Tips for Pontoon Fishing
When you want to go on a fishing trip, you’ll want a boat that can offer you everything you need to make the most of your day. A pontoon makes a great fishing craft if you’re looking for plenty of space and comfort to enjoy your time on the water. Fishing on a pontoon is a bit different from fishing on other types of boats, and there are many benefits to enjoy. Loewer Powersports & Equipment has put together some expert tips for pontoon fishing to help you net the big catches of your dreams! For all your boat and fishing needs, get in touch with us at our dealership in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Benefits
Fishing with your pontoon boat is a massive upgrade from spending your time on a small boat with hard bench seating. Settle down on the padded seats with your line in the water and enjoy a drink while you chat with fellow anglers, waiting for the fish to bite. You’ll have plenty of room to bring all your equipment, plus lots of snacks so you can stay out all day. You should take advantage of the extra storage space and bring everything you need, like a tackle box, a net, sunscreen, drinking water, bug spray, and a first-aid kit.
A pontoon with a roof or enclosed cabin will give you some needed shelter from the sun or rain for more comfort. Of course, you’ll have a much wider range of spots to check out while fishing, and you’ll reach depths you wouldn’t have been able to access on a smaller vessel.
Fishing Net
Pontoons are surrounded by fencing, which means that a fish has to be lifted several feet from the water to clear the fence. You may need a long-handled net to bring the larger species onboard. However, it’s not always possible to bring a big catch around to a front or rear rail door where there’s a lower entry point, so a long-handled net is helpful.
Bait
You’ll need some way to lure the fish toward your hook so you can reel them in. It’s important to ensure your bait is designated for the type of fish you wish to catch. Not all types of bait lure in all types of fish. We recommend using live bait as it will be much more effective in catching fish. Always handle your bait with clean hands because fish have a keen sense of odor and they will be suspicious of a foreign smell.
Watch the Weather
Pontoon hulls are designed to handle warm afternoons on lakes and rivers, not the choppy waters of the open ocean that can be very dangerous. In fact, giant waves created by strong winds can overturn your boat in no time.
Always keep an eye on the weather when you’re fishing and check the forecast before you head out. It’s best to cancel the trip if any inclement weather is predicted. Not only will rain showers ruin your trip, but bad weather can also lead to tricky situations. Imagine being caught under a lightning storm. It’s always better to head back to safety and go back out if the weather improves.
Find the Right Spot
A pontoon boat allows you to fish pretty much anywhere on the water. The shallow draft of a pontoon allows you to fish close to the shore, to pass over shallow bars, and to sneak into tidal inlets that deep-V fishing machines can’t reach. A pontoon can be an excellent platform for saltwater fishing, too.
Depending on what kind of fish you’re looking to catch, you can seek out locations they’re likely to be found in. For example, certain types of fish are found in very deep waters while others stick close to the shore. Choose your location based on the fish you want to catch. Settle into your spot and be patient. Of course, you can head to a new location if you’re not getting any bites after some time.
We hope that you found our pontoon fishing guide helpful! Loewer Powersports & Equipment is happy to help you with all your boat and fishing needs. Get in touch with us at our dealership in Rapides Parish, LA, where we proudly serve all those in Lafayette.
