Renting a boat ?

[Gumboot]

Some of the most reasonable boat rentals I've seen is on the rivers, Tanney, White...  You don't need a lot of boat, you don't need fancy electronics, and fish are imminently more catchable than on a big reservoir, my opinion.

Boats are an expense and, for the most part, a luxury.  Only you can decide if it's worth it to you and your family.

[top_dollar]

        Another thing to remember about renting a boat is that if you are only doing it for 1 or 2 days, the marina wont open until 7 (or whenever the hungover college kids lumbers in) and you wont be fishing until 8 or 9.  If you can rent it for several days, or you can get the keys in advance you may be able to fish early.  When it comes to pontoons, party boats, and jet skis, renting is the way to go, but for fishing renting seems impractical for me. 

[jdmidwest]

10 hours ago, dan hufferd said:

What county are you in?

Wayne County Missouri.

My 2008 Tracker Crappie Pro is almost double what I pay on my 2004 Sequoia that pulls it.  There is a penalty anywhere for luxury items.

Downside, response to a fire takes 30 minutes to an hour.  Law enforcement is normally at least 60 to 90 minutes out.  You get what you pay for possibly.  I pay extra for Air Evac, just in case I need Medical.  Ambulance usually gets lost.