CAEddy Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 With the rain wrecking havoc with the rivers through so much of this season, and the near walking distance of my office to muir lake, I am looking to get myself some kind of flotation device (I have fished around the shore of the lake quite a bit) and was looking for some opinions on float tubes v. pontoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garhan Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Both have there advantages and disadvantages. It isn't simply just picking one out and go fishing. Price point is a big determining factor. If that is not an issue then go for one of each. But if you need or can only go with one or the other. Then you have several things to consider.Having owned both and enjoyed both as I get older and although I need the excercise. For myself and because of what I enjoy fishing. I find myself in a pontoon boat more often than not. Granted they are not as portable as a float tube or a U Tube. On the other hand I would never run tubes of any kind on a river. Thats just asking for trouble, even though I have seen it done .Walking a pontoon boat into a high mountain lake, or several hundred meters or into secluded river valleys is impossible. Here a tube is better. On the pontoon it can be run with oars, flippers or and electric motor. There is more storage space and it is nice to sit in a reasonably comfortable chair for the day. Sitting higher off the water also has some advantages in spot fishing, casting and manipulating rougher water in lake or rivers to a limit. Just some basic thoughts as I fish a variety of different waters and truly enjoy the pontoon on rivers in Alberta and B.C.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 For the use you're describing, I think a float tube is the way to go. The difference in portability and storage is big, but I think the difference in set up and tear down time is huge, especially after you've done it dozens of times. Plus you get a closer perspective of the lake and the fish. But the propulsion system can be found wanting sometimes, and sitting in the water can get to you after a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandingo1441 Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 I recently picked up an arrow backpacker pontoon off of kijiji. The frame of the pontoon doubles as the frame of the backpack, and it weighs in at 40 pounds. I'm 6'4" and 250 lbs, pack fits me perfectly, better than the pack i use when i go backpacking! Its small enough that it just stays in my car (bmw 318) when i'm not using it. I have a few trips planned for this summer, its coming on every one of them. Its fairly comfortable too, i spent 10 strait hours in it at Muir the first weekend i had it. Definietly taking it to crandell in waterton this summer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 That'll do, pig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishman Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I have both and i like both for different reasons.........any distant walking in take the pontton float tube and if close use the pontoon boat.......also i have a electric motor for the pontoon boat in case i have to use it.....the pontoon float tube is more comfortable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dipperdan Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Make sure you get the carring straps with the u-boat, for it can be awkward hauling your gear,say 2KM into Silkstone or 4Km to Lovett.Had a canoe then bought the u-boat, stopped using the canoe.Have fun.........Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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