New to Fishing near Meramec State Park

[Al Agnew]

There's no doubt that a jetboat will be the most convenient craft you can have to fish the Meramec and similar size streams, but it isn't exactly magic. In low summer water levels, it takes some knowledge of the river and practice running the boat to go very far.

Also, you DON'T need a jetboat with a bigger engine. I have a 1652 Blazer hull and a 40/30 Evinrude, and trust me, it's PLENTY good enough for the Meramec. I know guys with 1648 hulls with the same size motor and they catch a LOT of fish.  I wouldn't go with a shorter boat simply because it's less roomy and will float a little lower in the water when you're drifting and fishing and the boat is drifting over shallow spots. The bigger boats with big, go-fast engines are nice, but the only real advantage I see is that you can get yourself 10 miles up the river in 15 minutes instead of 25 minutes...they don't run any shallower than mine. Everybody likes the biggest and fastest and best, but if your budget won't let you get that, then you'll still be happy with a lot less.  You could get by with a wide 14 ft. johnboat with a 25 HP jet, but as Hog Wally said, the 16 footer is a safer boat and pretty much requires a 40 HP.

Of course, you do have other, though less convenient, options. A canoe or a small johnboat is what everybody used before jetboats came onto the scene. But covering any appreciable amount of water with them requires doing a float trip, which requires somebody to shuttle your vehicle.

[BigTony]

Thanks for some great info. The larger jet motors seems to be incredibly expensive, and I sure don't want to toss my 5 yr old into an unsafe boat, and don't want to purchase a craft that I can't take my son with me. If I could catch a 16 foot Jon with a decent outboard prop, how limited would my fishing be? Would I be able to get it through shallows with some effort, or would it pretty much negate summer fishing?

imreally appreciate all the help!

[Mitch f]

In that area, pretty limited...I wouldn't buy a prop around the state park.

[carptracker]

Big Tony, I have a 16' flat bottom jon (riveted not a heavy boat) with a Mercury 25/20 2-stroke factory jet.  You will not break any speed records but have had 3 in the boat and it will move upstream pretty decent.  Good rig for two.  Looked for a long time for a decent used smaller jet motor.  Would think there are more 60/40 jets around.  Good luck.