Review of Pontoon Boat, and fishing report from Pleasant Pond

[IanB]

Just thought I would post a quick review of the pontoon boat I tried today. I have never used one of these crafts before, so it was completely new to me. I consider myself a very competent paddler/kayaker but the rowing motion of this pontoon boat was entirely different. I felt like a complete idiot trying to control this boat in the wind. Anyway, you NEED an anchor (found a rock and some rope in the car, then found out why I was supplied a heavy amount of forged chain wrapped around a carabiner, it was the the ANCHOR! After feeling like a moron I strapped the anchor on and the day was much nicer. Assemply is kid friendly, I had it together in about 45 minutes. (Including manually pumping up the raft pontoon parts) If you were to go your first time, plan on 1hr or so to get it all setup.

Anyway, the fishing looked like it was really going to pan out, unfortunately, I wasn't able to get even a nible. I think it is safe to say, the stocking trucks have not been to north beverly by 2pm today. Sometime this week I might expect them to swing by though.

Here are some pictures, and yes that is ice.

http://stillmaninteriors.netfirms.com/images/Fishing/DSCN0013.JPG

Here I am, dope on water that isn't even 'ice out' yet...

http://stillmaninteriors.netfirms.com/images/Fishing/DSCN0016.JPG

And back at shore with this wonderful craft...just not 'right' for me, glad I tried it out!

http://stillmaninteriors.netfirms.com/images/Fishing/DSCN0020.JPG

[MKDeceiver]

Have you ever tried a v-boat or float tube. Pontoon boat seems like alot of work to control. With your legs in the water in a float tube you have much more control (no need for anchor). Also it's much quieter with your legs in the water while sneaking up on fish versus dangling oars around disturbing the surface...

On the otherside though, your higher out of the water and can technically cover more water, but then again if you have to drop an anchor everytime you find fish that slows you down big time.

SOmetimes casting woolly bugger onto ice and then dragging off into water can get you fish this time of year...

[sped]

Owning both a pontoon and a float tube, I have my thoughts......it can be said that they are designed for two very different purposes......the pontoon shines in a river and can tackle some serious white water....It's basically a poor mans drift boat.....it can get you to spots that you can't reach by walking......they are fabulous out west.

A float tube is not designed for moving water usage.....in fact it could be downright dangerous. Tubes are designed for still water, and with flippers and hands free usage, they are optimal.

Many pontoons including the one above can be used in still water, with flippers, much like a float tube.....this is a good comprimise in my opinion.....

Sped

[lowwall]

I have had both toons and tubes. I had my new Toon out for the first time saturday. It is a scadoon model witth lots of rocker, about the worst case scenario for still water. It was windy and without fins it would have been a nightmare, With the fins it was great did not even need the anchor.

I have a Hobie 60 that is awesome in still water. Has no rocker and Keeps you up out of the water , does not move in the wind hardly at all.

All boats are compromises in some way, probably why I had 6 at last count!