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Best Small Bass Boats for 2024

best small bass boats

As anglers, sometimes we need to be able to get out on the water and not be limited to bank fishing. 

But, full-sized bass boats are both very big and very expensive. 

So we need small bass boats to get the job done with easy transportation and without making us broke.

Best Small Bass Boats

There are limited options when it comes to small bass boats, but these 5 styles of boat will cover all you need to get on the water in a pond, river, stream, or large lake.

1. Fishing Kayak

Fishing kayaks are without a doubt the best small bass boat that you can get. 

Kayaks are super light weight, easy to use, and are still aesthetically appealing. 

When it comes to fishing from a boat, I often prefer a kayak over a full sized bass boat. 

Of course, you can’t move very fast in a fishing kayak, so if you are fishing in a large lake or river, they can limit your range. 

But fishing from a kayak also allows you to reach places that you simply can’t with other styles of bass boats. 

The thin and compact kayaks allow you to travel across shallow flats, into creeks, and can even be dragged over short pieces of land. 

Fishing from a kayak is also incredibly peaceful and feels like you are in the water with the fish. 

With all the fishing kayak accessories you can add, these really are full fledged bass boats, and are my favorite way to fish for bass.

Best Overall Kayak: Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

best fishing kayak

$2,899

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 pedal kayak provides hands free fishing in a performance kayak that’s both nimble and stable. 

With instant forward and reverse, the award-winning PDL Drive is the most reliable and easy-to-use pedal drive on the market.

  • Ultra-stable DoubleU Hull glides quietly through water while providing a stable and comfortable stand-up fishing platform
  • Low maintenance PDL Drive with patented easy-docking system for pain-free launch and landing. Covered by industry’s first-in-class 5 year warranty
  • Superior seat design has great lumbar support and is adjusted to accommodate leg length on a shuttle track. The mesh cover provides ventilation and drainage to keep you dry.
  • Two 18″ tracks on the forward hull provide easy on/off accessory mounting
  • One forward-facing and two rear-facing flush mounted rod holders are there when you want them, and out-of-the-way when you don’t
  • Non-slip EVA foam deck pads provide traction and stand-up comfort

Best Budget Kayak: Pelican Catch Classic 100

best budget fishing kayak

$599

The Catch Classic 100 fishing kayak is ideal for the smaller angler looking for a lightweight, easy-to-store kayak. 

With a maximum weight capacity of 350 lb, this sit-on-top kayak features our convenient Ergocast classic dual-position seating system and allows for comfortable standing positions when reeling in fish. 

Made of our patented Ram-X™ premium material, this kayak is built to last and provide years of memorable fishing trips.

 

  • Ergocast classic seating system: One of our most comfortable fishing chairs. It’s adjustable to a high or low position and offers different levels of support.

  • Gear rails: Dual accessory rails allow you to customize your kayak for fishing or filming and gives you the option of adding other accessories.

  • Rod holders: 2 flush-mount rod holders behind the seat allow you to store your rods and keep them out of the way when unused.

  • Locking front hatch: Bow storage hatch with locking lid for quick, easy access.

  • Paddle holder: Quickly secure your paddle and free your hands so you can focus on the fish.

2. Twin Troller X10

$5,299

This one is a very pricey, but is a great small bass boat. The Twin Troller x10 is a small fishing boat that offers an unmatched fishing experience. 

The electric motor not only allows you more access to the growing number of electric only lakes, but it also provides a quieter ride so you can better enjoy your natural surroundings. 

Our in-hull, dual electric motor drive systemallows for better boat control, giving you a faster response time to wind and waves as you navigate the water. 

Our goal is to make sure you’re able to fish wherever, whenever you want–and the Twin Troller x10 does just that. 

  • Exceptionally designed for all-day fishing adventure
  • Hands-free, foot pedal controls
  • Patented in-hull propulsion system
  • Best in Class Stability
  • Plush, premium, marine-grade 360° swivel seating
  • One piece, durable, UV resistant hull backed by a 5-year warranty
  • Custom-fit canvas boat cover
  • Proudly made in the USA

3. Bass Hunter Bass Baby Mini

$1,795

It might not look like much, but that is kind of the point. A unique one-piece roto-molded design for ultimate strength and longevity, Bass Hunter boats are built to last forever! 

You will not find a more stable small fishing boat for your pond or lake.

Bass Hunter Boats are the only small fishing boats on the market to utilize a custom roto-mold process in order to achieve a 100% seamless, one piece construction boat. 

This mini bass boat will never leak!  The construction material is comprised of High Density ethylene plastic, the same plastic used in many military applications due to its extreme durability.  Lightweight and hardcore at the same time! 

Custom rear wheels on this mini bass boat allow for easy pond hopping and transportation of the boat. 

  • Fits between the wheel wells of a standard 48 in. pickup
  • Twin pontoons are foam lined for added flotation
  • Weight: 130 lbs.
  • Length: 8 Feet
  • Width: 51 inches
  • Height: 18 inches
  • Built in wheels for easy transport
  • Drain plug is located in the front of the plastic bass boat
  • Self bailing (when unloaded)
  • Weight capacity: Persons 400 pounds
  • Weight capacity: Persons, Gear and Motor 475 pounds
  • Capacity: 2 Persons
  • Rated for up to a 2 HP outboard motor (may require minor modifications depending on the motor manufacturer)
  • Proudly Made and Supported in the USA!

4. Pond Prowler 10 (or 8 for a 1-man option)

Pond prowler small bass boat

$799

You won’t need a trailer to transport the Pond Prowler 10 Fishing Boat. 

This 2-person fishing boat features 2 adjustable, removable swivel seats for convenience and ease-of-use. 

