Can You Use a Pontoon Boat for Fishing?

Traditional fishing boats are small, unstable, and not very comfortable.

Catching lots of fish requires hours of sitting in a boat. In old, small fishing boats, it’s hard to enjoy a day on the water.

But with pontoon boats, everything changes.

Pontoons prioritize comfort and stability, giving your whole family a chance to enjoy the water. If you hope to bring more than 3 people out on the water, this is the boat for you.

Especially if you plan on spending most of your time on lakes or calm rivers.

So what exactly is a pontoon boat? And are they good for fishing, or is there a better option?

That’s exactly what we cover below, so keep reading to see if pontoons are the right choice for you!

 

What Is a Pontoon Boat?

There are many different types of boats out there. It’s hard to tell the difference between a bass boat, a ski boat, a deck boat, and others to the untrained eye.

However, a pontoon boat is easily distinguished among them all.

It has a unique shape and structure that sets it apart from nearly every other type of boat. On the bottom are 2 large “pontoons,” which essentially look like metal logs. They are airtight and buoyant, keeping the boat afloat.

These floating pontoons support the deck platform, which is usually large enough for at least 5-10 people, if not more.

The deck tends to be very spacious and comfortable, perfect for long days on the water with the entire family. They aren’t like canoes or fishing boats, with tiny seats that lack cushion and support.

The seats are usually long couches that can easily accommodate your kids and their friends. You can even stretch out and nap on them.

Or, if you have babies or young children, it’s spacious enough to layout a small bed for them to nap on, giving you uninterrupted fishing time. Parenting just got better.

Pontoons are also much slower than most other types of boats, but they are more stable and rock less. They are generally safer for kids.

 

What Is a Pontoon Boat Good For?

Pontoons are generally used on inland lakes and calm rivers.

They aren’t designed to handle rough seas, so be careful if you take them out on the ocean or the Great Lakes.

But for smaller bodies of water, they are perfect.

The materials used are almost always designed for freshwater use. While there are some salt or mixed water areas, such as inlets, that would be suited for a pontoon. You’ll want to ensure you get a pontoon made to handle saltwater.

If you are looking to get the entire family out on the water and away from the TV for a day, this is the perfect way to do it. Your kids can even bring friends along.

These boats are perfect for entertaining. Have a party on the water, a day of fishing or swimming, or take your out-of-town family members on a tour of your local waters.

Pontoons are also great for those who like easy boat maintenance.

 

Are Pontoons Good for Fishing?

Many different types of boats are specifically designed for fishing. These boats are highly specialized for specific water and fishing types, such as fast bass boats for large lakes or skiffs, which are perfect for fly fishing the saltwater flats.

While pontoon boats are not specifically made for fishing, you can absolutely fish on them, and they might be the perfect boat for your goals.

For starters, there is a lot of space on pontoons. This allows you to change positions, so your body doesn’t get sore or stiff. Many other boats only have 1 or 2 tiny seats, so you can’t change position at all.

You can also fit your whole family or a few of your fishing buddies. Now you can share the joy of fishing with more people. The extra space is perfect for kids who have a hard time sitting still.

Pontoons are much more stable than other boat types, so the boat doesn’t rock as much. This will ensure fish don’t get spooked by your boat.

Plus, it’s less likely someone will get seasick.

As a result, pontoons are the best fishing boats for families or those looking to entertain a larger number of guests.

 

The Downside of Pontoons

Every type of boat comes with its own disadvantages as well.

For starters, pontoons need deeper water than many other boat types. Be careful when trying to fish or drift in shallow areas.

They are also difficult to navigate in tight channels. The large size of the boat makes for wider turns. It’s just hard to handle in tight quarters and is meant to stay in more open waters.

And when fishing, it can be difficult to land a big fish since the deck is much higher off the water. Plus, you have railing or seating along with the entire boat. It takes a little more effort to land fish on the boat.

 

Different Types of Pontoon Boats

Pontoons are set apart from all other boats. But there are still many different types of pontoons available depending on where you live and what your goals are.

They will all look very similar yet have different features built-in, depending on the boat’s focus.

Fishing Pontoons

Yes, you can use any boat, or any pontoon, for fishing. However, there are pontoons made specifically for effective fishing.

These pontoons will feature a livewell to store bait, swivelling seats for anglers and rod holders.

You’ll also have plenty of room for tackle boxes and coolers to store fish in.

Most fishing boats only have enough room for 2 people to fish in at any given time. With their spacious decks and ample seating, Pontoons can easily allow for 4 or more people to fish simultaneously.

If fishing is your main focus when it comes to boating, get a fishing pontoon.

Party Barge Pontoons

If entertaining is your main focus, you may opt for a party barge style pontoon.

These will feature amenities such as a wet bar, refrigerators, large stereos, and more seating.

There is usually an open platform in the rear for the kids, making it easy to jump, dive, and climb back onto.

Sport Pontoons

For those looking for a faster boat that allows for watersports such as wakeboarding or skiing, you’ll want a water sports pontoon.

Most pontoons are slow and mellow, perfect for meandering across the water at a relaxed pace. But for the adrenaline junkies or parents with teenagers, going fast is a must.

Sport pontoons can reach up to 60 mph versus the average 30 mph reached by casual pontoons.

You’ll also have larger storage compartments for boards and skis.

Luxury Pontoons

For those looking to take their backyard out onto the water, a large luxury pontoon may be the right choice.

Outfitted with creature comforts such as lounging seats, couches, or beds, no one will be in a rush to get back to shore.

You may even have a grill, a TV, and other features suited to a long, leisurely day on the water or sandbar.

 

Additional Pontoon Features

When looking for the right boat, there are other features you may want to keep in mind for maximum fun and comfort.

A bimini top is a soft, retractable roof that provides shade and protection from the rain. You can also get a pontoon with a partial or full enclosure for more protection from the elements or cold weather, allowing you more time in the season to take the boat out. You can even have a heater inside.

Electronics such as fish finders or chart plotters for navigation can help on larger waters.

Sufficient storage compartments should also be a key consideration, as you’ll likely want to store fishing rods and equipment, water toys, and other boating essentials.

You can also get a pontoon with 3 air tubes, called a “triton.” The added tube makes it much easier to handle choppy waters, something you’ll want to avoid with a standard pontoon.

Tritons also tend to have larger engines and greater horsepower for covering larger waters.

 

Choosing the Perfect Pontoon

If fishing is your sole focus when it comes to purchasing a pontoon boat, you’ll definitely want a fishing-specific pontoon.

However, as mentioned before, it’s pretty easy to fish from any pontoon.

If your kids are more into watersports than fishing, you might want a sport pontoon for them. When they’re tired, you can cruise around the lake by yourself and fish.

Decide what the most important focus of the pontoon is and get a boat suited for that.

Fishing can happen on any boat, any time.

Or if you want to prioritize fishing and don’t think a pontoon boat is right for you, we love Triton boats for smaller, faster, more effective fishing boats.

 

No Bad Choices

When you want to spend your days out on the water, there’s no bad choice when it comes to getting a boat. As long as it floats and is relatively comfortable, you’ll be happy. The most important thing is getting something you’ll use on the water as much as possible.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a pontoon boat for sale in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. Come find out why so many customers across Canada choose to purchase their pontoon boats from Westshore Marine

Whether it’s a pontoon boat outfitted with all of the comfortable features needed to keep a family happy or a small fishing boat just for you, the sooner you make the jump, the happier you’ll be. Get yours today for a life well lived on the water. You’ll never regret it.