Float Pontoons for Mn fishing

[mnfishingal]

Does anyone have any expereince or advice with regard to the float pontoons that are generaly used for fly fishing. I have been researching them a bit for use on small lakes as they are apparently easy to take along, set up and can be either rowed with padles or used with a small trollign motor. Any thoughts on durability, ease of use, stability on the water, etc? Thanks for any info you can share.

[DEADhead]

try posting this question in the fly fishing or trout forums. You will probably get more responses there, as I know there are more pontoon users in those forums.

I do know that the Colorado models that are TU endorsed had issues with the air bladders valves lining up with the nylon outer shell, causing the seams of the bladder to leak and/or tear. The backpack models are pretty popular up in the BWCA where you often have to hike in a few miles to get to your fishing hole.

generally the longer the pontoon, the more stable it is. Just be careful about the weight if you will alone when you're using it. You want to make sure that you can get it loaded/unloaded by yourself. There are a few new pontoons to hit the market this year, that include casting platforms. I'm personally interested in these. Size and weight may be an issue with these bigger craft, and trailering it may easier to transport than to break it down for every trip.

Most all pontoons will excel on calm water. Most are rated for at least class I rapids, I believe. A few models are even rated for stronger rapids, but only a handful. Some pontoons have higher angles of attack on the pontoon edges, while others sit lower in the water with a lower center of gravity. Try to determine where you will do most of your fishing, what the water and wind conditions are like, and use that to determine which type of pontoon to get.

On some models you may need to relocate or replace the OEM rod holder, and/or the anchor. Some certain models of pontoons and their accessories just weren't engineered well.

Just a heads up before purchasing, if you get a pontoon longer than 8 ft, you will need to license it with the DNR as a watercraft.

Good Luck!

[mnfishingal]

Thanks for your informative response. I will ask in the fly fishing forum as well. I have checked into one TU model that comes with a flip down wheel so that it is easier to get the pontoon and gear from setup to the lake or river. Just as an aside, I have also looked into the hobie peddle kayaks as well. They have a couple of fish sport models that look interesting and fun and one of our local Fm sports stores is now carrying the hobie kayaks (although the fish models have to be ordered). Food for thought.

Thanks again.

[Wormdrowner]

I bought mine used, but do a search for "Spring creek", i believe they are in Virginia, MN. They have everything you could want for canoe accessories. I love the floats on my canoe, you can stand up and stretch or fly fish without worrying about capsizing. Mine just clamp on to the gunwales, takes about one minute on or off. Ive even been turned sideways in strong river current and still didn't flip.