You don't need a big boat to have a good time on a big lake. Even a 12 or 14 foot jon gives you a lot of fishing options. Here are some thoughts on how to rig it.
Here are the main things you will probably want to add to your boat: electric trolling motor, depth finder, seating, fish box or live well, and rod holders. There are also lots of incidentals, like cup holders, places to store/hold small items, etc., but you want to get the big pieces situated first. I would also consider an anchor and handheld VHF radio to be "must-haves".
Next you need to figure out where on the boat to install or place each item. It's a good idea to leave things flexible until you take the boat out for quite a few times. For example, you will probably need to make changes to balance the boat fore and aft, and/or port to starboard. Battery placement, for example, can really alter the way a small boat sits and rides in the water. Remember, the battery can be placed at some distance from the fish finder and trolling motor, just use heavy gauge wire to run power where you need it. You also will find you like things organized a certain way based on how you move in the boat and the type of fishing you do.
