Best Jon Boat for Catfishing

Best Jon Boat for Catfishing

The best jon boat for catfishing is stable, roomy, easy to anchor, simple to organize, and built with enough capacity for rods, bait, tackle, coolers, lights, batteries, passengers, safety gear, and long hours on the water.

For many catfish anglers, the G3 Gator Tough 20 SC is one of the strongest all-around choices because its side-console layout keeps the interior open, while its wide platform, under-seat storage, side rod holders, bow storage, livewell, tackle tray storage, and low-light courtesy light support the way catfish anglers actually fish. G3 describes the 20 SC as a spacious platform with wide open areas that give anglers room to cast and move around.

That said, the best catfishing jon boat depends on your water. A river angler may need a G3 Jet Jon. A first-time buyer may prefer an 18-foot Package Jon. A custom-minded angler may want a G3 Loose Jon. For shoppers in VA, PA, MD, WV, and nearby areas, MotoMember can help compare current G3 availability, Yamaha power, trailers, electronics, accessories, financing, trade-ins, and service support.

Quick Answer: Best Jon Boat for Catfishing

Choose a 20-foot side-console jon boat if you want the best blend of room, open deck space, rod-holder flexibility, gear storage, and catfish-friendly layout.

Choose an 18-foot jon boat if you want a more manageable setup for smaller rivers, lakes, and easier towing.

Choose a Jet Jon if your catfishing spots involve shallow rocky rivers, shoals, riffles, gravel bars, or changing water levels.

The right answer depends on how you fish: anchored, drifting, bumping current, bank-line fishing, night fishing, lake fishing, river fishing, or mixed-use boating.

What Makes a Good Catfishing Jon Boat?

Catfishing is different from bass fishing.

Bass anglers often prioritize casting decks, trolling motors, fast movement, and lure storage. Catfish anglers usually care more about stability, open space, rod spread, anchoring, bait storage, seating, lighting, fish handling, and room to move safely when a big fish loads up a rod.

A good catfish boat should have enough beam to feel steady when anglers move from side to side. It should also have open floor space so rods, nets, anchors, bait, coolers, batteries, and tackle do not create clutter.

This is why jon boats work so well for catfishing. They are practical, open, aluminum platforms that can be set up around the angler instead of forcing the angler to work around a tight recreational layout.

Best Overall: G3 20 SC

The G3 20 SC is the best overall Gator Tough jon boat for many catfish anglers.

The side-console layout keeps the helm to one side, leaving more usable interior space for rod holders, tackle bags, bait containers, coolers, anchor lines, landing nets, and passengers. G3 lists the 2026 20 SC with a 19'10" boat length, 24'6" package length, 6-person capacity, 19-gallon fuel capacity, and 115 max horsepower rating.

For catfishing, the real advantage is the open platform. G3 highlights wide open areas, under-seat storage, side rod holders, bow storage, a livewell, tackle tray storage, a seating platform that helps keep the deck open, and a console with a courtesy light for low-light conditions.

That makes the 20 SC a strong choice for anglers who fish at night, carry several rods, anchor in current, and need room to work around the boat.

Best Center-Console Option: G3 20 CC

The G3 20 CC is the best pick if you prefer center-console control.

A center console can be useful for anglers who want a command position near the middle of the boat, better walkaround access, room for electronics, and a balanced fishing layout. G3 describes the 20 CC center console as designed for visibility, easy steering, electronics mounting space, and accessible controls.

The 20 CC also brings serious catfish-friendly capacity. G3 lists the 2026 20 CC with a 19'10" boat length, 94" beam, 115 max horsepower, 1,550-pound max weight capacity, 6-person capacity, 19-gallon fuel capacity, and 14-gallon/31-gallon livewells.

Choose the 20 CC if you want a large, organized, center-console jon boat that can handle long days, multiple anglers, electronics, livewell use, and heavier gear.

Best Manageable Choice: G3 18 SC

The G3 18 SC is a smart choice if you want a catfish-capable jon boat without stepping into a 20-foot package.

G3 lists the 18 SC with an 18'1" boat length, 22'1" package length, 87" beam, 90 max horsepower, 1,300-pound max weight capacity, 5-person capacity, 19-gallon fuel capacity, and a 31-gallon livewell.

For many local catfish anglers, that is enough boat. It gives you room for rods, bait, tackle, anchor gear, electronics, and a fishing partner while staying easier to tow, store, launch, and handle than a larger 20-foot model.

Choose the 18 SC if you fish smaller rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and protected water, or if you want a strong first catfish boat that still feels practical for regular use.

Best 18-Foot Center-Console Pick: G3 18 CC

The G3 18 CC is another excellent all-around catfishing option.

G3 describes the 18 CC as paired with Yamaha power and built for long days on the water. Its center console includes a 14-gallon livewell under the seat, side rod storage, space for optional electronics, and a layout that helps keep rods organized and the deck less cluttered.

