Viking Lars | Saturday, 2 December 2023
I fish a lot both from my pontoon boat and from my float tube. Whenever I can, I do prefer the the pontoon boat for reasons I’ll cover below. The main reasons for using both is the ability to fish waters that would otherwise be nearly impossible to fish, to fish when the wind would otherwise be straight in your face and comfort. It really is like fishing from an arm chair.
I prefer the pontoon boat mainly for two reasons. The oars let me move faster from place to place and they divide the effort between arms and legs. Which of course isn’t an issue for a top fit bike rider like me (I wonder why more World Tour teams aren’t calling me?). I also sit higher, which does help staying warm in the winter and it makes casting a little bit easier.
The drawbacks are weight, even though mine is very light weight compared to others. But once assembled (which takes 10 minutes) it’s also a bit awkward to carry, especially over longer distances. It’s also more affected by wind, but it’s really not difficult to adjust for.
The float tube is lighter and I can carry it with detachable straps like a back pack. So if a longer walk to the water is needed, that alone will make me choose the float tube.
In the float tube I have, I’m just barely above water, but the lower position actually makes a noticeable difference when landing fish. It’s just a little easier from the float tube. It also takes up way less space in a car, in case you’re fishing with a friend.
Landing a trout from the float tube.
In some float tubes you sit a lot lower than in mine, and mine really is quite easy to paddle.
It’s a common mistake, especially for beginners, to race out and fish over deep water. Having the ability to do so is of course an advantage, but most of the time, I fish the same water I would when wading, if that was possible. When moving from spot to spot, across a lake for instance, I will of course let the fly hang as I paddle or row. I’ve caught plenty of fish doing that.
Even when fishing shallower water, it’s surprising to experience that fish really aren’t shy. I’ve had many, many fish take the fly 2-3 meters from the tube.
Just a few quick thoughts from a snow covered Denmark.
Have a great weekend!
Lars
PoD: Rowing the pontoon boat.