2013 Boat Rental Rates
NEW FLAT RATES
| Fisherman’s Passenger Pontoon | ||
| All Day | $220.00 | |
| Four Hours | $130.00 | |
| Two Hours | $90.00 | |
| Eleven Passenger Pontoon | ||
| All Day | $250.00 | |
| Four Hours | $150.00 | |
| Two Hours | $110.00 | |
| Nine Passenger Pontoon | ||
| All Day | $230.00 | |
| Four Hours | $135.00 | |
| Two Hours | $95.00 | |
| Eight Passenger | ||
| All Day | $210.00 | |
| Four Hours | $120.00 | |
| Two Hours | $80.00 | |
| Six Passenger Pontoon | ||
| All Day | $190.00 | |
| Four Hours | $105.00 | |
| Two Hours | $65.00 | |
| Bass Boat | ||
| All Day | $165.00 | |
| Four Hours | $110.00 | |
| Two Hours | $75.00 | |
| Motor Boat | ||
| All Day | $85.00 | |
| Four Hours | $60.00 | |
| Two Hours | $40.00 | |
| Motor Only All Day | $40.00 | |
| Row Boats | ||
| All Day | $40.00 | |
| Four Hours | $30.00 | |
| Hourly | $14.00 | |
| Cushion/Throw-able PFD | $2.00 Day | |
| Seat/Fire Extinguisher Battery Box | $5.00 Day | |
| Depth Finder | $10.00 Day | |
| Trolling Motor w/Battery | $20.00 Day |
$20.00 Fee for stuck rental boats. Do not go into areas where it is too windy or too shallow.
Discounts for 2013 Season
Boat Rentals all discounts apply to all day rentals only
Discounts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 may not be combined
- Reservation Discount $5.00 Off
- Daily Discounts (Excluding Holidays)
Monday–Women’s Day (If there is a women in the boat 10% off)
Tuesday–Midweek Discount 10% off
Wednesday–Midweek Discount 10% off
Thursday–Midweek Discount 10% off
Friday–Kid’s Day (If there is a kid under 16 in the boat 10% off) - Grandparent/Grandchild (if both are in the boat 10% off)
- Multiple Day 10% off (must pay for all days on first day)
- Active Military 10% off any day (must have military ID)
- DeKalb County Residents 10% off any day (must show proof of residency)






do all your pontoon have a electric trolling motor, fish finder and bimini top to keep in shade or rain. do you have childrens life jackers for age three?
I was wondering what the rules for bringing your own boat? I have a 19foot bass boat and the last time i know you have a horse power limit but i was also told that you could use a bigger motor just have to keep it at idle to move around the lake.because a trolling motor wouldn’t last all day….
Do your motor boats come with a anchor?
If so is there 1 or 2 anchors on your motor boats?
Thank you
Yes all boats come with anchors. Pontoons have 2 anchors.
Thanks Kreta
When’s opening day for boat rental?
The bait shop is now open for boat rental seven days a week.
I was wondering how many passengers the bass boat and the motor boat carry? I’m looking to put 3-4 people on a boat, so which one gives more room? Thanks
Both have the same limit – 5 people or 676 lbs whichever comes first. Bass boat is nicer because it has electric start steering wheel, padded seats, live well, trolling motor and deep finder.
Hi, When do you stop renting row boats for the season? Also, are there dock hands available at all times? Thank you so much! Jim
They will stop renting boats around beginning of November. Depends upon the weather & lake conditions. Someone is always available to help you at the dock (even if it’s the bait shop guy). Just ask.
I called the bait shop today and was told i had to rent and pick up the fishing pontoon from the bait shop because they have to plug them in at night and clean them when it comes in I’m kinda confused because you said they would make arrangements to bring it to the camp store boat docks. May be the guy i spoke with was confused??
Jeff,
My apologies if I provided you wrong information. It could be the size of the pontoon you are renting that determines where it can be docked overnight.
The bait shop will have the most accurate information as they are on the lake and I sit behind the computer
keeping the site up to date. You most likely spoke to my dad or brother.
Also, October is late in the season and the hours change in the campground for The Camp Store. Not sure if that matters in this case or not.
I am glad you pointed out that I provided you with inaccurate information. Next time, I will call the bait shop to confirm my answer on boat locations between the camp ground and main boat building.
Once again my apologies,
Becky
No problem, I was looking at the fishing pontoon he said they have to plug it in so im assuming to charge the batteries.I think i read somewhere the camp store is closed during the week in Oct. What if someone has an rv and no other means of transportation to get over to the bait shop?
I would recommend that they call the bait shop at 815-824-2581 to see if special arrangements could be made for a pick up / drop off. There would be a fee for such a service and it would all depend on employee availability. There are days/times where employees may be able to provide such a service.
During the spring and fall we operate on a limited staff, so chances are there would be no one available for transportation.
If I rent a motor boat, are there seats for the boat that have backs on them? If not may I bring my own?
