I'm considering buying a pontoon. Getting around in my float-tube is slow, and I want to stay as dry as possible in the Winter. Anyone out there got any pros and cons about the pontoon. I would really appreciate it.

Pros:
faster, more carrying capacity, WAY more range,
sit higher with your butt out of the water(especially nice in 45deg water), faster,
Customizing options are almost endless.

Cons:
Not as easy to transport, more wind resistant.

I carry 5 or 6 rods about 25 lbs of tackle a fishfinder, 14 gallon livewell, 12 volt battery, lunch & still have room for more.
I also find I get less fatigued in a pontoon boat on windy days.
I still have my old float tube but it doesn't get much use anymore.

Check out the Float Tube/Kickboat forum for lots more info. Almost everybody in BnT uses pontoon boats.
Mitch

Thanks for the information Mitch. Also, I deadstick and jig-fish most of the time. With my float-tube I can use my fins to semi keep me still enough to keep my bait from moving around too much. How do you acomplish that in a pontoon while keeping your hands on your pole? I tried the anchor method with my tube but found that winds and wave can sway me around so that my bait would be dragging when I wanted it to stay put.

Sorry, one more question. Setup time? Got the wife and 7 month daughter waiting at home which means time is crucial. I have a Toyota 4-Runner which means I have to set-up & break it down to transport.

To maintain position you use your fins same as in a tube. This is where the larger profile of a pontoon can hurt when it's real windy.
I fish a lot in the delta with the tides, current and wind. You get used to it.
Set up time can vary depending on which kind of boat you get. Less then 1/2 an hour, some boats as little as 10-15 minutes including inflating pontoons.

I would recommend getting the best boat you can to start with.
Outdoor Engineering's Versa-Vessel is the sweetest boat around(IMO). Quick set up and easily customized. http://www.outdoorengineering.com/

Good luck,
Mitch

I also have a wife and youg daughter waiting at home so I know what you meen about quick set up. I have an ODC 816 and can have it set up and inflated in about ten to fifteen minutes. I usally set it up before I go and strap it to the roof of my Subaru Wagon. When it is all broken down I can store all of it (livewell, 6 rod holder, tackel) in my trunk/hatchback. Useing your fins like on your float tube to fish and hold your position is easy and haveing oars to get from spot to spot is great, you can also troll useing your oars (if you are in to that type of fishing) The pros out weigh the cons in my oppinion.

Have you ever considered the idea of getting a kayak. Most fishing models will carry between 400 and 600lbs of weight. Set up time ussually involves taking off your car or truck placing in the water and getting on board and shoving off. Fish finders, trolling motors, and live wells are all possiblities. Kayaks are generally light weight and with the help of a home made cart I have trecked my kayak(s)loaded up with all my gear to remote launch locations that have been miles away from where I parked. Some other benifits are Plenty enough room for you and your gear. A float tube or kick boat can't compare to the speed or range of a kayak. If you fish salt water you will have the ability to launch through breaking surf to reach more seldom fished waters. I have only had my kayak in fresh water twice but I know some people who do more freshwater yak fishing. If you use the double anchor system you will stay perfectly stationary in the wind. If you want a slow drift try a drift sock. You may find it's the only anchor you will ever need in a kayak.

I was suprised at their strength. I have landed my kayaks on rocks dropped them off my truck and after all the abuse still strong as the day I got them. A new one will run between $400- $800 depending on make model options. You can find a good used one for $300- $500. I have bought both of my kayaks used about 4 years ago. I paid $400 for them and could sell them for what I bought them for. I've used them on about once a week sometimes more since I bought them. Eventually I plan on upgrading to a boat but for now they provide a cheap and easy to use fishing vessel. Good luck with what ever you decide on.

Hey gang, thanks for the input. Now, it's pontoon versus Kayak. Decisions, decisions, decisions! Lord help me! I am so excited! Christmas is right around the corner. The wife asks? Is it true that kayaks have the tendency to tip over? She asked, not me.:D

Versa Vessel is the way to go. I've seen guys standing on the seat to sight fish from them. }(

To answer your wifes question yes they can tip over but I have only rolled in breaking surf under situations that would have likely rolled a kick boat or even an open bass boat. I have never rolled out side of the breakers even at times when I had a steady wind chop breaking over my bow I just cut right through it. the fishing models offer good stability and I would tend to believe a kayak is faster offering more range and better mobility than a kick boat. However I really can't say for sure having never tried a kick boat. I can confirm that it doesn't take much effort to troll from a kayak. It may take a trip or two to get use the boat and if you go with a kayak you should try some different models before making your decision. Most retailers will let you try before you buy even in the case of used kayaks. In my opionon your best option if possible would be to try both (kick boat/ kayak)before making your decision. I might like the kick boat better, but you might like the kayak better and vise versa. You really won't know until you try.

JerryG

You can't go wrong with a versa vessel. They are hardcore fishing machines. They put together pretty fast and are just an all around good boat.
CZ

Really appreciate the information gang. I'll let y'all know what I finally decide on getting. Not like I really know how to catch fish anyway. ha ha ha. I've been gettin' skunked. Waitin' for that solid Fall bite! Let y'all know how I do this weekend.