For catfish anglers, side rod storage and deck organization matter. Catfishing often means multiple rods, longer rods, bait rods, landing nets, anchor lines, and tackle staged around the boat. A cleaner deck makes fishing more comfortable and safer.

Choose the 18 CC if you want center-console control, but you do not need the full size and storage footprint of the 20 CC.

Best River Catfish Boat: G3 20 CCJ

If your catfishing life revolves around rivers, shallow water, and rocky access, the G3 20 CCJ deserves a serious look.

G3 describes the 20 CCJ as built tough for shallow water and designed for river running, backwater fishing, and adventure beyond the main channel. It includes a 31-gallon divided livewell, jump seats, port-side rod storage, a durable aluminum console, Yamaha 704 control with locking neutral, and a 20'2" boat length with 8-person capacity.

That combination is important for serious river catfish anglers. Big river trips may require more fuel, more anchor gear, heavier tackle, longer rods, bait containers, safety gear, and enough room to manage current.

Choose the 20 CCJ if your fishing spots include shallow river runs, ledges, rocky stretches, gravel bars, shoals, or backwaters that call for a jet setup.

Best Smaller Jet Option: G3 18 CCJ

The G3 18 CCJ is the more manageable Jet Jon option for river catfishing.

G3 describes the 18 CCJ as built tough for skinny water and useful for fishing, hunting, or exploring water that may be off-limits to traditional boats. It includes three port-side rod holders, an optional trolling motor path, and a double-wide helm seat that doubles as a livewell.

G3 lists the 18 CCJ with an 18'1" boat length, 23'2" package length, 88" beam, 115/80J max horsepower, 1,500-pound max weight capacity, 6-person capacity, 14-gallon fuel capacity, and a 17-gallon livewell.

Choose the 18 CCJ if you want shallow-water jet capability but do not need the size, fuel capacity, and 8-person rating of the 20 CCJ.

Best Custom Catfish Build: G3 1860 WOF

Some catfish anglers want to build their boat around their exact fishing style.

That is where the G3 1860 WOF makes sense. G3 describes the 1860 WOF as a Loose Jon built for purpose and function, with options such as a console, steering cables, deck extension, and bench seat. G3 lists it with a 17'11" boat length, 6-person capacity, 6.6-gallon portable fuel capacity, and 60T/90C max horsepower rating.

A custom catfish build might include rod holders, anchor systems, electronics, storage boxes, battery placement, interior lighting, bait station planning, seating, and a clean floor plan.

Choose the 1860 WOF or another G3 Loose Jon if you want a flexible platform instead of a finished Package Jon layout.

Side Console vs Center Console for Catfishing

For catfishing, a side console often makes more sense than many shoppers expect.

Side-console boats keep the center of the boat more open. That helps when you are setting rod holders, moving around anchor lines, staging bait, fighting fish, or helping another angler land a catfish.

A center console can be better if you want a balanced helm, walkaround access, electronics space, and a more command-style fishing position.

Choose side console if open floor space is your top priority. Choose center console if visibility, electronics, and helm position matter more.

How Big Should a Catfish Jon Boat Be?

For serious catfishing, an 18- to 20-foot jon boat is often the right range.

A 16-foot boat can work for smaller water, lighter gear, and simple trips. But many catfish anglers quickly appreciate the extra space of an 18- or 20-foot platform.

An 18-foot jon boat is easier to own and still capable. A 20-foot jon boat gives you more room for rod holders, multiple anglers, anchors, bait, coolers, batteries, tackle, and night-fishing gear.

Before choosing, think about your biggest normal load, not your lightest trip.

Features Catfish Anglers Should Prioritize

Catfish anglers should prioritize stability, open layout, rod-holder placement, anchor setup, storage, lighting, electronics, and load capacity.

Rod holders are especially important. Catfishing often involves spreading rods along the side or stern and watching several lines at once. The boat should let you place rods where they are reachable without blocking movement.

Anchoring also matters. Many catfish anglers anchor above structure, current seams, holes, ledges, or channel edges. A good catfish boat should have room for anchor storage and safe line handling.

Night-fishing setup matters too. Courtesy lighting, navigation lights, battery capacity, headlamps, organized storage, and uncluttered decks can make a long night safer and more comfortable.

Livewell, Cooler, and Fish Handling

A livewell can be useful, but catfish anglers should think carefully about how they actually handle fish.

Some anglers release fish quickly. Some keep legal-size fish for the table. Some use large coolers. Some need livewell space for bait or temporary holding, depending on local rules and fishing style.

G3’s 20 CC includes two livewells, while the 20 SC includes a livewell and open space that can support other gear choices.

Before choosing a boat based on livewell size alone, check local fishing regulations and talk with MotoMember about how you plan to rig the boat for your real catfishing routine.

Best Jon Boat Setup for Night Catfishing

Night catfishing puts a premium on organization.

