Fly Fishing Pontoon Boats

July 28th, 2008 by admin

Madison 7' Pontoon Boat w/ Stadium Seat
Price: $279.99
With a combination of comfort and convenience, the Madison inflatable pontoon boat allows you to focus on fishing. Features heavy-duty pontoons with abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and tough nylon tops. Powder-coated steel tubing makes a sturdy frame. Includes brass oarlocks and 6' two-piece aluminum oars. Pontoon seat rides high for improved visibility, and safety is enhanced further with double-hull pontoon safety bladders. Inflating and deflating are made easier with combination fill/quick valves. Inflation regulator prevents overfilling, and tow rings and oar retaining straps are added features for convenience and safety. Other features include: Fully padded seat that conforms to the body and adjusts for back angle and distance to foot rests. Seat is extra tall for additional back support and non-slip foot rests accommodate any leg length 12' side pockets and 2 insulated drink holders Large zippered pocket on seat back "Cooler-sized" back mesh storage platform Detachable mesh stripping apron with ruler Detachable foam fly patch Specifications: 7' pontoons 350-lb. capacity Assembled size: 84" x 50" and 32" inflated height to top of seat Weight: 46 lbs. 1 year warranty

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After a frustrating weekend fishing I had to rethink my tactics. The bass were around, as
were the trout, but the only people catching them were fishing from boats. I'm not in the
market for a big bucks craft, but I watched closely as one angler caught his limit from his
fly fishing pontoon boat.

Winter is slow in leaving these parts so the thought of having my nether regions
immersed in icy waters put the idea of a float tube way down on my list. The guy on the
pontoon boat was sitting well above the water.

Casting from the pontoon boat looked pretty easy. He laid out that line in a perfect arc
towards the weeds where the hungry fish were waiting.

I went home and began to research the specs of the pontoon boat.

What's available in fly fishing pontoon boats?

The wide selection of fly fishing pontoon boats available testifies to their popularity.
Most are in the 8 – 9 feet size and most have v-shaped bladders that maximize their
maneuverability on the water.

Pontoon boats come with either inflatable or solid air bladders. The one you choose will
depend mainly on how you plan to transport it. The inflatable type will fit inside your car
when deflated and can be carried to the water to be inflated.

The solid bladder pontoon boat is less portable than its inflatable cousin. You'll either
need a big truck to carry it in or a roof rack to tie it to. However, it's a lot quicker to set
up when you get it to the water.

If you plan on hiking into mountain lakes to use your pontoon boat, then the inflatable is
a lot lighter and the better choice. Although the bladders are strong and designed to take
some rough handling, make sure that you have a repair kit with you for those unexpected
problems.

Some pontoon boats are rated for whitewater, some for only quiet and sheltered waters.
Don't make the mistake of using the latter on the rapids. They will not respond and can
cause a nasty accident, the least of which will be the demise of your boat.

Pros and cons of fly fishing pontoon boats

Fly fishing pontoons are designed with several compartments for storing tackle. Look for
plenty of d-rings for attaching extras like nets and fish finders. Rod holders are a great
added-extra also.

Fly fishing pontoon boats can go places where larger boats cannot. There are now models
that hold two people if you want to take a companion with you. Conversely, pontoon
boats will not take you where large boats will. Use a pontoon boat wisely.

The larger the pontoon boat, the more difficult it is to manage. If you plan on taking a lot
of gear on the water, you'll need the bigger pontoon. Overloading a smaller boat is
dangerous. Don't do it!

You need to check fishing regulations before launching your pontoon. On some waters
the use of any craft on the water is prohibited, and that includes float tubes and pontoon
boats.

Pontoon boats are less expensive than the average fishing boat, and more versatile than
the tube. They keep you up out of water, well almost. Some pontoons can be manouvered
by a combination of oars and feet.

Inflatable pontoon boats take a bit of time to set up, but that time is well worth spending
if you want to access those places inaccessible by foot, but where the fish are holding.

It takes a bit of practice to get used to maneuvering fly fishing pontoons boats, but once
you have got that down, they are a very versatile fishing platform.