[Sentry Dog Man]

Hi Guys,

I initially posted this title under boat opinions, in this forum. But, it appears that the boat opinions thread has just about run its course, with few more reads or comments. And, since I could not find a way to move and/or edit this particular title (even though it says I can edit, I cannot find the edit button that shows up, as per the instructions in the FAQ, anywhere around my post etc.)

Thus, I am going to start this, as a new thread, and hope to hear from you guys who have your "toons" set up for year round catfishing. Below, is the same titled post, that I had originally posted under the Boat Opinions thread.


Hi Guys,

I have really enjoyed all the different posts on boats and pontoons. It sure gives one a lot to think about.

In an earlier post that I made on this thread. I stated, something to the effect, that I would probably have to get both a boat and a pontoon, to do what all I wanted to do. And, that I would probably get a boat first. But, I have been doing a lot of thinking on this subject and I think I have changed my mind. In weighing all the variables (concerning my lifestye, time, closest place to fish, convenience, comfort, an (81 year old father, 13 yr old great nephew who want to fish with me) and of course my wife. It would appear that a pontoon would be the best way to go. Although, it is going to limit me to one body of water. Since, (at the present time) I just don't think I would be comfortable towing and launching one (basically by myself). Therefore, it seems that the most prudent thing to do, would be to invest in a pontoon, given all the different things I have to take into consideration.

Now to my question/questions. I plan on being a year round fisherman. So, I am wondering how many of you guys who have pontoons have them set up for year round fishing?? And, how you have them set up?? Do you have half enclosures or full enclosures?? Do you use portable propane heaters?? And, are there particular pontoons that are more conducive to setting them up for year round fishing, as opposed to others.

If you have pictures of your "toon" set up for year round fishing, please post them. I need details, pictures, brand names etc.

Thanks in advance

 

[bearcat]

Hey Sentry Dog.

I have a toon and love it. I use it for fishing and family fun at the lake. Right now the only time I use it has been in the summer and late fall. Havent had it out in severely cold weather. I have a few rod holders but have found them not as useful as I expected. Most of the time we lean the rods up against the railing with the clickers on and havent needed the rod holders. In the summer I use the Bimmi top to keep cooler . When fishing the river, MISS at Alton IL, we fish out the back of the toon with four rods and the side with one or two.

I have thought about the cold weather fishing. There is a heavy vinyl wind shield that you can purchase from cabelas that hooks into your bimmi top. I have thought about getting one of those or you can order the vinyl from the supplier. I found several searching on the internet one nite. You could make one yourself. When fishing the river and fishing out the back of the boat you could move the Bimmi forward and enclose the front end of the boat with the clear vinyl windows . Then use the little catylictic heaters from colemen to keep the front end of the boat warm. Then fish out the back. Depends on how much you want to do.

On trailering a toon and loading yourself, they arent that bad once you do it a couple of times. One thing that you can do to help yourself is to install the boat guide on post. That will help you hit the bunk boards right away. I find that anymore loading and unloading a toon by myself is no more difficult than a regular boat.

I hope this info helps. I am sure you will get other replys. After having my toon for three years now I wouldnt trade it for anything but another toon. Oh by the way my toon is a 25 ft and it has 2 tubes. I also installed a 72 lb thrust trolling motor. It handles it very good.

 

[98custom]

what size outboard do you hve on that toon besides your trolling motor. And what make is it?

 

[Catfish Fever]

Sentry Dog Man,
I use my Catoon all year round, but I don't carry any warming devices, stoves, heaters etc.. I just wear the clothes necessary for the weather. Insulated underwear, coveralls, Mickey Mouse boots, etc. I don't believe you'll regret getting a Toon, they're comfortable, roomy and stable in rough water. Here's a pic of the "Catfish Fever", this is the way I run her all year round, cept when the lake's froze over.

 

[roundhill]

sentry dog i use my pontoon all year long i have enclosure made by manufactor i use gas heater in winter have fished in 16f no problem this zips to the top has windows an door leves front for fishing installs in 10min i use when it rains i camp right on boat

 

[bearcat]

My toon is a Crest with a 115 hp johnson motor. It will cruise along at 16 mph. Wot is 24 mph on the GPS. No speed burner but it gets me there and back.

 

[98custom]

nice toon catfish fever. you can do some serious fishing with that. I like your setup. What size is it?

 

[Catfish Fever]

Mitch, thanks. It's a 20ft with 24" tubes. I ordered it 15 years ago with no furniture, all it had was a console and a seat. The console you see is a new one I built a couple of years ago, the bench seat I purchased. The truck box is also my second. First was a steel, this one is aluminum. I keep batteries, preservers, etc. in there. The tanks are custom built, 17 gals each. I have an electric valve between the tanks that I change with a switch on the outside of the truck box. I'm running a bored out 75 Merc, at 3/4 throttle it'll cruise at 23mph, that'll give me around 5 to 6 miles per gallon.