Introduction + Question: New VA Hunter

[Seraphim G]

Hi guys! Wanted to say how awesome this forum is and I've been having a blast soaking in all of the knowledge here.

I'm a new duck hunter in my early 30's based in Virginia. I have 2 toddler-aged sons with another baby boy on the way! I cut my teeth this past season (my first!) on walk in spots to swamps and rivers. Ended up with 4 beautiful wood ducks and several missed shots on mallards. About 2/3 of the way through the season, I finally managed to go out on a boat and WOW it felt like going from the minor leagues to the majors! On the 10 minute boat ride to the spot, we flushed more mallards off the water than I'd seen the entire season - combining all species. Then, I managed to secure permission to hunt a marsh right off the Chesapeake Bay (near the Mobjack Bay) and that was like moving up to the all-star game - we were covered up in mallards, black ducks, buffleheads, ring-necks, and teal! Needless to say I am totally shifting my perspective for this upcoming season to focus on the Chesapeake Bay marshes and tributaries using a boat.

That's where the question comes in - what would be the best option for me? I definitely need something that can handle some chop but also tuck into the marsh... Does such a perfect boat exist? I am willing to trade concealment for a safer boat, I want to be able to bring my boys out when they're older and also safely return home to them in the meantime. I'd like to fit 2-3 guys in it as well.

I've found a few 12' sneakboats for sale locally, but I can't seem to pull the trigger. I found a thread 5 years back about a Chesapeake boat, that seems much more applicable but doesn't scratch the sneakboat itch! I've seen terms like "Devlin Snow Goose" and "AA Broadbill" which seem to be able to handle some more water, but still cutting my teeth on all of this.

Thank you guys for having me!

Seraphim

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

Safety in a boat is the first thing. Would not buy a boat if I wouldn't trust it. Wife wants you safe, she needs a babysitter... Hang out at decoy shows, DU events and talk to guys and wjat they use. All boats have limitations, Some days I just won't launch it, I'll go to a safer spot, that's why I have a boat. Welcome to the forum.

 

[RM Anderson]

Welcome Seraphim,
Well said Capt Geminski; safety is no tradeoff! My first build was a Kara Hummer which is fantastic for protected areas but absolutely frightening in even moderate conditions. Plenty of knowledgeable people on this site who will point you in the right direction. Glad to have you aboard!
RM

 

[Seraphim G]

Thank you both so much! Definitely agree on the safety - I meant to say "trade concealment for safety" but accidentally swapped them in my excitement. I have edited my original post for clarity.

I would certainly rather make it back to the ramp and have a few birds flare than not come back at all!

Appreciate the kind words. Excited to spend the summer on the water!

Seraphim

 

[William Mills]

Sounds like a TDB 14 classic would be a good fit for you. Hides reasonably well for its size and plenty sea worthy. Also has the space to fit you and another adult or you and your two kids. Can also pick one up for a reasonable price. I’d look to find one with a 25hp 2 stroke Yamaha on it if possible

 

[John Ascherman]

Don't do it. Just don't do it. I have been duck hunting for 40 years. I don't know what you do for a living? But you don't make enough money. This is what's going to happen. You're going to buy a good safe boat. Then your going to buy your own decoys, duck calls, heaters to keep you warm, gas for the boat, ores, fire extinguisher, three life jackets because your buddies are going to want to go. Your going to buy a 4 wheel drive truck, then your going to think you need a better shot gun. Then you're going to buy more decoys. It will cost you even more, because you're going to figure out how to make breakfast in the boat somehow with your buddies. Then you're going to buy duck calls, binoculars, blind bag to carry it all. Then when you. buy a boat, you're going to want to buy a boat blind. You will need LED light bar at least 32 inches. Then you will need a spot light, light for your head while setting decoys. Then you will buy chest waders every 4 or 5 years because then will leak. Then you will buy cheap hunting clothing, and then spend more money when you will want warmer clothes like Sitka? Then you will buy more decoys, because you shot at some. Then there is shot gun shells you need to buy. Don't buy a box here and there, order a case of shotgun shells. Then you will want to fish out of the boat, there is another subject you will spend money on. Just don't do it. You and your friends will have a blast for years, and that is all you will think about. P.S. I'm sure I forgot to mentions something. Like your wife will be pissed during duck season, because every weekend that's what you will be doing.