Thank you,
Bob
Motor boats do not have seats with back. You can bring your own or rent one from us for $5.
Hello,
I was wondering if we could rent a boat with an outboard motor that has oars as well for rowing.
All the motor boats are supplied with 2 oars.
We will be camping from October 3rd – October 9th Would we be able to rent the fisherman’s pontoon on October 4th and 5th from the camp store? Also can the pontoon be tied up at our camp site at night or would we have return it and go back in the morning to get it?
Please call the bait shop at 815-824-2581 to inquire about boat rental or use the online reservation form https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/
If you are camping, they will make arrangements to have your boat at the rental boat docks located near the Camp Store. So you will not have to go back and forth to get the boat.
~ Becky
Thank you very much I’m glad they will make these arangemnets as it would be a pain to go back and forth
If I rent a boat for this Sat and need to switch from an 11 person to an 8 person will I be charged a fee? I wont be sure until the day of how many people will be coming. If the weather is bad (rainy or windy) can I cancel without being charged a fee?
Please call the bait shop at 815-824-2581. Thank you ~ BEcky
So the 5 passenger limit applies to rowboats regardless of age/weight is that correct? What boat would you recommend for a family of 6 – 2 adults and 4 kids ages 7,6,4, and 1? We are responsible but inexperienced boaters just wanting to take the kids out on the lake perhaps this friday sept 14 if something is available. Thanks!
Yes. We recommend the 8-passenger pontoon. Please call 815-824-2581 to reserve a boat or use the online boat rental reservation form at http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/
ok, why 8-passenger rather than 6-passenger? I tried to call this morning but got voicemail. Thanks.
The 8-passenger just gives you more room to fish with the kids. The 6-passenger can be tight quarters with fish poles flying around.
You can always leave a message at the bait shop and they will call you back.
oh ok, our kids are young so we were just planning to bring one fishing rods and they can take turns with Dad. The boatride itself will be the highlight I think? Do we need a fishing license or anything else?
Anyone over 16 years of age who plans on fishing will need a fishing license.
What is your cancellation policy on rental boat reservations?
Call 815-824-2581 at least 1 hour before your rental to cancel. If you call before then, your card will not be charge the rental fee.
I wanted to find out if the bass boat for an all day rental comes with the Depth finder,Trolling motor.I wanted to find out what comes with an all day rental.
Thank you
Yes bass boats do come with a depth finder. And front trolling motor. Not sure how to answer the rest of your question
Bass boat comes with depth finder, trolling motor, live well, electric start steering wheel and padded seats.
Was wondering if the Alabama rig was legal on lake shabbona?
No the Alabama rig is not legal
Hi, I was wondering if you happen to rent kayaks?
At this time we do not rent Kayaks.
Do the discounts still apply for the month of October with an all day rental?
Thanks
Yes
Would there be any discount for a boat rental for the disabled while camping next week? thank you
The discounts we offer for the 2012 season can be found on the bottom of this page: http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/
Hi, Would one of the dock hands be able to help me place my small outboard on a rowboat and also help me remove it? Thanks, Jim
Jim,
Yes they would be happy to assist you.
Becky
What hours can you rent a boat? What’s the latest a boat can be returned in the evening?
Boat Rental is available from 6 AM – 7 PM
I noticed the boat rental dock is at the opposite end of the lake from the campsites. If we rent a pontoon, will I be able to pickup/drop off folks at the campsite dock?
You can rent your boat directly from The Camp Store located on the shore of Shabbona Lake inside the Campground. This is the same as renting from Lakeside.
Can I bring my dog (70ish pound black lab) in the boat? I was thinking of the smallest pontoon. He has his own PFD, not that he would be swimming, but in case of emergency.
Your dog is allowed on a Motor Boat or Row boat. However, we do not allowed pets on the bass boat or a pontoons.
How many will fit in a rowboat? We have 2 adults and 4 children age 7,5,3,1 – thanks.
5 people or 676 lbs, whichever comes first is the Coast Guard limit on the rowboats.
Hello, We were wondering if you reserve a pontoon and the weather is rainy or stormy, do you still have to pay for it, or can you cancel? Thank you!
As long as you call the bait shop at least 1 hour before your arrival you will not be charged. Bait Shop phone number is 815-824-2581.
Hello do you have any 6 man pontoons boats available for June 23 and what is the time frame for the 4 hr rate. Thanks Hope
Hi Hope,
Please fill out the online boat rental reservation form https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/ or call 815-824-2581. We do not handle boat rental requests via comments or email. By using the form or calling directly we can keep track of inquires easier.
Thank you
Becky
Do you have to be 18 to rent a row boat?
Thanks!
Yes, you need to be 18 to rent a row boat
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Shabonna Lake?
Yes if you 16 & older you need a fishing license.
The transom is 3-4 inches.
How thick are the transoms on your rowboats? I want to make sure my antique motors transom clamps open far enough. Thanks!
can i get a rowboat for 4 hours at 40 & a trolling motor for 20?
