I have an 8' pontoon boat with 18" diameter pontoons. There's no way I would use mine in swift current. For a lazy stream they're OK, and for a small pond or lake they're perfect, but watch the wind. It's a little hard rowing all the way back across the lake once you're blown over there by the wind. IN other words, stay close to shore! You'll need to familiarize yourself with using the Oars, though. It takes some coordination! If you've never done this, it will be tricky at first, but you'll get better with practice. I earned the Rowing Merit Badge as a Scout, but still had to do a lot of practice before I got my "feel" back. I have a small trolling moter - 18 # thrust that I mount on the back deck of mine. And for this small, lite weight motor ( 7 pounds), I use a small riding mower battery. If you use it sparingly it's amazing how long the little battery will last. Cabelas catalagog has the best selection of pontoon craft, which range from $299 all the way up to $800 + for a one-man craft. They're a lot of fun and I enjoy mine. I'll take a pontoon craft over a float tube any day.
JIMMY D
John Underwood wrote:
What should I look for in a pontoon for that will be used mostly for river fishing? You know length, do I need a motor mount or anchor etc. Now I may put in on still water once in a while but I will never put into swift water. I want to use it to fish not as a thrill ride or death wish.
-- JIMMY D. MOORE
Outdoor humor, author - "MOON HOLLER MISFITS" Member TOWA, Contributor to Texas Fish & Game, Scout Exec. BSA (Ret.) Past VP GRTU,Owner Worldwide Flyfishing Information Webpage - Fishing tips worldwide
http://www.BIGTROUTMAN.homestead.com/MainPage.html
My New Fly Fishing Site: Pics of me, flies, etc. etc. Enjoy
http://home.earthlink.net/~rayado/rayadoflyfishingflypatternstips/
"Being able to read trout streams is just as valuable to a fly fisherman as the ability to read a defense is to a Quarterback."
