02-26-2003, 08:03 PM
One thing that I have found as a consideration is actually handling and landing the fish. I have used a standard round tube, kickboat, and a 6' pontoon. I feel more comfortable landing fish in a tube because I'm closer to the water and I feel safer leaning over the side. With the pontoon, I'm substantially higher off the water (a good 12") with no seat-belt to hold me on if I lean too far forward or to the side. If you go with a pontoon, I would highly recommend a net with a longer handle to elminate the need to lean when netting a fish.
When fly-fishing, I like the 'toon because you are higher when casting and you can see into the water better. The other advantage is working shallow water. In the pontoon I only draft 3-5 inches vs. 3 feet of me dangling under the water line.
One other consideration is wind. I grew up in south central Idaho where the west wind is a constant fixture. You become a sail when on a 'toon, where in a tube you have a lower profile. If the waves get too big, your more likely to get a waderfull in a tube.
Just my 2 bits!
EmuScud
[signature]
When fly-fishing, I like the 'toon because you are higher when casting and you can see into the water better. The other advantage is working shallow water. In the pontoon I only draft 3-5 inches vs. 3 feet of me dangling under the water line.
One other consideration is wind. I grew up in south central Idaho where the west wind is a constant fixture. You become a sail when on a 'toon, where in a tube you have a lower profile. If the waves get too big, your more likely to get a waderfull in a tube.
Just my 2 bits!
EmuScud
[signature]