No we do not rent trolling motors with row boats.
Can we bring our dog when we rent a boat? He like fishing too.
You can reserve the boat online at https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/ or call 815-824-2581.
Your dog is allowed on a Motor Boat or Row boat. However, we do not allowed pets on the bass boat or a pontoons.
I have a question. I am planning on going camping there this weekend and I want to rent a boat with my 5 year old daughter. I am over 18 and have a valid driver’s license however no boating license or anything…is it possible for me to get a boat still or what do I have to do in order to make this happen?
Also- curious how you go about getting the right kind of license for this…? Thanks!!
Hi Jackie,
As long as you have a driver’s license you can rent a boat. There is nothing else you will need. The boys at the boat docks will even give you a brief lesson on how to run the boats. Enjoy your trip!
Becky
Wondering about renting the 11 passenger pontoon boat on July 4th for the whole day. Would you be able to tell me how much the total would be for all day and the hours it would be to rent? Was also wondering if being on the Lake during the fireworks is allowed. Thank you!
All Day Boat rental for the 11 passenger pontoon boat is $250. You would have the boat from 6 AM to 7 PM. All our rental boats need to be in by 7PM so you would not be able to view the fireworks from the lake. Private boat owners are allowed on the water during fireworks as they just need to be out of the park by 10 PM.
As of right now, the 11 passenger pontoon boat is not available. All other pontoons are available. I would suggest that you reserve the boat using the online form https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/ or call 815-824-2581.
Is swimming allowed off the pontoon? Can we pull a tube?
There is no swimming allowed at Shabbona Lake. The lake was built for fishing and has standing trees. It would be to dangerous for tubing.
Is there any swimming allowed?
Swimming is not allowed at Shabbona Lake
Hello,
What’s the best pontoon boat to use for fishing? I have a total of 5 people (2 adults and 3 children).
We recommend the fishing pontoon (6 people or 900 lbs).
Can I still reserve a row boat for saturday 5/26/12?
Hi Diane,
Please place your reservation online at https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/ or call 815-824-2581.
Thank you
Becky
Hey I’m interested in a 6 passenger pontoon rental for memorial day weekend, are they sold out yet? and my son was interested in a boat that he can stand up in and fish, we’ve rented an 11 passenger pontoon in the past at starved rock and he could stand in that boat just fine.
Thanks
(I responded to Bryan directly via email on May 22).
Hi Bryan,
As of right now the only Pontoon that is not available for Saturday and Sunday is the 11-passenger pontoon. However, the reservations will start coming in pretty quickly tomorrow and the next day.
If you’d like to rent a boat, we ask that you use the boat rental reservation form (https://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/online-boat-rental/) or call 815-824-2581 directly.
Boat rental rates can be viewed here http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates/
Enjoy your trip to Shabbona this weekend!
Becky
What is the capacity of the motor boats?
5 people or 676 lbs.
What is the pound thrust of your trolling motors for rent? Thanks
Also, am I allowed to bring an extra marine battery?
If you are talking about an extra battery for the trolling motors we rent, we do provide batteries and have extras on hand. If you do bring your own battery, you need to have a battery box.
55 lbs.
i was just wondering if you have to be 18 to rent a motor or do you just need a valid drivers license
Hi Darren,
You need to be 18 years old with AND a State Issued ID or Driver’s License.
Becky
Motor is a 10hp. Life jackets and gas are included in the rental fee.
How big is the motor on the pontoon that seats 11, and do i have to rent life jackets for all 11 people, and is gas included with the initial price? thanks
Can we bring along our 5 year old? Thanks.
Yes you can bring your 5 year old. Kids 2 and under require parents to provide a life jacket. For kids over 2 we have life jackets on site.
How old must you be to rent a boat?
Hi Jordan,
You must be 18 years old to rent a boat.
Becky
How many does the bass boat seat?
Hi Mike ~ The bass boat seats 5 people or 675 lbs. Becky
For a first time fisher at shabbona is there specific spots you suggest?
From on shore, the handicap pier.
From on boat, area 23 on the map in the link below
http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/fishing/free-lake-map/
As always stop in at the bait shop the day of your arrival for the best advice for that specific day.
ok thanks
hi if we want to rent a boat that same day when i go fishing or what ???
Walk-ins are always welcome on the day of your visit. You can rent any boat that is available the day of your visit to Shabbona Lake. Just stop in Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental.
Do you have any boat rentals that I could put a 10 hp antique outboard on it? If so, what would the rental be?
Thank you,Jim
Hi Jim,
You can use your own motor on our Row Boats. The pricing for the Row Boat Rental can be found on this page http://shabbonalake.com/index.php/boat-rental-rates
Becky
I was just wondering if i rent a row boat can i bring my own trolling motor and hook it up to the back of the boat? I do this often in the Chicago Forest Preserve.
Hi Joe – Yes you can rent a row boat and use your own trolling motor.