Fishing From a Pontoon Boat- I Want To Know.

[Knot Sure]

I want the good, the bad and the ugly;  from anyone who has fished from a pontoon boat enough to have an opinion.  If it makes a difference to the discussion, say a Bass Buggy 21.  The things I see that would be important to me would be a wide, stable area to stand and fish from.  The downside tradeoff might be maneuverability and speed.  What do you think?

[fishinwrench]

Depends on the type of fishing you want to do. 

Drift fishing open flats for catfish.....Perfect.

Flipping/Pitching for bass or crappie in heavy cover, or behind boat docks......Forget it. 

[Knot Sure]

So, that is the maneuverability thing.  How do they do in the wind with the top down?

[Dutch]

I’ve fished from a few.  They are good for trolling.  I’ve never been in one that could be controlled enough for decent casting.  I personally have not operated one but my wife owned a deck boat.  It rode well and was stable for moving around but the high sides made it impossible to handle in any kind of wind.

[Terrierman]

49 minutes ago, Knot Sure said:

So, that is the maneuverability thing.  How do they do in the wind with the top down?

Terrible.  

[Big Mike]

 I have a 2011 22ft Fishing pontoon that I bought new so I have lots of experience fishing out of a pontoon.  

wide stable platform and have plenty of room to move around.  Lots of storage and mine will run 25-30mph.  Fast enough to get you where you want to go but I would always like to go faster:)  I upgraded to a 24 volt wireless TM and works great drift fishing keeping the boat straight or fishing out of the wind in back of coves.  If it is windy I do not care how big trolling motor you have you will not be able to have good boat control.  I fish Stockton so it is always windy.  Boat control is the most frustrating thing you will find fishing out of a pontoon.  

 

[Knot Sure]

Thanks folks. I think that tells me what I wanted to know. 

[mic]

You probably know this, but great for bobber fishing with kids and family when anchored.  Agree with trolling, but I love trolling for fish... easier to drink your beer and eat a dog, LOL.  

If I may share a memory this just brought up.  At the last great family wide vacation before grandparents died, we all trolled for trout out of one in Rocky Mountain National park and caught a bunch of fish.  If you go for it, hope it brings you memories also.