Hey guys, I've been pretty much fishing farm ponds and lakes that are no bigger than 6 acres a lot in my life. I occasionally go to the Lake of the Ozarks about once a year and fish off a dock or fish off my grandparents jet ski (which is fairly difficult to fish off of). I want to get a decent boat and start using electronics to find fish on the bigger lakes. What should I expect if I want to own a boat. Maintenance, insurance, storage, etc? Also what should I do differently on a bigger lake/reservoir that I would do on a smaller farm pond/lake?

Any tips would help!

Here are a couple pics from my recent fishing trip!

First ones about 7.5 lbs, second ones about 4!

Thats some nice fish.

As for a boat, I would save enough money to buy a 2000's model boat that has enough storage for your stuff, good electronics, and a motor that will push the boat without problem. THere is nothing worse than an underpowered boat. You could get all of these things for around 5k for a tin or 7k for a fiberglass. Start saving now and hopefully in not too long you can afford to buy one. Also, dont rush into it. Look around and make sure you buy what YOU want.

Thats some nice fish.

As for a boat, I would save enough money to buy a 2000's model boat that has enough storage for your stuff, good electronics, and a motor that will push the boat without problem. THere is nothing worse than an underpowered boat. You could get all of these things for around 5k for a tin or 7k for a fiberglass. Start saving now and hopefully in not too long you can afford to buy one. Also, dont rush into it. Look around and make sure you buy what YOU want.

Yeah I've been saving up for pretty much my whole life just for good habit and have about 3k now, with a little help from the ol' man hopefully I'll be out on the water by next spring!

Thats some nice fish.

As for a boat, I would save enough money to buy a 2000's model boat that has enough storage for your stuff, good electronics, and a motor that will push the boat without problem. THere is nothing worse than an underpowered boat. You could get all of these things for around 5k for a tin or 7k for a fiberglass. Start saving now and hopefully in not too long you can afford to buy one. Also, dont rush into it. Look around and make sure you buy what YOU want.

i agree with all this sept when the boat was made. an older boat that been taken care of is a much better option over a newer boat thats been abused.

While it would be very nice to have a boat at your age, I would recommend that you use your savings for your college education, or at the very least, for your first car. Chicks don't dig boats.

I have a Tracker Grizzly and for the money there is no better boat on the market. If you fish small ponds and lakes most of the time a big bass boat won't suit your purpose. A 14 ft boat with a 10 or 25 hp motor will let you fish anywhere there is an access point to the water. Add to that a front mounted trolling motor and you can go just about anywhere. BPS sells and backs them, they cost @ $ 2200. Check Craig's list and ask around your area for good used equipment. 3 Grand will get you a long way.

Wait til the winter time. I waited til this past Feb and got a 14ft Jonboat, 3hp motor, 30lb thrust troll. a battery, life vests, an anchor, minnow keeper, all on the trailer for $400. Steal of a lifetime. The off season is the best time to buy toys. Because no one wants one then because they can't use it. So I've found that toys are cheaper on the off season.