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Guide to Fly Fishing Pontoons.Find out more information about these specially designed boats, the different types, and additional features with this guide. What are Fly Fishing Pontoons?No, I’m not talking about the large motor boats that you think about when you mention a house boat or a boat for groups of partiers out for the weekend on the lake. I’m talking about boats designed with the fly fisherman in mind.These boats have two pontoons, one on each side of you, that attach to a frame and use oars and kick fins to propel them across the water. The pontoons can be broken down from the frame for easy storage or transportation. If you have truck you should be able to transport most models without having to break them down. Without a truck they can most times be broken down to fit into the trunk of your car. Like the float tube, fly fishing pontoons are light enough to be carried and are easy enough to launch when a dock isn’t available. Unlike a float tube though, pontoons can safely be used on rivers. The prices of pontoons are, as you would imagine, more expensive than a float tube. They range anywhere from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the type, construction, and accessories that are available. TypesThere are three main types of fly fishing pontoon. (Four if you consider the pontoon float tube, or kick boat as some people call them, a pontoon boat.) They are the standard one-person pontoon, the two-person pontoon, and the packable pontoon.One-Person PontoonThe most common type is the one person pontoon and are probably the best bet for most fisherman.The pontoons on these are made with either a rigid or inflatable materials. Inflatable pontoons offer more convenience for storage and with new technology are quite durable. Be sure to check what class your pontoon is rated for and compare it to the river class you plan to use it on. The weight capacity can be rated for between 250 to 400 pounds on one-person pontoons. Two-Person PontoonsTwo-person pontoons are exactly what they sound like. A fly fishing pontoon built to carry two anglers.These pontoons, besides being far more expensive, are also heavy and large. Some will probably require a trailer to transport them. If you have someone who you know will definitely be going fishing with you every time you go then you may find the two-person pontoon appropriate. If you end up going alone though you’re not going to want to try and lug this along with you. My suggestion is to try to get your fishing buddy to buy his or her own personal fly fishing pontoon so you can each pack your own separately. Packable PontoonThis type of pontoon is for those who choose to backpack and hike to their fishing hot spot. Although all fly fishing pontoons are packable, these can be broken down to fit in a small duffel bag or backpack.The down side to packable pontoons is they may not be rated to be used on higher class, rougher rivers. AccessoriesThere are many different accessories available including:
These are just a few of the options available. Check out some of the others offered at Basspro.com. Leave the fly fishing pontoons article and find out about other watercraft. Click here for more information on fly fishing for bass and panfish. Sign up for our free ezine.To get updates to the site, fly fishing stories, tips and gear information feel free to sign up for our free monthly ezine – Fly Fishing Journal.
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