You need rods positioned safely, tackle where you can find it, bait stored securely, lighting that helps without blinding you, and enough floor space that passengers are not stepping over gear in the dark.

A G3 20 SC is especially appealing here because of its open deck space, side rod holders, tackle tray storage, under-seat storage, and console courtesy light.

For night fishing, also consider a quality fish finder, GPS, anchor light, backup light, spare battery capacity, landing net, first-aid kit, throwable device, and clearly accessible PFDs.

MotoMember Expert Tip

Before choosing a jon boat for catfishing, sketch your rod spread.

Mark where each rod holder will go, where the anchor line will run, where the landing net will sit, where bait will be stored, where passengers will sit, and where you will stand when fighting a fish.

Many shoppers focus on horsepower first. Catfish anglers should focus on deck flow first.

Our team can help you compare the G3 18 SC, 18 CC, 20 SC, 20 CC, 18 CCJ, 20 CCJ, and Loose Jon options based on your water, rod setup, storage, towing, and budget.

Regional Advice for VA, PA, MD, WV, and Nearby Areas

For catfish anglers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and surrounding areas, local water should guide the boat decision.

Small lakes and protected reservoirs may point toward an 18 SC or 18 CC. Larger rivers, heavier current, longer nights, and more gear may justify a 20 SC or 20 CC. Shallow rocky river access may point toward the 18 CCJ or 20 CCJ.

MotoMember is a full-service dealership group with locations in Purcellville and Manassas, Virginia, and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and its website lists marine, outboard motors, trailers, pre-owned marine inventory, service, parts, accessories, and financing resources.

Current availability can vary by season, location, model year, motor package, trailer setup, color, accessories, and incoming inventory, so check MotoMember inventory or contact the team before planning around one exact G3 configuration.

Safety Considerations for Catfishing

Catfishing often means current, darkness, cold water, heavy gear, anchor lines, and long hours. Safety gear should be easy to reach, not buried under tackle or coolers.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently reminded boaters that operators are required to have a Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for every person aboard, and boats over 16 feet are required to carry a throwable flotation device. Pennsylvania’s Fish and Boat Commission states that all boats must have a serviceable USCG-approved life jacket for each person, and boats 16 feet and over must have an immediately available USCG-approved throwable device onboard.

Virginia DWR states that operators of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating safety course. Before launching, check weather, river levels, navigation lights, anchor gear, batteries, fuel, and local rules.

Call to Action

Your G3 Gator Tough Headquarters starts at MotoMember.

Explore current G3 availability, compare catfish-friendly jon boat layouts, and talk with the MotoMember team about Yamaha power, trailers, rod-holder setup, electronics, anchor systems, lighting, storage, financing, trade-ins, service, towing, and storage.

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Stop dreaming. Start riding—and boating—with MotoMember.

Conclusion

The best jon boat for catfishing is usually an 18- to 20-foot aluminum jon boat with strong stability, open floor space, smart rod-holder placement, good storage, safe anchoring room, and enough capacity for long days or nights on the water.

For many anglers, the G3 20 SC is the best overall catfish jon boat because its side-console layout preserves open deck space while offering storage, rod holders, livewell utility, and a spacious platform. The G3 20 CC is the best center-console choice. The G3 18 SC or 18 CC is the more manageable all-around option. The G3 18 CCJ or 20 CCJ is the better choice for shallow rocky rivers. A G3 Loose Jon is the best starting point for a custom catfish build.

For shoppers in VA, PA, MD, WV, and nearby areas, MotoMember can help you compare G3 Gator Tough models and choose a catfishing setup that fits your water, gear, trailer, storage space, and season.

FAQ

What size jon boat is best for catfishing?

For many catfish anglers, an 18- to 20-foot jon boat is the best range. An 18-foot boat is easier to tow and store, while a 20-foot boat gives more room for rods, anchors, bait, coolers, passengers, and night-fishing gear.

Is the G3 20 SC good for catfishing?

Yes. The G3 20 SC is a strong catfishing option because it has a spacious side-console layout, wide open areas, under-seat storage, side rod holders, bow storage, livewell, tackle tray storage, and a console courtesy light for low-light conditions.

Is a center-console jon boat good for catfishing?

Yes. A center-console jon boat can be excellent for catfishing if you want better helm visibility, electronics mounting space, walkaround access, and a more balanced control position. The G3 20 CC is a strong center-console catfish option.

What is the best G3 jon boat for river catfishing?

The G3 20 CCJ is the better choice for serious shallow river catfishing because it is built for shallow water, river running, and backwater fishing. The G3 18 CCJ is a more manageable Jet Jon option for anglers who want shallow-water capability in a smaller package.

How do I check current G3 catfish boat availability at MotoMember?

Check MotoMember inventory or contact the team directly. Availability, model year, motor package, trailer setup, color, accessories, pricing, and incoming units can change by season and location.