So you’ve finally decided to take your fishing trips into the water instead of just standing on the shore. The options are so many but your eyes fell on that good-looking inflatable pontoon boat.
The first question that jumps to your mind is, “Are inflatable pontoon boats good for fishing?”
Inflatable pontoon boats are designed for fishing. They’re versatile, stable, portable, and offer a lot of customization and accessory options. Since these boats rely on inflated air, it’s best to use them away from strong tides to avoid hitting sharp objects by accident.
Stick around for an in-depth look into the matter.
Are Inflatable Pontoon Boats Good for Fishing?
Inflatable pontoon boats are a great choice for fishing enthusiasts. Being suitable for salty and freshwater, you’d have no problem fishing in ponds or lakes to your heart’s content.
Rivers are questionable because the tide might push you a bit more than you like and you may lose control over your boat.
You shouldn’t take your inflatable pontoon boat into open water. Inflatable pontoon boats may be stable on the water’s surface, but you don’t want to try your chances when sea waves decide to flex on you.
With a lot of space for accessories and several customization options, inflatable pontoon boats are indeed good for fishing; with some drawbacks to keep in mind, though.
All fishing boats have pros and cons, and inflatable pontoons are no different. Let’s begin by understanding why an inflatable pontoon boat is great for fishing.
Advantages of Inflatable Pontoon Boats
Here’s how a pontoon boat can improve your fishing experience:
1. Portability
Most inflatable pontoon boats are designed with portability in mind. It’s all about the transportation method, assembly, and disassembly.
Once disassembled, some pontoon boats are small enough to carry on your truck, trunk, or even on your back.
Keep in mind that the more portable your pontoon boat is, the less number of features you will have. It all comes down to your preference and needs.
2. Design Suitability
Pontoon boats come in many designs to suit different situations. You could have a single-seater pontoon boat for those who like to relax and go fishing on their own.
There’s also a two-person pontoon boat for those who like to enjoy the fishing trip with a friend.
If you like casting your rod while standing up, there are dedicated fly-fishing pontoons for that too!
3. Water Stability
The two-bladder design of inflatable pontoon boats makes them stable on the water. You have fewer chances of flipping your boat over than if you use a kayak, for example.
An inflatable pontoon boat also offers more comfort while casting your rod than if you use a kayak. The water stability becomes especially apparent during rough waters that could flip over a normal boat.
4. Space for Accessories
Most inflatable pontoon boats have a metal deck with two inflatable bladders. This structure is supported by a metal framework that offers a good amount of space for accessories.
The space differs with the size of the inflatable pontoon but because it’s essentially two small boats in one, a pontoon offers more space than any other boat of the same size.
5. You Can Use Motors
Most inflatable pontoon boats come with a motor mount that you could fit your motor on. Some even come with their own motor attached.
If you already have a motor and are planning to buy a pontoon with a motor mount, be sure to check the specs to see if your motor will fit in the pontoon.
Disadvantages of Inflatable Pontoon Boats
Nothing good comes without bad. Here are the drawbacks of inflatable pontoon boats:
1. Tears and Rips
No matter how sturdy your inflatable pontoon boat is, you’re sitting on air bladders at the end of the day.
Hitting sharp rocks, tree roots, or accidentally cutting the bladder is inevitable. It’s not about “if” it happens, it’s ‘when” it happens.
Luckily, that often doesn’t pose the risk of sinking. The bladders are often very sturdy and will take a while before they lose all their air. Worst case scenario, you can come back home with only one bladder intact.
Still, It’s best to invest in an inflatable pontoon repair kit for such occasions.
2. Slow and Difficult Navigation
If you compare a fishing inflatable pontoon to a kayak, you’ll have a harder time navigating through the water in an inflatable platoon.
After all, you’re moving a bigger and more boxy structure with the same set of oars you’d use on smaller boats.
3. Not Suitable for River Fishing
Inflatable pontoon boats are good for fresh and salty water fishing alike. Ponds and lakes are excellent places to comfortably use a pontoon boat.
River fishing is a different story, though. The running tide can throw you at sharp rocks, tree roots, floating hooks, or random sharp objects.
Keep in mind that sharp objects will do more damage to your pontoon if you come at it faster. That’s another risk of rivers you should be aware of.
That being said, you can still use inflatable pontoon boats for river fishing, but you’ll need a sturdier pontoon, which will cost a lot more.
4. Your Legs Will Get Wet
Most pontoons are designed to allow the water to touch your legs all the time. This could be a good advantage on those hot summer days.
Winter, on the other hand, will be a freezing legs festival. The ice-cold water will shorten your fishing time tremendously.
The Verdict
So, are inflatable pontoon boats good for fishing? We’re going to say yes!
With their high customization options, water stability, and ease of assembly, inflatable pontoon boats can make your fishing trips a lot more fun.
Just do your best to avoid those strong tides and always have a repair kit for those bladders if things go south. And don’t forget your life jacket and other safety items before you head out.
Enjoy fishing!