 

[Anthony Babich]

Hey Seraphim & welcome to the site!
Sounds like I would be echoing the mentions above in regards to the 14TDB! I would suggest a nice 17 Classic or SeaClass boat model with such a growing family. The Chesapeake can get a bit choppy at times likewise with The Great South Bay where I am at. I picked up a nice 14' TDB SeaClass in Aberdeen, MD a few years back and it sounds like this could also serve you well. There are 2 for sale that I know of just passing along... best of luck in your search!

1) 14' TDB SeaClass Sale Listing #1
2) 14' TDB SeaClass Sale Listing #2

Here's my boat...2000 14' SeaClass TDB By: https://www.tdbco.com/

 

[Seraphim G]

Sounds like a TDB 14 classic would be a good fit for you. Hides reasonably well for its size and plenty sea worthy. Also has the space to fit you and another adult or you and your two kids. Can also pick one up for a reasonable price. I’d look to find one with a 25hp 2 stroke Yamaha on it if possible

Thank you for the recommendation, William! As much as I would absolutely love a little sneak boat, I keep coming back to a TDB in my research and it's definitely checks most of my boxes. I've seen the weather on the bay turn to rollers and I wouldn't want to be out in a tiny boat! Appreciate the outboard rec too, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Don't do it. Just don't do it. I have been duck hunting for 40 years. I don't know what you do for a living? But you don't make enough money. This is what's going to happen. You're going to buy a good safe boat. Then your going to buy your own decoys, duck calls, heaters to keep you warm, gas for the boat, ores, fire extinguisher, three life jackets because your buddies are going to want to go. Your going to buy a 4 wheel drive truck, then your going to think you need a better shot gun. Then you're going to buy more decoys. It will cost you even more, because you're going to figure out how to make breakfast in the boat somehow with your buddies. Then you're going to buy duck calls, binoculars, blind bag to carry it all. Then when you. buy a boat, you're going to want to buy a boat blind. You will need LED light bar at least 32 inches. Then you will need a spot light, light for your head while setting decoys. Then you will buy chest waders every 4 or 5 years because then will leak. Then you will buy cheap hunting clothing, and then spend more money when you will want warmer clothes like Sitka? Then you will buy more decoys, because you shot at some. Then there is shot gun shells you need to buy. Don't buy a box here and there, order a case of shotgun shells. Then you will want to fish out of the boat, there is another subject you will spend money on. Just don't do it. You and your friends will have a blast for years, and that is all you will think about. P.S. I'm sure I forgot to mentions something. Like your wife will be pissed during duck season, because every weekend that's what you will be doing.

LOL!!! I sadly learned my lesson this year about this - got caught up in all the marketing hype. Had to get a piece of Sitka gear and a "waterfowl" shotgun. Turns out I shoot the old Winchester my grandfather gave me much better... Tough lesson to learn but glad I learned it now instead of later down the road! My great-uncle gave me a couple dozen decoys and hoping my grandfather can come out with me this fall and we can shoot some black ducks over his cork decoys.

I realized the fun came from enjoying the same pastime my grandfather and previous generations did as opposed to what the YouTubers are doing. It hit me recently that most of those videos are up so they can sell you something. I appreciate your reality check!

Hey Seraphim & welcome to the site!
Sounds like I would be echoing the mentions above in regards to the 14TDB! I would suggest a nice 17 Classic or SeaClass boat model with such a growing family. The Chesapeake can get a bit choppy at times likewise with The Great South Bay where I am at. I picked up a nice 14' TDB SeaClass in Aberdeen, MD a few years back and it sounds like this could also serve you well. There are 2 for sale that I know of just passing along... best of luck in your search!

1) 14' TDB SeaClass Sale Listing #1
2) 14' TDB SeaClass Sale Listing #2

Here's my boat...2000 14' SeaClass TDB By: https://www.tdbco.com/

Thanks for the warm welcome, Anthony - you've got a gorgeous boat!! That 14' SeaClass looks superb, I never would have guessed you could have fit 3 chairs (with that much room between them) and still have more space at the bow. Looking at a comparison with the classic, it looks almost twice as wide. How does ride in chop? I'm guessing it's a dream to shoot from with all that room! Looks like it could also be used for divers, have you tried it with that?

Appreciate you sending those listings too, I've got much to mull over and talk to the wife about. I hit the jackpot in the sense that she loves to be on the water and supports me duck hunting so that our boys "are raised right" haha.

Glad to be here!