Side Console Jon Boat for Fishing

Is a Side Console Jon Boat Better for Fishing?

A side console jon boat can be better for fishing if you want steering-wheel control, a more comfortable helm, better storage organization, and more open floor space than many center-console layouts. For anglers who fish rivers, coves, shallow lakes, protected water, and backwater areas, a side console jon boat can be a smart balance between a simple tiller jon and a more walkaround-style center console.

That does not mean a side console is always the best choice. A center console may be better if you want easier movement around both sides of the helm. A tiller jon may be better if you want maximum simplicity and open space. A fully open jon may be better if you want a blank canvas for customization.

G3 Boats offers Gator Tough Jon Series boat, motor, and trailer packages in center or side console options in 17- to 20-foot lengths, which gives shoppers a practical way to compare layouts before choosing.

For shoppers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and nearby areas, MotoMember can help compare G3 side console jon boats, center console layouts, tiller-style setups, Yamaha outboard packages, trailers, trolling motors, electronics, financing, trade-ins, and service support.

What Is a Side Console Jon Boat?

A side console jon boat has the steering console mounted along one side of the boat, usually near the starboard side. Instead of steering from the rear with a tiller handle, the operator uses a steering wheel, throttle control, and helm station.

This layout gives a jon boat a more familiar driving position while keeping much of the center floor open. For many anglers, that is the main advantage.

A side console jon boat keeps the rugged, shallow-water usefulness of a jon boat but adds comfort and control for longer runs, bigger motors, and more frequent fishing trips.

Why Anglers Like Side Console Jon Boats

Many shoppers move from a basic jon boat to a side console because they want more comfort without giving up too much usable space.

A side console can make sense if you:

Fish longer days
Run between fishing spots often
Want steering-wheel control
Carry rods, tackle, coolers, and batteries
Need room for a trolling motor and electronics
Want a more finished boat-motor-trailer package
Still want open deck and floor space

G3 describes jon boats as lightweight aluminum boats with flat bottoms that are well suited for shallow-water fishing and hunting. A side console layout builds on that foundation by making the boat easier and more comfortable to operate under power.

Side Console Jon Boat Benefits for Fishing

More Open Center Space Than a Center Console

A side console usually leaves the middle of the boat more open than a center console. That can be a major fishing advantage.

Open center space makes it easier to move rods, step around tackle, manage a net, handle an anchor, or shift between casting positions. It also helps when fishing with another person because the console is tucked to one side instead of sitting in the middle of the walking path.

For anglers who want a practical layout without a console blocking the middle of the boat, side console can be a strong choice.

Better Driving Comfort Than a Tiller

A tiller jon boat is simple, but it requires the operator to steer from the rear. That can be fine for short runs and small water, but it may become less comfortable during longer trips.

A side console gives you a steering wheel, a seated or more supported driving position, and a dedicated helm area. That can make the boat feel more controlled and less tiring during a full day of fishing.

This is especially helpful if you run across larger coves, make repeated moves, or fish areas where you need to cover distance between spots.

Good Weight Distribution

Because a side console moves the operator forward compared with a rear tiller setup, it can help change how the boat balances while running. That does not automatically make every side console boat run better, but it can help distribute weight more effectively depending on passengers, batteries, fuel, motor size, and gear.

Weight balance matters on jon boats. A heavy stern load can affect how the boat sits, planes, and handles. Batteries, fuel tanks, coolers, trolling motors, tackle, livewell water, and passengers all change the feel of the boat.

Before choosing a model, ask the MotoMember team to help you think through your real fishing load.

Room for Electronics and Controls

A side console gives you a natural place for switches, gauges, controls, and sometimes a fish finder or small display. That can make the boat feel more organized than a bare-bones open jon.

For anglers, clean rigging matters. Good placement of electronics, batteries, trolling motor wiring, navigation lights, bilge controls, and chargers can make a boat easier to use and maintain.

The right side console setup can help keep your fishing gear organized and your controls easy to reach.

Better for Two-Person Fishing Than Many Small Tiller Boats

A side console jon boat in the right size can be a great two-person fishing platform. One angler can work from the bow while the other fishes from the rear or midsection.

Because the console is out of the center path, there is often room to pass rods, move a net, or access storage without constantly stepping around the helm.

For many anglers, this is the biggest practical reason to consider side console over center console.

When a Side Console Jon Boat May Not Be Better

Side console jon boats are useful, but they are not perfect for everyone.

It Still Takes Up Space

A side console takes up less center space than many center consoles, but it still uses interior room. On smaller boats, that can matter.

If you want the most open floor possible, a tiller or open jon may be better.

Walkaround Access Is Not as Balanced as a Center Console

A center console lets you move around both sides of the helm. A side console usually gives you one main open path.

For anglers who like to fight fish around the boat, cast from multiple angles, or work around passengers often, a center console may feel more flexible.

