Question for those that float fish

[fisherpal2k]

<font size="2"> I have been looking for awhile at getting something to float the river with and maybe do some backwater lake fishing in. I have looked at the inflatable personal pontoons and at canoes. I don't think I could make it in a kayak so don't go there. lol</font></p>

<font size="2"> Just wondering what others think of it. The inflatable pontoon looks good but your gonna get wet. It is a one person deal and at least with a canoe someone could go with you. Have been looking at an Old Town Saranac style canoe with the seats but don't have any experience in either type of boat. Howhard is it to navigate in a canoe by yourself? Which is going to be the safest?</font></p>

<font size="2"> Just curious to hear from the experienced out there.</font></p>

 

[HunterDuck25]

Is there a reason you don't want a Kayak? Most of the newer sit on top styles are solid and super stable. It sounds to me like that would be an awesome option for what you're wanting.

 

[fisherpal2k]

most of the kayaks would be a little more unstable for me. I don't know how well they would hold up in the rapids. Besides that I'm not as "agile " as I once was. lol

 

[HunterDuck25]

https://youtu.be/te6XC0fCK-w

Not sure how to embed videos.
They aren't cheap, but take a look at the Jackson Kayak Big Rig. I think in might surprise you. I wouldn't be afraid to take it down the upper Hiawassee on 2 turbines.

 

[basspsycho]

I personally am not a fan of inflatables especially fishing backwaters. Too many objects. Each type has pro sand cons. I have a sit on and a canoe. The canoe is great if it's a float and camp and I'm carrying loads of equip.,and the waterway is clear. It does get tricky alone since it's a 16'. I feel much more stable on kayak. It handles Rapids and waves just fine. Also much easier to handle and gets thru obstacles with ease. Rides more shallow as well, meaning lesson and out . I do have a bad back and it can takes its toll, but that happens with all options. No pain no gain. Can't go wrong with any old town. Hope helps

 

[catjuggin]

I've got a fish cat pontoon that I used to fish the Hiawassee with a bunch. I've fish ponds and bigger rivers. It's real stable and you could mount a trolling motor and small battery on it if flat water was what you were looking for.

PM met if you're interested I might sell it to someone who will use it.

 

[bullshot]

The larger whitewater grade pontoon are very stable and have standing platforms, so the only time you get wet is when entering the boat at the ramp.

Depending on model, kayaks are just as stable as canoes. Most tandem canoes paddle poorly when solo, however solo canoes can be just as fishable as kayaks.

Given your location, I assume Hiwassee. From powerhouse to reliance, inflatable craft (larger the better), although a Jackson Coosa can be used up there IF you're an experience paddler. Reliance to 411, many of the fishing kayaks and canoes will work, as will most inflatables. From 411 down to Patty switch to kayak/canoe and below that is motorable.

PS I am a fan of Jackson kayaks (made here in TN) but many other good makers are out there.

Rock Creek and others have demos, trying out many different types of kayaks/canoes is a good thing.

 

[fisherpal2k]

my biggest problem is being able to sit flat with my legs out in front of me in a kayak. After many years of pounding the concrete at work and a few mishaps along the way, my legs and lower back just can't take it. I figured with a canoe or pontoon I would be up just enough to keep from jamming my back up and keep my legs from cramping. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[tbacon38]

I have a Colorado XT Pontoon Boat, and do not get wet on mine only thing that gets wet is your feet when your getting on it. It will carry all the gear you need, stable and easy to navigate. If you want to fish flat water you can put a trolling motor on it and a small battery. The seat that comes with it is fairly comfortable and sits up so your feet aren't straight out in front of you. I have floated the Hiwassee several times with the last trip being nearly 8 hours. We usually put in at the upper ramp when no water is running so I have had to drag it across some of the ledges. I have hit rocks all the way down the river and have had zero issues hardly even puts a scratch in the PVC on the bottom of the toons. When the water comes on the quick anchor system is really useful just pull the rope the anchor falls let go of the rope and its tight. I was also looking into a sit on top and would like to try one someday but for now I really like my pontoon. Amazon had them for $350 just the other day.

 

[bullshot]

fisherpal2k - 8/24/2015 12:04 PM

my biggest problem is being able to sit flat with my legs out in front of me in a kayak. ....

Jackson fishing kayak all have elevated seats, many of the Wilderness System and other brands do too. Many fishing kayaks also allow one to stand too (as do some canoes).