Budget?
Hobie is a solid choice. Stable, pricey but great quality. I have one.
The 10-12’ jon boat idea ain’t a bad way to roll.
Blend the 2 and get a Gheenoe. I spend a lot of time in a small boat stream fishing for muskies here in eastern Kentucky. The gheenoe combines the paddling ease of a canoe, with the stability of a 12/36 jon boat. Will accept up to a 5hp motor and weighs 130# in the 13’ model.