It Can Add Cost and Complexity

Compared with a simple tiller or open jon, a side console adds steering components, controls, wiring, and a more finished helm. That can increase cost and maintenance considerations.

For buyers who want the simplest possible fishing boat, a side console may be more than they need.

It May Not Be Ideal for Heavy Hunting Loads

A side console can still work for hunting, but if you also carry decoys, dogs, blind frames, and cold-weather gear, you should make sure the console does not interfere with your layout.

Many anglers use one jon boat for fishing and hunting. The best dual-use boat should be evaluated for both seasons.

Side Console vs. Center Console Jon Boat for Fishing

A side console jon boat and a center console jon boat can both be excellent for fishing. The better choice depends on how you move around the boat.

Choose a Side Console If…

You want a more open center floor, a familiar seated helm, good control, and easier organization without putting the console in the middle of the boat.

Side console is often a strong choice for anglers who fish with one other person, use a bow trolling motor, and want room for rods, tackle, coolers, and batteries.

Choose a Center Console If…

You want walkaround access on both sides of the helm, better all-around visibility, and a layout that feels more like a small bay boat or flats-style fishing boat.

Center console may be better for anglers who stand while operating, fish larger open layouts, or want a helm position closer to the middle of the boat.

Side Console vs. Tiller Jon Boat for Fishing

A tiller jon boat is controlled directly from the outboard at the stern. It is simple, light, and often cost-effective.

Choose a Side Console If…

You want steering-wheel control, a more comfortable driving position, better organization, and a boat that feels more complete for regular fishing trips.

A side console is especially worth considering if you run longer distances or want a larger outboard package.

Choose a Tiller If…

You want maximum simplicity, lighter weight, lower cost, and the most open layout possible.

Tiller jon boats are popular for small ponds, short runs, solo fishing, and anglers who want a simple utility-style setup.

Side Console vs. Open Jon Boat for Fishing

An open jon boat is the simplest layout. It gives you a blank platform that can be customized gradually.

Choose a Side Console If…

You want a ready-to-fish package with steering, controls, and a more comfortable helm.

Choose an Open Jon If…

You want a basic hull for small water, light use, or custom rigging. An open jon can be an excellent choice for buyers who want to add seats, trolling motor, flooring, or electronics over time.

Best Fishing Uses for a Side Console Jon Boat

Shallow-Water Bass and Panfish Fishing

A side console jon boat can work well for bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, and other shallow-water species. The layout gives you useful room for rods and tackle while keeping the helm out of the center of the boat.

A bow trolling motor and clean deck layout can make this style of boat very practical for working shorelines, grass edges, docks, laydowns, and coves.

River Fishing

For river anglers, a side console can be more comfortable than a tiller when running between spots. It can also preserve room for tackle and passengers.

G3 notes that jon boats are useful in shallow-water areas because of their flat-bottom design, while that same design can create a bumpier ride in rougher conditions. This is important for river buyers because shallow access is useful, but current, wind, rocks, stumps, and boat wakes still matter.

Multi-Species Fishing

A side console jon boat can be a flexible platform for anglers who fish different species throughout the year. It can support casting, anchoring, trolling motor use, and simple electronics depending on how the boat is rigged.

Before choosing a model, think through rod storage, livewell needs, battery placement, electronics, seating, and how many people typically fish with you.

Fishing and Hunting Crossover

If you fish in spring and summer but hunt in fall and winter, a side console jon boat may still make sense. It keeps the boat more comfortable to operate while leaving more open space than some center-console layouts.

G3 promotes its Gator Tough Jons as all-welded models for hunting, fishing, and everything in between. That dual-use appeal is one reason many MotoMember shoppers compare side console models.

What Size Side Console Jon Boat Is Best for Fishing?

For many shoppers, a side console jon boat makes the most sense in the 17- to 18-foot range. That size usually gives enough room for the console, anglers, gear, batteries, trolling motor, and storage without making the boat feel oversized.

G3 lists Gator Tough Jon Series side-console and center-console packages in 17- to 20-foot lengths.

17-Foot Side Console Jon Boat

A 17-foot side console jon boat can be a good fit for anglers who want a manageable trailerable rig with more comfort than a tiller. It may work well for shallow lakes, rivers, protected coves, and two-person fishing.

18-Foot Side Console Jon Boat

An 18-foot side console jon boat often gives buyers more room, more stability, and more confidence with gear. This is a strong size to compare if you fish with another adult, carry a trolling motor and batteries, or want a more capable all-around fishing boat.

20-Foot Side Console Jon Boat

A 20-foot side console jon boat is best for buyers who want more space, more power potential, and more capability for larger water or heavier loads.

The tradeoff is towing, storage, launch access, and total ownership cost.

Fishing Features to Look For

A side console jon boat is only better for fishing if the layout supports how you fish.

