Hey guys,

 

Just looking for thoughts. 

 

What is the best way to fish gravel bottom/shallow rivers?

 

I have been floating/fishing the rivers of Southern Missouri for almost 30 years.  I would consider myself a pro at it.  I take about a dozen trips per year.  

 

I currently run a Jon Boat with a trolling motor at the stern and take it out of the water using the hinge every time the water gets to shallow.  I have kayak'd and I know the new fishing kayaks present a lot of nicer options.  I have canoe'd.

 

Has anyone ever tried crafts like these in shallow water with gravel?  I use an aluminum Jon Boat because I can basically act like I'm in a demolition derby but still have some comfort as far as standing/swiveling raised seats.  But these look incredible, but I have never personally seen one of these.

 

Looks like a nice boat. Mostly I'm just jealous you get to fish all those rivers that often. Some great fishing and just about as nice of scenery down there. 

I like that boat as well.. I can see a lot of advantage to a lay out like that.

I grew up fishing down there and always found it easiest to fish out of a kayak.

I hear ya, we do two - three day fishing trips and we all happen to be big men.  Those kayaks hurt our backs, but most importantly our knees.

Those are used by many saltwater anglers for fishing shallow flats, mostly sand bottom with scattered oyster reefs.

 

The on issue is taking a wave over the deck...ya better have everything tied down.

I'd look at a supreme fiberglass jon. Run really shallow, holds lots of gear for overnighters, super comfortable. They've been using those type jon boats on the ozark streams forever.

Check out Current River Marine in Donaphin, MO. They specialize in river boats in southern Missouri