Like most guys, I prefer big, fast, tough fishing boats designed for serious angling 100%. But for some types of fishing, nothing beats the comfort and fishability of a pontoon. This summer I picked up a Sweetwater family fishing pontoon, and it quickly became one of my favorite fishing boats of all time. With pedestal chairs and livewells at both the bow and stern, and a trolling motor up front, it has what my family and friends need for successful angling. Add the comforts of couches, tables, a changing room and other luxuries and you can really have a great time on the water.
I’ve grown so fond of fishing from this floating living room, that Babe Winkelman Productions has filmed a couple of episodes of the “Good Fishing” television show from the Sweetwater. We wanted to show viewers how much fun it is to fish in a big group. The camaraderie is amazing when you can gather the family or a bunch of wise-talking pals on one boat.
The first episode we filmed was with a bunch of guys from the office (all die-hard fishermen). We targeted walleyes and showed how the pontoon was perfectly suited for every technique. We pulled crankbaits at night on Gull Lake, MN and had an absolute blast, nailing several nice fish on weedline edges. We also fished some deep mud flats on famous Lake MilleLacs with Lindy Rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers. Whether drifting or trolling with the electric, boat control was extremely easy. To round out the walleye , we fished slip bobber & leech rigs on reefs during daylight and after dark, with great success. The sight of a lighted bobber going under at night is one of the biggest thrills in freshwater fishing.
The second pontoon episode we did recently was especially meaningful to me, and exemplified the true magic of pontooning. I went out with my wife, five daughters and some of the grandchildren. Three generations of Winkelmans, together, catching big bluegills on a perfect summer day. No other style of boat could have afforded us that opportunity. With a group that includes little kids, it’s very reassuring to be in the safety of a pontoon. Having fencing and such a dry, stable ride gives Grandpa peace-of-mind.
Today’s challenging economy has really taken its toll on the marine industry. Boat sales are down. WAY down! But of all the boat categories, pontoons have fared better than the others.
The reason is simple: Versatility. No other style of boat can fulfill so many activities on the water, from fishing and tubing to cruising and entertaining.
Sweetwater, and certainly most manufacturers, offer a variety of sizes, models and floor plans that will suit your family’s tastes. As I mentioned, I opted for a fishing package in modest, 22-foot model. It’s a great size and configuration for your fishing family. Check it out at the SweetwaterBoats website.
For fishing, I also recommend a bow-mount trolling motor. I chose a Minn Kota Terrova, since the foot control is electronic and allows me to control the boat from anywhere inside the pontoon – which is typically from the helm chair. If you’re going to outfit your pontoon with a GPS/sonar unit, mount the “puck” where you anticipate most of the fishing to take place. For example, if you’re going to fish mostly from the bow, mount the puck up front. Pontoons are long, and if your puck is in back, the GPS might read you in 10′ of water while the bow sits over 50′ of water (on a steep break, for example). Also, if recirculating livewells are an option, get them. Livelier bait and healthier fish are always a good thing.
Pontooning is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to enjoy time on the water with family and friends. Add in fishing and you have the perfect recipe for happiness.
Good Fishing!
Babe Winkelman is a nationally-known outdoorsman who has taught people to fish and hunt for nearly 30 years. Watch his award-winning ‘Good Fishing” and ‘Outdoor Secrets” television shows on Versus (VS.), Fox Sports Net, Wild TV and many local networks.By: Babe Winkelman / Babe Winkelman Productions
