Is 4hp enough

[shunker_lure]

I have a 12' jon boat with a 4hp older johnson motor is that enough power with current to go up stream. I know it would be slow moving. i mainly plan on taking it around the mankato area.

[harvey lee]

I do not believe one would have a hard time at all with 4hp with the low water and slower current. With a regular spring and the higher water and current, one could have some issues going upstream.

If you were to hit an area with more current, I would then run the shallower side of the river to get into the shallower water and there would be less current. The outside bends and main channel will have the fastest curent.

Yes, it would be a slower ride to your fishing spot but that would be a great time to simply enjoy the ride and the scenery along the river.

The smaller boat could be the ticket now with the lower water and slower current.

Now if it were to rain many inches, then of course the current could pick up greatly.

[Scott K]

Tom pretty much nailed it. In this water, it will be slow, but doable. In higher water, I would leave the 4hp at home. Not only going upstream would be hard, but to speed up enough to maneuver around obstacles going down stream would be challenging. When I was in my teens, I ran a 14 foot with a 9.9 almost year around. Except when the water was out of the banks. It got me around, but you best not be in any hurry getting up stream.

[me_fathead]

...and when you launch, go upstream first. That way, if you have any issues you're going the right way when you need to get back

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Just be careful if you go downstream from there because there is a necked down spot that is quite fast even in low water (probably especially in low water).

[shunker_lure]

Well did my shake down test on sunday afternoon. Went from land of memories and went up stream. Managed to go about 5 mph up stream which was a ok speed gave enough time to see everything coming up and to get a good read on the water. On the way back down stream managed to get 9 mph out of the motor.

I only caught one sheephead but i only fished for two hours. All the woodducks on the river keeps a person entertained.

Hopefully next time out the water will be warmer and the fish be more active.

[Larry FlatCaster]

Keep in mind the rising river and faster flows in the near future. If you hadn't already. Its moving and will be picking up flow after last nights rain.

[DTro]

You are going to have a heck of a time in the next few weeks with that 4ph. Be careful.