5 Small Fishing Boats for First-Time Buyers
Imagine you’re standing on the shore of a quiet lake. You have a fishing rod in hand. The morning mist clings to the water. You’ve spent countless hours fishing from the bank, watching seasoned anglers glide across in their fishing boats, effortlessly casting to hidden hotspots and pulling in catch after catch. You love coming back to this spot because at the end of the day, fishing is fishing. But when will you be able to reach out a little farther and experience the real thing? When will you be out there in one of those small fishing boats you see so often?
Sound familiar? The prospect of buying a fishing boat is wildly exciting but undeniably overwhelming. The answer lies in finding your perfect fit among the bevy of small fishing boats—one that’s affordable, easy to handle, and designed to launch one’s fishing dreams into reality.
Tracker Grizzly 1648 Jon Boat
Base Price: $4,995
The Tracker Grizzly 1648 Jon Boat is a top choice for novice anglers who want an affordable, tough, versatile boat. Built with an all-welded aluminum construction, this boat is designed to handle a variety of activities. You can use it to fish and hunt, and even for work applications.
The roomy front deck and lockable storage offer practical solutions for keeping your gear organized and secure. Additionally, the VERSATRACK system gives you the flexibility to personalize your boat with accessories as your needs evolve. Whether you’re adding rod holders, upgrading your seating, or installing a trolling motor, this boat grows with you.
Given its robust construction, the Grizzly 1648 is one of those small fishing boats that withstands bumps and bruises. And with a 7-degree deadrise Mod V hull, the boat delivers smoother, drier rides even in challenging conditions. There are other popular, practical models—namely the Sun Dolphin American 12 or the Bass Pro Shops Prowler—but none will withstand the test of time better than the Grizzly 1648.
Key Features:
- Length: 16 feet, 1 inch
- Beam: 6 feet
- Material: All-welded aluminum construction
- Capacity: 4 people or 1,055 pounds
- Engine Power: Compatible with 40 HP outboard motors
9’6” Saturn Triton Dinghy Tender
Base Price: $2,199
Many beginning anglers are limited in terms of space. That’s true for many boat owners in general. Boats can be difficult to store. Which makes small fishing boats a natural choice. When space is a hurdle, inflatable boats are a fantastic alternative. The inflatable boat market is a growing one, but the Saturn Triton offers premium bang-for-your-buck appeal.
On sale for $1,049 at publication time, it can comfortably hold two anglers and plenty of gear for a day out on the water. With extremely rigid materials and a reliable motor transom, this boat can get you to all the best spots and fold up into a closet when you’re done.
It uses 35-ounce Suijia 1.22mm 2000-Denier PVC, a highly durable material that can take plenty of abuse. Plus, a number of accessories come included, such as aluminum oars, a hand pump, a repair kit, a seat bench, and a carry bag. Anglers on bigger water might struggle with this one, but don’t overlook the capabilities of a reliable inflatable boat. The 9’6” Saturn Triton Dinghy Tender is just that.
Key Features:
- Length: 9 feet, 6 inches
- Material: Heavy-duty PVC fabric
- Capacity: 5 people or 1,200 pounds
- Engine Power: Compatible with up to 10 HP motors
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
Base Price: $4,799
Do you plan to do a lot of solo fishing but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Look no further than a fishing kayak such as the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14. Fishing kayaks are small fishing boats that are a cost-effective way to up your fishing game. And they present unique advantages. Where many motorized boats are limited by shallow waters or posted restrictions, kayaks can go about anywhere. They’re small, they’re stable, and they grant anglers access to the most tucked-away honeyholes.
You can find a wide variety of budget-friendly kayaks decked out with fishing accessories. Many will satisfy anglers looking for a first fishing platform, though serious anglers will likely end up wanting more. Hobie has long been recognized as a premier fishing kayak brand, and for good reason.
The Mirage Drive 360 and Kick Up Turbo Fins offer industry-leading foot-powered paddling, which enables anglers to glide through the water while fishing. Hobie’s trademarked Vantage Seating system proves to be effective, too, providing comfort and adjustability for long days on the water.
Key Features:
- Length: 13 feet, 8 inches
- Weight: 144.5 pounds
- Material: Rotomolded polyethylene
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Drive System: MirageDrive 180 with Kick-Up Turbo Fins
Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC: A Versatile Saltwater Option
Base Price: $19,595
Most anglers get their start on freshwater, but those who live along the coast may have a stronger interest in saltwater species. A saltwater boat will usually cost you more than a freshwater boat, but you can still start small.
A skiff may be the most practical option. These shallow-draft boats are designed for saltwater fishing, particularly in flats and coastal areas. They’re lightweight and easy to trailer, so they’re great for first-timers who’d like to venture out past the shoreline. But which model makes the most sense for a beginner?
The Mako Pro Skiff 13 CC offers everything in a sleek, classic silhouette, pairing practicality with quality. Ideal for one or two anglers—it does fit up to four—this center-console boat offers a wide, stable design for carefree fishing and safety moving around. It’s also built with the angler in mind. How? Well, it features extras such as in-deck storage, console-mounted rod holders, and an integrated eight-gallon baitwell.
Key Features:
- Length: 13 feet, 6 inches
- Beam: 6 feet
- Material: Advanced Inverted V (AIV) fiberglass hull
- Capacity: 4 people or 900 pounds
- Engine Power: Comes with a 25 HP Mercury FourStroke outboard motor
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select
Base Price: $17,995
Not all first-timers are kids or young adults; some anglers don’t get their start until they’re older. There may be a family of passengers to consider, making the aforementioned options impractical. With a combination of space, comfort, and practicality, a pontoon boat could be the perfect fit. However, pontoon boats can vary greatly in size, stretching all the way up to party barge-style hulls. The Bass Buggy is an exception.
This compact fishing pontoon combines comfort and fishability in an affordable package. It’s spacious enough to comfortably seat up to seven passengers on marine-grade, UV-resistant, top-coated upholstery. The deck is lined with woven 16-ounce marine-grade flooring and equipped with interior courtesy lighting and Bluetooth-compatible speakers.
Meanwhile, anglers will love integrated rod holders, a console-mounted livewell, and an extremely stable casting deck. If you’re looking for a way to get on the water with your family without breaking the bank, the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select is one of a kind.
Key Features:
- Length: 16 feet
- Beam: 8 feet
- Material: Aluminum pontoons
- Capacity: 7 people or 1,500 pounds
- Engine Power: Comes with a 20 or 50 HP Mercury FourStroke outboard motor
David Schlake
You might also like