Casting Space

Look closely at the bow and rear deck areas. Can one angler cast comfortably from the front while another fishes from the back? Is there room to move without stepping over gear?

Trolling Motor Compatibility

A trolling motor can make a huge difference for fishing. Check bow mounting space, battery placement, wiring access, charger options, and deck layout.

Rod and Tackle Storage

Rod storage matters more than many first-time buyers expect. Loose rods create clutter and can get damaged.

Ask about available storage options and how the layout works with your typical tackle load.

Livewell or Cooler Space

Some anglers want livewell capability. Others prefer simple cooler space. Either way, make sure the boat has room for how you fish.

Electronics Placement

A side console can be a convenient place for electronics, but some anglers prefer a bow-mounted display as well. Think about how you fish from the trolling motor and from the helm.

MotoMember Expert Tip

A side console jon boat is often better for fishing when you want comfort and control without sacrificing the middle of the boat.

Before choosing, stand in the boat and picture a real fishing day. Where do the rods go? Where does the tackle go? Can two people cast without crowding each other? Can you reach the trolling motor, electronics, anchor, and net easily?

Our team can help you compare side console, center console, tiller, and open jon layouts based on how you actually fish.

Safety and Capacity Matter

A side console jon boat may feel more substantial than a basic jon, but safe loading still matters. BoatUS explains that a boat’s seating capacity is not the same as how many people it can safely carry, and that capacity plates provide important loading information for people, fuel, and gear.

Always account for your real fishing load. That includes passengers, fuel, trolling motor, batteries, tackle, cooler, anchor, safety gear, rods, electronics, and any hunting gear if the boat is dual-purpose.

For anglers in VA, PA, MD, and nearby areas, state and local boating requirements can vary by waterway and operator. Review official boating rules before heading out and make sure required safety equipment is onboard.

Is a Side Console Jon Boat Good for Beginners?

Yes, a side console jon boat can be a good choice for beginners if the size, horsepower, and water conditions are appropriate.

Some new boaters like side console layouts because steering-wheel control feels familiar. The boat may feel more organized than a tiller jon, and the helm gives the operator a dedicated place to control the boat.

However, a beginner should not buy more boat than they can comfortably tow, launch, store, and operate. MotoMember can help first-time buyers compare manageable models and ownership needs.

Why Shop Side Console Jon Boats at MotoMember?

MotoMember helps marine and powersports shoppers compare boats, motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, personal watercraft, 3-wheel vehicles, accessories, financing, trade-ins, and service support.

For jon boat shoppers, that means help with more than just picking a model. Our team can help compare:

Side console vs. center console layouts
G3 Gator Tough jon boats
Yamaha outboard packages
Trailers and towing needs
Trolling motors and batteries
Fishing electronics
Rod storage and accessories
Financing and trade-ins
Service and ownership support

For boaters in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and surrounding areas, MotoMember offers large selection, straightforward shopping, and real powersports expertise.

Call to Action

Ready to compare side console jon boats? Visit MotoMember or contact the team to review current G3 jon boat inventory, Gator Tough models, Yamaha-powered packages, trailers, trolling motors, electronics, accessories, financing options, and trade-in opportunities.

Your G3 Boats Headquarters starts at MotoMember.

Conclusion

So, is a side console jon boat better for fishing? For many anglers, yes. A side console jon boat can offer a strong mix of steering comfort, open center space, useful organization, and shallow-water versatility.

It is most worth considering if you fish often, run between spots, carry gear, and want more comfort than a tiller setup without placing the console in the middle of the boat. A center console may be better for walkaround access, while a tiller or open jon may be better for simplicity.

For shoppers in VA, PA, MD, and nearby areas, MotoMember can help compare side console jon boats against center console, tiller, tunnel, and open jon layouts so you choose the right fishing setup before you buy.

Stop dreaming. Start boating.

FAQ

Is a side console jon boat good for fishing?

Yes. A side console jon boat can be excellent for fishing because it offers steering-wheel control, a more comfortable helm, and more open center space than many center-console layouts.

Is side console better than center console for fishing?

It depends on how you fish. A side console often keeps more center space open, while a center console offers better walkaround access on both sides of the helm.

What size side console jon boat is best?

For many anglers, a 17- to 18-foot side console jon boat is a strong starting point. A 20-foot model may be better for larger water, heavier gear, or more serious use.

Can you use a side console jon boat for hunting too?

Yes. A side console jon boat can work for hunting if the layout leaves enough room for decoys, dogs, blind gear, and cold-weather equipment.

Where can I shop side console jon boats near VA, PA, or MD?

MotoMember serves marine and powersports shoppers across Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and nearby areas. Contact MotoMember to compare current G3 jon boat inventory, Yamaha outboard packages, accessories, financing, trade-ins, and service support.