Looking to buy my first boat (fishing)

[greenbean]

An used all welded 16' (or more) with a 40 mph (or more). Would like steering, electric start, trim, trolling motor, etc. my budget is $4k. Since this my first boat and I will be in the Ross Barnett Rez, I'm scared of a fiberglass boat due to stumps, trees, etc, at least until I learn my way around.

Any advice or tips are appreciated.

One question, can I run a boat like this on open water on the Rez?

[Offshore Dawg]

See if you can find a used tracker from Bass Pro Shop

[State82]

It will be fine on relatively calm days on Barnett. Those 5-10 mph wind days at most. Don't put a 16' out there on the main lake when it gets brisk.

[msstatelp1]

It will be fine on relatively calm days on Barnett. Those 5-10 mph wind days at most. Don't put a 16' out there on the main lake when it gets brisk.

This. The Rez is relatively shallow and gets rough very very quick.

[Bass Chaser]

Check craigslist or bassboatcentral.com

Make sure to have the engine checked before buying.

Stumps and rebar can do a number.

[greenbean]

Thanks to all.

Bass Chaser, I'm obviously going to need your secret spots....I'm on the Rankin side.

[BeastMan]

Bass Chaser is dead on. If you watch Craigslist regularly, you see some deals. You just have to check consistently. I was on the Rez today. 2 weeks bites on a snipper bait. Couldn't get bit doing anything else. Saw a nice gar cruising on top and pitched in front of him. Pulled it on his nose and he turned. Wouldn't eat. Woulda been cool to sight fish a gar. Didn't catch anything.

[Bass Chaser]

There's a reason they call it the dead sea this time of year. There's no secrets out there. It may be 33,000 acres but there's only about 10,000 fishable water.

[greenbean]

Well I ended up getting a ski boat