Fishing Pontoon?

[Sears303]

Obviously people have the option to fish in many different way out on the water. Just wondering with so many people fishing in kayaks, I was wondering if anyone has any experience in one of those inflatable pontoons? The most common I have seen in the Colorado XT.

Anything that drew you away from something like that to go with a kayak? I know inflating it could be an issue if you don't want to go through that when you're getting ready to launch and all. I personally would feel more stable on the pontoon, and they seem to be able to go most places a kayak could. Also, I know the "inflatable" part could be worrisome for durability in some situations. Looking for any words from people with experience in either, I have none myself! Thanks

[EvBlue]

You can travel for miles in any kayak. You can travel yards in pontoon.

Kayak can be used all year if you dress for it. Pontoon is for warm season use only.

When I was a kid my dad emptied a .22 revolver loaded with snake shot at a knot of water snakes that were determined to get on his float tube. Then he had to fight them off with his rod while he kicked very, very slowly back to shore.

[Sears303]

Why is a pontoon for warm season only? I know you can throw a trolling motor on it as well. I was just watching stuff on how they are slower. I know in a river setting this would be much more of an issue than a lake. Although it effect both

I hope to not need my .22 revolver on the lake!!!

[hangout]

Very simple! If something was wrong with inflatable pontoon, you might be done. if you knew how to reenter your kayak with a PFD and a water pump, you could be fine.

[Yakkin]

I’d have to agree for under 300 dollars you can find a kayak that’s fishable that’ll last you decades if you treat it well. You can fish 365 days a year and not have to worry about it deflating .

[Sears303]

Yeah, good point. Thanks for the tips everyone

[SnowCamp]

Boats like the Colorado XT make fine river fishing boats. But because of their profile and height above the water, they turn into sail boats on moderately windy days on lakes. They're a good boat with a specific purpose. Kayaks can do both..

[Peddler]

I just lost a long post on personal pontoons. I’ve been using them for 20+ years and feel they are superior fishing machines. I rarely is ever have to swap my rod for an oar or paddle to correct my position because I wear fins for those corrections. I can haul loads of stuff high and dry yet readily accessible. They aren’t as slippery as a yak so going fast or going back up-current is not good. Mine has a quick access casting platform with leaning bar that easily slides out or away from under the seat.
I could go on but my thumb needs a break.
Here’s a pic in the meantime...

[Nat's Dad]

I have a really nice yak and a solo canoe. The canoe does everything better except seating comfort.

[dmason390]

It is a conspiracy; I wrote a long pro-pontoon post and itwas dropped. I have an ODC one man 8-foot inflatable ponton and a kayak. The cheap, old, still bright yellow banana boat. Over 15 years old and works great! I honestly prefer to fish from the pontoon as it is a much better fishing tool than a kayak: you sit high, varied options for propulsion, you fish any lure including jerk-baits a fly-fishing without standing. It sits high, so cold weather is not an issue, some even use them to duck hunt. Today, even though I greatly prefer the pontoon…. I use the kayak WAY more often. I have a little one man sit on top yak I purchased for about $100 at Marshalls or Homegoods. Modified it with some odds and ends and it fishes. At 40 pounds, I can just throw it up on my car roof alone. The pontoon honestly takes about 10 minutes to assemble/disassemble, but it seems like forever when you have about 2 hours to hit a spot before work or before dark. Just convenience moves me to the yak. The yak is also better in the current, even a little current or wind. But…. If I have time for an all-day fish on alake or pond, its pontoon all day. If Ihad to choose one… at this stage where my trips may be compacted into couple hours of breaks between kids’ games, before/after work…. The yak gets me more quality time on the water.