pontoon big enough to take dog along?

[fishindogs]

I just about always take my dog (45# medium size) fishing with me. We currently use a two man inflatable kayak (rouge?) as river transportation, and he LOVES it. We mostly fish the Wilson.
I've been thinking about a pontoon, hopefully one I could actually fish out of instead of just for transportation. But I can't leave the house with fishing tackle without breaking the dog's heart.
Any suggestions? (how big, how stupid an idea, etc.)

[Fish Hawg]

Gi joes has a 10' by 4 1/2' 0r 5' wide one, and it has a platform on the back were your dog can ride.

[Water Ready]

Lots of guys take their dogs fishn'. Nothing wrong with that. Take a look at the cats(Rapidcats pontoons) I build for fishermen. The website is below an feel free to email me with any questions of layout and design. Happy fishn' :smile:

[fishindogs]

Does anyone have any actual experience on the "fishability" of a pontoon with 45# of weight on the platform? People have been reporting that they are kinda unmanagable for fishing, even without the extra dog weight. Just wondering.

[Mad Mikey]

I don't "fish" out of my pontoon, more of a transportation thing. When I used to have a dog to take fishing he was only 12lbs and I just stuffed him in my vest.

[fishindogs]

Mad Mikey,
I discussed the "stuffing the dog in the vest" option with Wilson (my dog), and he doesn't seem to think it is a good idea.
Thanks anyway.

[corkyking]

This brand of pontoon boat is the only one that I have spoken to fishermen about. They couldn't say enough good things about it.

[Reel Premier]

fishindogs.

I just read an article in STS about the boats corkying is talking about. It seems that their larger boat would easily hold your dog, as it fishes to grown men. Check out the article, you should be stoked.

[Steelheader69]

Yeah, I'm with Corky, only because it's one of the best boats out on the market, and the strongest built tubes and heaviest carrying capacity. You could get by easily with a 9' model with your dog. Just have him sit where the cooler normally sits (used to take my lab in my old one, and it was one of the originals, not the upgraded newer Steelheaders). Great boats, and Bill is excellent to work with. But, his boats are hardcore, so only look into it if you want a hardcore fishing machine. He had the experience of being a whitewater guy (like myself) and a hardcore fisherman too when he designed his boats.

[foxer]

Just know that "hardcore" = $$$. Nothing wrong with that though. Maybe a small drifter?

[Steelheader69]

Yup, you're right. You pay for quality. And good whitewater tubes/frames will cost you, but anybody who has built up boats like this know the prices anyways. But those who don't, they are pricey. But, if you hit the portland show, you can get a great price on the boats Corky is talking about. But, for what you're looking for (stand up and fish and carrying the dog) this boat will more then suite you. Plus, you won't even notice your dog is on board.

[GOT2FISH]

Dont spend your money till you talk to Bruce at water ready. I have seen his units they are impesive. He makes his own frames and can coustimize to meet your needs. Its always a pleasure told talk to him he has a passion for what he does and I dont think you could ask for better coustmer service.You can find him here on the Fly Fishing Site.

[Water Ready]

Thanks GOT2FISH,
I build for guys that want comfort and stuff they want to share even with their pups. My toons are built mostly for the fishermen that enjoy fishing and not the thrill of total whitewater pothole fishing. :tongue: My cats are USA built, and will meet most standards(+) of local fishermen, in the best of waters. :grin: :grin: Definition of denior is over-rated. Look at most of the stuff thats out there. MADE FROM CHINA! Only my own pick, but thanks. See ya at the Show! Albany--27,28,29 Rv and Sportsman show

[Steelheader69]

LOL Waterready. Since you're a sponsor, and I respect Jennie, this is about all the response I'll have about your comment. And that's LOL.

Here's some advice for all of you. Go to the show in Portland, compare the boats (sounds like most of the boat makers will be at the show this weekend, including Skookum). Take a look at them all. Then buy on what you like. Remember this, you can't see Denier ratings. So if you see two boats that look alike, doesn't mean they are. Then check out the prices afterwards. The tubes are the most expensive part of the boat, and you PAY for denier ratings and quality of build. Look under the boats, and look at the weld line (if bladderless). A lot are pourly built on the seems. Plus, alot are VERY into trying to undercut their prices, even displayed show prices. Was very funny to see when I volunteered at the Skookum booth at the Puyallup Show. Especially loved hearing the same guys selling knockoffs of the skookums that they had the same boat (though skookums are made in Woodinville, the knockoffs in China). Too funny.

[Cool Texan]

I thought for a while about getting a pontoon as sort of a poor mans driftboat...then I realized that most of the pontoons are pretty spendy, and I could almost get a used driftboat for the same money. I guess they take up less space and are easier to transport...but it doesnt look like fun in the winter.

[tangled]

What does "LOL" mean? - to each his own -that is why there is not one brand of cat out there - I my self have a black bear frame that I got from Bruce at Waterready with tubes from Jack's Plastic - I liked the frame set up for fishing and camping, trusted to tube quality and wanted to by from a local seller -

regarding the post question - most any of the pontoon boats 9 feet or longer can accomodate your dog - a marine grade piece of plywood with some outdoor carpet makes a nice rest- On my 14 footer you could put that in the front or the back- have fun