The compact form factor lets you easily fit it inside the bed of your truck or van for easy and efficient transportation to and from your favorite fishing spot. 

Once there, its flat-bottom design provides excellent maneuvering capabilities, even in shallow water. 

Built-in bow and stern motor mounts provide extra possibilities. 

Rugged, UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene ensures years of reliable service anytime you want to get away from everything else and get in a quick cast anytime.

  • Rugged, UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene
  • Built-in bow and stern motor mounts
  • Prewired for electric trolling motor
  • Compact design to fit easily into truck bed or van
  • Formed battery-box location

5. Ultraskiff

$1,999

Although it looks funky, the Ultraskiff is actually quite a good fishing boat. 

The circular shape helps with stability, allowing the Ultraskiff to have a very compact and small size. 

The Ultraskiff one-man, round fishing boat delivers the comfort of a pedestal seat with unobstructed, 360-degree access to the fish on your line. 

Plus, it is self-stabilizing, low-maintenance, and easy to transport and launch.

  • Deep, Wide, Elevated Storage Compartments with Covers (3): Each cover has two access slots for feeding wires, anchor or dock lines, and hoses into the compartments while the doors are closed. Use the slots to feed cables and wires around the boat to keep the cables away from the deck. In addition, every door has a bungee latch that you can tighten and adjust anytime. 
  • Battery Compartment (1): Holds one battery up to Class 31 Deep-Cycle.
  • 5″ Cleats (4): Ideal for tying off the boat or securing an anchor, each cleat has threaded inserts underneath so that you can replace them with external rod holders or fish finders.
  • Bottom Utility Inserts (4): Recessed disks located at the four corners of the hull bottom; use these inserts to mount magnets, brackets, and plates for transducers and pumps. 
  • Molded Tow Ring (1): Use as intended or as an anchor push pin holder.
  • Deep Mold-in Handles (2): Handles located underneath the flare for lifting, carrying, and dollying the boat by hand. 
  • Rod Holders (6): Equally spaced and perfect for creating custom duck blinds, tents, sunshades, and anything else out of 1 1/4″ PVC.

6. Noisy River Outdoors Flip-Kat

$4,500

The Flip-Kat is a portable kayak that focuses on portability, stability, and storability. 

When folded you can fit two Flip-Kats in the back of a large SUV or UTV for the off-road destination. 

The stability of the Flip-Kat is world class for kayaks. 

The over 11-foot-long flat bottom catamaran hull design gets you though the choppy water and into the shallow. 

As for storability, the Flip-Kat is designed to fit into a standard closet.

  • Patented Flip-Kat: First portable kayak for serious sportsmen
  • Focuses on stability, performance, and comfort
  • Takes up a fraction of space compared to traditional kayaks
  • Large 4-foot wide deck for stable movement
  • Enables easy maneuvering for activities like netting fish or taking waterfowl shots
  • Made in the USA

Small Bass Boat Accessories (not all required)

  • Fish Finders: Essential for locating fish, underwater structures, and determining the best fishing spots. Various types, including traditional sonar, CHIRP, and side-scan sonar, offer unique features for different environments. (Best Fish Finders for the Money)

  • Trolling Motor: Provides precise maneuverability, quiet fishing, and stability against currents. Bow-mounted, transom-mounted, electric, and gas-powered options cater to diverse preferences.

  • Boat Batteries: Crucial for powering accessories like fish finders and trolling motors. Proper maintenance and charging practices are vital for long-lasting performance.

  • Fishing Gear and Tackle Storage: Organized storage solutions, such as tackle boxes and rod holders, enhance efficiency and save time during fishing.

  • Shallow Water Anchors: Ensure stability and control in shallow waters, allowing anglers to focus on specific areas without drifting.

  • Sonar Systems: While modern fish finders often include sonar, standalone devices offer cost-effective options for anglers wanting basic functionality.

  • Boat Maintenance and Cleaning Accessories: Keep the boat in top condition with marine-grade soaps, brushes, and polishes for efficient cleaning and protection against wear.

  • Comfort and Convenience: Elevate the fishing experience with comfortable seats, cooler storage, and gear organizers for extended hours on the water.

  • Fishing Net: Indispensable for safely landing hooked fish. Various sizes and designs cater to different fishing techniques and species.

  • Safety and Security Accessories: Prioritize safety with life jackets, first aid kits, and security measures to protect your boat from theft.

Advantages of Mini Bass Boats

  • Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: Compact dimensions make a mini bass boat highly nimble, allowing you to explore confined spaces and navigate shallow waters effortlessly.

  • Ease of Transport: With their lightweight design, these boats are easy to tow, launch, and retrieve, making them a practical option for anglers on the move or with limited storage.

  • Cost-Effective Option: Enjoy the bass fishing experience without breaking the bank. Mini bass boats are often more budget-friendly, with lower operational costs.

  • Solo Fishing Adventures: Perfect for solo anglers, these boats offer independence and ease of use, allowing for solo launch and retrieval without extra assistance.

  • Electric Motor Compatibility: Many of these small boats support electric motors, providing a quieter and eco-friendly alternative for accessing sensitive fishing areas.

  • Customization Options: Despite their size, a mini bass boat ca offer customization opportunities, allowing anglers to tailor their boats with accessories like fish finders and rod holders.

Putting this in the Truck

No matter your price range or your personal preference, I am sure that one of these small bass boats will work for you. 

Like I said earlier, the kayak is my bias choice. Not only are they incredibly functional, but they just look super cool as well. 

I have fished from bass boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, charter boats, and of course from the bank. 

And to be honest, small bass boats like these have given me the most enjoyment and the least amount of effort and maintenance. Good luck!