Need pontoon boat info...

[Big Phish]

So I've been using a kayak for the past couple years and this year I've been looking to switch it up. I find the kayaks are too uncomfortable for spending a long time on the water and controlling them while fishing is just too much of a hassle. I looked into getting a jon, but with my car and storage situation I don't think that's gunna work out. I'm interested in a one man pontoon but I've never actually used one and need a little info.

First off this is the one I'm currently considering -

http://www.onemanboats.com/sales-catalog/pontoon-boats/colorado-boat-pumpkin

My #1 concern is that I fish until the lakes are frozen and as soon as the ice breaks. Is it possible to stay pretty much dry in a boat like this? Will I have to invest in a wetsuit of some kind?

How quick and easily to they inflate? (I would have to inflate it upon arrival, usually in the middle of the woods.)

Lastly, how durable are they? Need I worry about scraping the bottom or yanking a hook into one of the pontoons?

Thanks for reading, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Big Phish]

Btw, I'm willing to spend up to maybe 600 so if anyone has any recommendations they would be appreciated.

[32251]

I watched a guy fishing in one of those one day. VERY light wind was blowing, and he spent more time rowing than fishing. I would not buy one of those myself.

If you go on Craigslist you can find all sorts of 10' jon boats with a trailer for $600 and less. Go that route. You can fish in the winter and not get wet in a small jon. If you have been using a yak' then moving up to a 10' jon will be a luxury!  For one person this would be easy to manage and very roomy.  Just my opinion, but you ask for it.:-)

[EastMarkME]

I agree with the craigslist remark. Look for a deal.

I used to fish alot from a float tube and it was a blast. They are alot less $ to see if you like it.

A light wind wasnt a big deal in a tube. Not sure how that relates in wind to the pontoon style thats up a little more.

Mark

[Grey Wolf]

You are going to get wet with one of these and the wind is going to blow you all over the lake just like your yak.

[Under the Radar]

Here is another option.

I personally have the foldcat 375 and it's great for 2 people in small waters or rivers. The Sea Eagle has a 6 month send it back warranty.

The fabric won't give you any problems, and you'll be a bit drier. Don't let the "Framless" firghten you, it's the neatest thing since sliced bread.

http://www.seaeagle.com/FramelessPontoonBoats.aspx

Just bear in mind that ANY inflatable will be problematic in the wind, some more than others.

Just my $.02

Nick

[Big Phish]

Thanks for the info guys.

A small jon is out because I simply don't have driveway, garage or yard space for it.

I might look into one of those Native one man canoe/kayak things.  They have a lot better storage and some even have the option of pedals to leave your hands free to fish.

[The Virginian]

I'll go against the grain here and say what your looking at is perfect for your needs. As far as the drifting goes, take a small anchor, drop it and fish. You'll be fine. I say go for it.

Eric

[whittler]

I agree with Virginian for your needs they would be fine.

On most of them you can raise the seat easily which only puts your feet in the water. Buy a small battery operated pump to carry on board and they will inflate/deflate with minimal weight. The problem I had with mine was the stiching between the nylon upper shell and the bottom section split exposing the bladders and almost impossible to repair. Water skeeter and a few other brands use a heavey outter vinyl shell which would eliminate the problem. Its is also easy to mount a trolling motor up front, where it belongs, should you decide to use one.

[Sfritr]

If you are just looking to fish smaller waters and inland lakes I would also suggest you look at a Pond Prowler or Bass hound boat

www.directboats.com/94bahofibo.html

I have had two of these in the past and were fantastic.  They fit in the bed of my truck, ran great with a 40lb trolling motor and can go almost anywhere.  

Good Luck

[ikefan]

i just got a bps pond prowler and love it!  i got mine on craigslist with a 30lb trolling motor, battery and charger for $600.  it's very stable, dry and portable.  just my .02

[nycgrip]

you need a boat that keeps your body out of the water, otherwise your gonna miss out on fishing from it in april, may, september, october cause the water will be too cold. i second the seaeagle oneman pontoon. i have a single person folcat(discontinued) and works great for me, living in manhattan   i need something that would break down small, fits in a closet, an elevator and a car. if it wasnt for the elevator i probably would of gone for a porta boat though.

[MSPbass]

Big Phish: I have an Outcast Fish Cat Cougar and that thing is so slick. One of those little red fold up anchors works perfectly to keep it in place. You can keep your feet up on the foot bar and never get them wet if you don't want. A swivel seat gives you even more options. But in the middle of summer, it's nice to drop your feet down every once in a while. And it will get you into spaces like nothing else. Silently too. I've been scared on several occasions when drifting in the shallows and suddenly see a school of big *** carp under my seat.

I keep my pontoons inflated and hang the frame on my garage wall. It doesn't take long to tighten all the straps and throw the thing on the roof of my car. If you do need to pump it every time, make sure you get a pump that blows air on the up and down stoke. I'm sure that web site has them. After some practice, you will be out of the car and on the water in 20 min. I bet.

If you're interested, mine will be for sale soon. But I'm going to ask top dollar. The Cougar has some pretty big advantages over the traditional toons though. #1, the quad pontoons give you 9 feet of storage space on either side of you! Mine will have quite a few extras too. It's also been babied since I got it. PM if you have any questions.