Pontoon fishing craft

[JStarbrite]

Just got back taking my new pontoon kick boat on it's maiden voyage. What a blast! This craft held all the fishing and camping gear I needed for 3 days on the river (Ausauble Mio to 4001 bridge), was very comfortable, and easy to control despite windy conditions. For $325 I would recommend one to anybody who fishes streams and small lakes. By the way, the brown drakes are all but done, although hexes were hatching just up from the 4001 bridge.

[Steve]

Did it seem safe operating in fast water. How do you control it in such a situations? Do you drag something to slow it down? Can you order it online?

[WEEZER]

Yeah I have seen these crafts on the river several times. They look nice but I have a couple of questions.
What are the pontoons made of? and can you slow them down enough to fish out of?

[Steve]

Can you avoid danger like fast approaching log jams or sweepers?

[JStarbrite]

Pontoons are made of 3 separate vinyl bladders (main & 2 aux) covered with heavy duty PVC tarp. I did experience some minor leakage over night wich required a couple of pumps to firm up (pump included!)Controlling the craft is very easy utilizing the 2 oars for when you need horsepower, and flippers when you are fishing (or both if you get in trouble!)I felt very safe even though the water was faster than normal due to all the rain.I found it impossible to tip and your feet and flippers can be resting on the walk through foot bars leaving you compleatly dry.Dragging a chain can slow you down in fast water and also enables you to face one bank or the other depending on what side you tie the chain to (there are many D- rings). In slower water just a light kick with the flippers is enough. The ODC816 can be ordered online from www.creekcompany.com, (http://www.creekcompany.com,) but you can get it cheaper from cabelas.com. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

I hardly ever get my float tubes out any more. This spring I didn't look forward to hanging my butt out in that cold early season water. After wallpapering like a good husband all winter, my bride let me buy a used J.W. Outfitters Renegade (streamworks.com). Oars and flippers are a good way of going. I've floated a lot of the Manistee and the only regret is not having an anchor system. To fish we would have to find a nice 'fishy' looking spot with shallow water opposite to wade in and something to tie the boat to. More times than I will admit we floated right over some great holes because docking wasn't an option. With a centered anchor we could have simply dropped the hook and fished where ever we wanted while seated in the kick boat. For the lakes and ponds I fish while stuck in Oakland county, these kick boats only need a few inches of water to move. Great for shallow and weedy launch areas and for crossing shallows to get to holes that don't get beaten up much. I tried just wearing shorts and flippers yesterday and went back to my breathable waders. Seen too many leeches, snapping turtle and felt too many slimy weeds to feel 100% at ease while floating wet.
Kick boats are the greatest invention since flush toilets.
Control is a snap. If you have ever been in a drift boat, you'll see how those guides make it look so easy to control. It is!

[Steve]

How about punctures from errant fly hooks? Is it a problem.

------------------
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/images/me.jpg

[JStarbrite]

I rigged a downrigger weight through the middle D- ring on the cargo deck, then tied it off under the seat where I could reach it.Worked great. You don't have to use much weight- 6# held me in some pretty stiff current. I found dragging a chain looped through one of the side rings would pull you to one side making casting to the bank easier(although switching banks is a pain)
It would take a pretty hard hook set to penatrate both the PVC tarp and the vinyl bladder- especialy if you are using barbed hooks.I did get hooks caught in the stripping apron, but the smooth surface of the PVC tarp hooks seemed to slide off. None the less, I guess it could happen. My boat came with a patch kit (I hope I never have to use)I carry in one of the storage pouches and a pump I strap to the cargo deck. Each pontoon has 3 separate chambers, so hopefully you will stay afloat untill you get to land. You are also required by law to have a coastguard approved float on board.

[Steve]

How did you work pick up and drop off? Did you have someone spot your vehicle for you?

[JStarbrite]

My only regret is not having a rod holder I could mount somehow. When you see a fast approaching log jam and you need to drop your rod and grab the oars, it would be nice to have a secure place to stow it. I had to grab my rod a couple of times as it was sliding into the abyss. Kind of scary.

[Steve]

I thought I saw an optional rod holder for at leaast one of those float boats. But how do you work out your spotting of vehicles? Pay a local?

[This message has been edited by Steve (edited 06-21-2000).]

[JStarbrite]

Most canoe liveries will spot a vehicle for you. It makes it easier if you hav a spare key so they can drive it down then lock it up. Gotts in Mio spotted mine at the 4001 bridge for $20.
One thing to note- U.S. Forest Service, whom maintain the parking lot at the 4001 bridge are now charging $3 to park there. At the end of my trip I was pleased to find my Van was there, but not pleased to find a ticket on it.