Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

[xxlurchxx]

Alright, I wanted a fishing rig with a center console for fishing, but the family loves the water too. Can you manuver a pontoon enough to use it for bass and maybe trolling? A pontoon seems to offer the best value as far as a pleasure craft. My kids like tubing and will probaly want to water ski as they are just below teen age.
Any suggestions for the best rig for these dual purposes?

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

I have a '24 Starcraft Starfish ( fishing layout ) pontoon. The main motor is a 115 mercury and the trolling motor is a mercury 9.9 4 stroke. Up front I have a 55 lb minn kota 12V electric trolling motor.

I have down riggers set up on the back ( hence the 9.9 four stroke ) which will be used starting this weekend trolling for pike in Ontario Canada. (here)
On the weedbeds we use the electric trolling motor. Now if it's real windy, I don't get too close to "hard" edges since I really should have a bigger trolling motor.

I love everything about my pontoon except the top speed. Mid 20s wound tight but with the full enclosure, we can fish during downpours and stay dry.

 

[cuzzx]

Re: Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

I had a 18ft pontoon with a 75 evinrude, it worked great for one skier or two on a tub. I now have a 20ft with a 75 that I use to fish off of. Kids grown and gone.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

Not sure what part of the country you're in, but you might consider an aluminum deck boat. Several manufactures make them; Lowe, Princecraft, Tracker, and SeaArk come to mind immediately. Used ones aren't as easy to find as pontoons but they're out there, at least where I live. They are typically set up with a barge-style lounging area in the back 2/3 of the boat and a casting deck type area on the front with swivel seats and a trolling motor. Most have a Bimini top. They will easily meet your tubing and skiing needs, but the ride won't be as smooth or as dry as a pontoon or fiberglass boat since they are basically giant flatbottoms or mod Vs. Just a thought.

 

[xxlurchxx]

Re: Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

We have a place on Lake Norman, and I also like to fish in New Jersy fro Stripers in the summer.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon vs Center console fishing rig.

It's funny you should post today, because I just saw this on CL. Not suggesting you get one like this, in fact it's overpriced, but this is an example of what I was talking about.
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/1750419637.html
It's basically a giant flat bottom, so I'm not sure how well it would perform off New Jersey. They're very safe, but they can be a wet ride. Someone else would have to chime in on that. Pretty neat and versatile rigs though.