I am very overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. I'll be using it on local lakes/large ponds and also on yearly trips to some of the big lakes, and it will probably be something pretty basic because my budget is low.  I really don't know how to decide what is good for me, what type of boat to get (pretty sure I want an aluminum boat), or where to even start researching with so much information. I want to keep the price around $1500 for the boat and the motor.

About a 12 foot jon boat or a mod v jon boat is the only way to go. As for a motor, What hp or how fast do you want it to go.

searchtempestdotcom is a craigslist search engine. lets you set price and range to see whats in the area.

 

don't forget deep cycle battery and trolling motor.

About a 12 foot jon boat or a mod v jon boat is the only way to go. As for a motor, What hp or how fast do you want it to go.

Well I'd like it to go fast enough that I can use it on my trip to Lake Fork this summer, but i don't know if it's possible on a lake that big with this kind of boat 

Your budget is going to pretty much limit you to a small, used, aluminum boat with a small outboard.  Check your local listings, there's always a few for sale this time of year.  Make sure it has a title, and runs.

Your budget is going to pretty much limit you to a small, used, aluminum boat with a small outboard.  Check your local listings, there's always a few for sale this time of year.  Make sure it has a title, and runs.

Yes I figured that out pretty quick, but are they fast enough for big lakes?

Unless you are planning to fish only the bays, I would not try to fish Lake Fork in any boat less than 17 ft.  The main body of the lake can get downright dangerous if the wind comes up.  Luckily, there are numerous boat launches around the lake, so crossing the main body is not usually necessary.

Speed and handling only liits how far you can go, not how big a lake you can fish.

What about financing a bass boat? Anyone have experience in that ?

Nope. I paid cash for mine. Less payments = bigger tackle and gas budget.