Info on Pontoon Boat Gear

Flying Fish · 10-06-2009, 05:22 PM

I just bought a Pontoon Boat. I have a couple questions for anybody in the know.
Any suggestions on waders and gear. Good brands and such?
Does a pontoon boat with an electric trolling motor require a boat license?
A little advice from an experienced "tooner" would be appreciated. I am taking it up to Lemola this weekend to fish the Umpqua inlet.
Thanks

flippinbaits · 10-06-2009, 05:38 PM

waders are key. it depends on what type of water you are fishing. I personally fish lakes pretty much only, so im never dealing with super icy run off conditions. The coldest ive been in was 47*. I was using breathable waders. These are so much more comfortable when its hot out, and were bearable in 47*. They allow you to really monitor the warmth inside by adding layers (socks, sweat pants, long johns) underneath your breathable waders. If you decide to go with neoprene waders, these babies are good in cold water. Especially the 5mm ones. However, you cook when it gets hot out. They are an oven when its hot outside.

I personally have the cabelas brand 3mm neoprenese which i started on, then bought the cabelas brand breathable waders. Great results with both. Now that im in breathables, i will never go back to neoprene. Breathables are much more comfortable and versatile.

You should also think about getting shoes that go over your waders. either wading boots, aqua socks, or olf pair of tennis shoes. Walking on ur waders when u get in and out will lessen the life of them. Personally i just bought oversided aqua socks from wal mart for 5 bucks and called it good. no problems.

you also will probably want fins to hold position when not wanting to use the trolling motor. I use cheap dive fins from wal mart/big 5 or wherever. they make it real easy to hold urself in wind and move around so you are more mobile. constantly being on the trolling motor or oars is annoying for minor adjustmints and boat positioning.

good luck!

Flying Fish · 10-06-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flippinbaits

waders are key. it depends on what type of water you are fishing. I personally fish lakes pretty much only, so im never dealing with super icy run off conditions. The coldest ive been in was 47*. I was using breathable waders. These are so much more comfortable when its hot out, and were bearable in 47*. They allow you to really monitor the warmth inside by adding layers (socks, sweat pants, long johns) underneath your breathable waders. If you decide to go with neoprene waders, these babies are good in cold water. Especially the 5mm ones. However, you cook when it gets hot out. They are an oven when its hot outside.

I personally have the cabelas brand 3mm neoprenese which i started on, then bought the cabelas brand breathable waders. Great results with both. Now that im in breathables, i will never go back to neoprene. Breathables are much more comfortable and versatile.

You should also think about getting shoes that go over your waders. either wading boots, aqua socks, or olf pair of tennis shoes. Walking on ur waders when u get in and out will lessen the life of them. Personally i just bought oversided aqua socks from wal mart for 5 bucks and called it good. no problems.

you also will probably want fins to hold position when not wanting to use the trolling motor. I use cheap dive fins from wal mart/big 5 or wherever. they make it real easy to hold urself in wind and move around so you are more mobile. constantly being on the trolling motor or oars is annoying for minor adjustmints and boat positioning.

good luck!

Flying Fish · 10-06-2009, 05:56 PM

Great tips! I have the auqua socks, I wouldn't have thought of that. I will hit fishermans marine supply to check out the beathable waders. I like the high lakes, as early as I can get in, in the spring but have lots of warm gear from hunting to wear under the breathable waders.
Thanks for the help. Good advice.

SilverBullets · 10-06-2009, 07:08 PM

I also use the breathable waders and wading shoes when it's warm, or just a pair of rubber hip waders when it's colder. You will need to register your toon and they'll issue you some hull numbers that you'll have to etch into the frame. As far as mounting your numbers, what I did is cut a piece of Plexiglas and hang it from the frame when I use the motor. Here's a list of things to pack...
water/food/
fishing license/certificate of number card
net/pole/tackle/bait/
motor/battery/boat numbers
pump/anchor/line/flashlight
whistle/life jacket/cell phone
ice chest/pliers/knife
fish finder/rod holders/oars
Good luck and be safe!

Flying Fish · 10-06-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Bullets

I also use the breathable waders and wading shoes when it's warm, or just a pair of rubber hip waders when it's colder. You will need to register your toon and they'll issue you some hull numbers that you'll have to etch into the frame. As far as mounting your numbers, what I did is cut a piece of Plexiglas and hang it from the frame when I use the motor. Here's a list of things to pack...
water/food/
fishing license/certificate of number card
net/pole/tackle/bait/
motor/battery/boat numbers
pump/anchor/line/flashlight
whistle/life jacket/cell phone
ice chest/pliers/knife
fish finder/rod holders/oars
Good luck and be safe!

Flying Fish · 10-06-2009, 07:45 PM

That is some good stuff too. I will keep this list of info so I have everyting I will need on Lemola lake. This little pontoon boat is going to make my Lemola Lake trip fun. It is a long rental boat ride from the lodge to the inlet and it isn't nescesary to have much of a boat in that area. I guess I will leave the MinKota Electric Motor home until I get time to regerster the boat.
Thanks to you too - Silver Bullets

CWOregon · 10-07-2009, 03:03 PM

Definitely go with breathable waders and I would suggest some actual wading boots. Then you can get fins that are made to fit over the wading boots also. The fins make it nice if you are fighting a fish and need to make it to the bank, especially in rivers. I winter steelhead fish out of mine and without the fins I would be kinda screwed when I hook a fish.

Also get one of the scotty rod holders that mounts to the frame. They work great for trolling, running plugs or diver and bait, or even setting your rod in if you want to sidedrift using your oars.

You will also want an anchor. 10lb pyramid anchor with 50 or 75 ft. of rope should do the trick.

Then you need a way to carry extra rods. I found some rod holders made by stow it that are great. I screwed them into the frame on one side of my boat and moved both pouches to the other side. They have foam in them and snap closed so your rods are completely secure. I can carry 3 extra rods completely out of my way and not worry about them getting lost or damaged.

Here is a pic where you can kind of see the rod holders on the side.

Flying Fish · 10-07-2009, 04:40 PM

Good tip on the fins and rod holders. Thanks

mtalmadgeoregon · 10-08-2009, 08:20 AM

I agree a good pair of breathables and get yourself a decent pair of boots. always a good idea to bring your oars with you to incase your moter goes out or you just need to move a few feet. Good luck and good fishin

packer · 10-08-2009, 05:46 PM

Between fins and oars you can cover alot of water ,the electric motor thing is more hassle than help , make sure your PFD is visible and easily accessed or the boys in blue will give you a nasty gram . Put some hooks on the rear of the frame to hold the oars , makes a world of difference when fly fishing

fjorganic · 10-24-2009, 11:32 AM

I have a 9' pontoon that works so well on the snake river. Not to run the heavy stuff but to fish the back eddies an edges for big bass. Going to use it for the first time this year on the Wallowa river for steelies. Let you know how that works