Sport boats

[Agustus]

First time poster so please excuse any fowl-ups. I do some fishing up in the Chippewa National Forest; mainly shallow lakes rimmed with wild rice and want to try some waterfowling on these same lakes. My problem is I do not yet have a boat for hunting and don't know what kind of a boat would work well in october for both hunting and fishing. I'm considering the Grumman sport boat, the Lund 14 WC, and a 14' john boat. I would like to be able to hunt with 2 guys (including myself)in the boat, and 1-2 dogs. There are few to none hard points of land in this area so I would most likely have to shoot out of the boat. Any thoughts regarding the best combination boat? Thanks for any help.

[beretta]

Hey Agustus, I go to school up in Bemidji and also hunt the Chippewa National forest. I also work at a boat dealer in Aitkin. We carry both Grumman and Crestliner. Grumman makes a phenominal boat. For their size and weight they are hard to beat. Crestliner makes some light weight jon boats as well as a "traditional fishing" boat (ie bench seats. If I was in your situation I would be looking at a sport boat. My grandpa has one that I use from time to time and I love it. The only negative thing about the sport boat is that it might be kind of small for two guys and two dogs. Otherwise I think it would fit you very well. Just my .02 cents. Good luck!

[Ufatz]

You might want to dial back your requirements a bit or change you stategy: three guys and two dogs in one boat, of ANY reasonable size, is asking for trouble. Please reconsider. I hope you live and long happy life with many pleasant autums of hunting and fishing.

[archer59]

I've hunted out of an old 14' Sears car topper ( v-hull ) for the last 15 years or so. 2 guys, one dog, and 2 dozen decoys is a full boat. This is trailered and has a Johnson 9.9. Really don't need much for puddle ducks. When we do Lake of the Woods for divers... time for the big boats.

Nick