What is a Jon Boat?

Who's Jon? And what's all this about his boat?

Nobody knows why a jon boat is called a jon boat. The origins of the nickname are actually unknown. What is certain is that the term has been used since the early 20th century to refer to various types of boats. Today, "jon boat" is used specifically to refer to a flat-bottomed boat used for fishing, usually in relatively small, calm waters. It's usually between 8 and 20 feet long, and is also typically fitted with bench seats inside - anywhere from two to three basic board seats that stretch across the width of the boat. Because a jon boat doesn't have the V-shaped hull of other fishing boats, it doesn't "cut through" water in the same way and isn't really designed for use in rough conditions.

What kinds of jon boats are available? If you're looking to spend some lazy hours drifting on a quiet lake, well, you might want to look into jon boats. Plastic jon boats, aluminum ones, and wood ones are all available for purchase just about anywhere; the material you choose depends on your needs. Wood is heaviest, and plastic is lightest (but least durable). If you have a rocky lake, you'll probably lean towards buying a heavier-duty aluminum jon boat. On the other hand, if you travel a lot, or have to carry your boat across long distances, a plastic jon boat would likely suit you better.

What else should I know about jon boats?

Jon boats have quite the tradition behind them. Some fishermen swear by them for trolling purposes, and wouldn't fish from anything else. Others decide to buck tradition and fit their jon boats with motors, or comfortable seats seats, or a variety of other accessories. Whether you stick to a classic jon boat, or you decide to trick out a plastic jon boat with all the available options, jon boat fishing is in a class by itself. There's nothing like a flat-bottomed boat for a lazy afternoon on the lake. No wonder these things are so popular.