Pontoon Boats

Handymans342

Thinking on picking up a pontoon boat that is specifically made for fishing. They have a live well, rod holders and electronics. They are also easily trailered to a lot of good fishing spots here in Florida. They can easily go in shallow water too. Has anyone ever owned one or have any advice? Next boat show is in February. 

nhsd

I've never seen one with a diesel..........


OK, I'm sorry..

MarkB

I rented one last year. Eh... not much performance, it was a slow ride. Thing is when you fish it's an early morning thing and you want to get to your spot quick. Won't happen in a pontoon boat.

However if you are just a casual fisherman and don't care about catching Codzille then sure, go for it. Has great access from all around and a nice social platform. 

I'd rather get a center console that's quick and easy.

Handymans342

It will have diesel outboard

rasbury

Pontoon boats here in fl must be a whole other breed than up north-recreational ones anyway on the river doing anything but slow with 10 people on the dang thing...never noticed a fishing set up but if I assume you want to get into the shallow back waters, you will get back there better but I would look at a flats boat.

Cableguy Greg

They make them with an I/O, which you can probably get a diesel. The stern will sit a little lower than the gasser. Much better for planing.

JC290

A lot of fishing models out there from around 12 feet and up. Fun to fish off 

Handymans342

Pontoons are 8 feet wide and can carry up to 15 people depending on size. They have one now that has 2-300HP outboards and can go over 50MPH but thats not what I am looking at. There are a few manufactures that make fiberglass versions including Bayliner. There are a lot of fishing areas close to me so once again speed isnt that critical especially if I drop it in from a boat ramp. I will post a web link.

Handymans342

http://www.fiestaboats.com/22_feet_Center_console.shtml

Jameylee

Here in Georgia where we fish a lot of rivers I prefer fishing on a pontoon.  It also depends on the different kind of fishing you want to do.    We set the pontoon up with a lot of rod holders on the rails, a big live well, big bait tank and also lights for fishing at night.   To me a pontoon is more comfortable than bass boats or flat bottoms. You have a lot more room to move around on.   Pontoons may not be as fast and nimble. But there are pontoons out there that do 40 mph or more.  We do lots of night fishing so its easy to set everything up and be able to relax while fishing. We have a bimini top on ours to get out of the weather. There is enough room to throw a casting net off the deck.   We even get into some very low water spots.     If you get the trailer also make sure to get atleast a double axle with bigger tires.  Our first trailer had single axle with the small golf cart looking tires.  It almost flipped over going down the road.

Cableguy Greg

Diesel outboards Steve...

http://www.mercuryracing.com/optimax-diesel-reporting-for-duty/

http://www.boatingmag.com/yanmar-re-enters-diesel-outboard-motor-market

Handymans342

OMG GREG you just hit a sweet spot. 

Handymans342

Thanks Jamey. You said what I was thinking. Looked at one today at Bass Pro. Had a head with curtain LOL. Good for the ladies but not for sound LOL

Handymans342

Just picked up a 21 foot fishing/cruising pontoon. Went all around Sanibel island and back home. Burned $21 of gas LOL

Cableguy Greg

Time for the diesel outboard. Nice looking boat.

Handymans342

Gas is cheaper on land. LOL

rasbury

Sweet- great for pulling up on the beaches on the gulf side...shelling is something else in the area.

Handymans342

Yes

Michael T

There are pontoon boats that run in the local poker runs that will go over 100mph. Any decent pontoon boater that wants a bit of speed can easily outrun most cruisers. My buddy's Premier Pontoon Boat - 3 pontoon set up - is super stable, as luxurious as most cruisers and with its twin 200s will spank any cruiser on the river. A quick google of recent pontoon boat build, quality and speed shows the truly amazing advances in this field.