When I first started squirrel hunting, I had no idea it would turn into one of my favorite outdoor pursuits. Deer season usually gets all the attention, but squirrel hunting is where I really sharpened my skills as a woodsman. It’s affordable, accessible, and in many states, the season is long enough to keep me … Read more

I’ll never forget my first duck hunt from a jon boat. It was 20 degrees, the boat was loaded with decoys, and I had my lab in the bow. The setup wasn’t perfect — my camo job was sloppy and the boat rode low in the water — but when that first pair of mallards … Read more

I’ll never forget my first duck hunt from a jon boat. It was 20 degrees, the boat was loaded with decoys, and I had my lab in the bow. The setup wasn’t perfect — my camo job was sloppy and the boat rode low in the water — but when that first pair of mallards … Read more

Before I buy anything, I compare. Boats, motors, rods, reels — you name it, I’ve probably read a dozen reviews and watched twice as many videos before pulling the trigger. Over the years, I’ve not only done the research but also tested gear myself. This guide pulls together all of my comparison articles, best-of lists, and … Read more

When I first got into fishing and duck hunting, I didn’t realize just how many small boat options there were. Jon boats, gheenoes, kayaks, canoes, skiffs, even mini pontoons — all of them have their strengths and weaknesses. Add in the choice of motors, and it can get overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve owned and … Read more

When I bought my first jon boat, I thought maintenance was just “wash it down and you’re good.” That boat taught me otherwise. Within a season, I was dealing with leaky rivets, peeling paint, and a spongy transom. The truth is: small boats are tough, but they’re not indestructible. The good news? Most repairs are … Read more

When I first started fishing from small boats, I figured all I needed was a rod, a reel, and a couple lures. I learned the hard way that fishing gear is one of those things where the details matter — the right setup can mean the difference between a frustrating day and a full livewell. … Read more

When I bought my first jon boat, it was just an aluminum shell with a bench seat and a small outboard. Nothing fancy. But I quickly learned something — jon boats are like blank canvases. With a few well-thought-out mods, you can turn a plain hull into the ultimate fishing rig, a shallow-water hunting boat, … Read more

Few things are more stressful than a motor that won’t start when you’re blocking the ramp. I’ve been there. My troubleshooting checklist is simple: Nine times out of ten, it’s something small. Now I run through this checklist before launching so I don’t hold up the line.

I once sheared a pin while trolling through stumps, and the motor was dead weight. Luckily, a buddy had a spare, and we were back on the water in minutes. Since then, I keep extra shear pins in my toolbox. They’re cheap, tiny, and can turn a ruined day into just a short pause. If your motor … Read more