexicans to consider it....but It aint gonna happen. I dont want to get trapped up in that big old hurry....

The craft you float reflects your personality in many respects...Jet boats.....just too darn fast, all about me, noisey, lack of respect to others..IMO..Guess theres a 10% that are respectful jet boat owners...but most seem to be jerk offs. Dats the way I see it.

[FishinCricket]

So Suckers are not Game Fish?

Okay how about Carp and Buffalo?

oneshot

Nope, sorry...