Fishing from a Pontoon Boat: Essential Tips for Beginners and Weekend Anglers
Picture this: you’re drifting across calm water, a cold drink in the cupholder, your fishing line disappearing into the depths below, and enough space on deck for your family, your gear, and maybe even a dog—welcome to pontoon fishing, where comfort meets catching fish.
Why Pontoon Boats Are Perfect for Fishing
Pontoon boats have exploded in popularity among anglers over the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. These flat-decked vessels offer something traditional fishing boats can’t match: space. You’re not cramped into a narrow hull or balancing on a wobbly bass boat. Instead, you’ve got room to move around, set up multiple rods, and bring along friends who might not be hardcore fishermen but still want to enjoy the day.
The stability is another game-changer. Because pontoons sit on two (or three) aluminum tubes instead of a V-hull, they don’t rock nearly as much in choppy water. This makes them ideal for beginners who might get queasy on a traditional boat, and it’s perfect for kids learning to fish. I’ve seen families catch their first bass from a pontoon while grandma sits comfortably in a captain’s chair—try doing that on a 16-foot aluminum skiff.
But here’s something folks don’t always consider: pontoons aren’t just party boats anymore. Modern fishing pontoons come equipped with features like livewells, rod holders, trolling motors, and even fishfinders. Brands like Bennington, Avalon, and Sun Tracker now offer fishing-specific models that rival dedicated fishing boats in functionality.
Essential Gear for Pontoon Fishing Success
Anchoring Systems: Stay Put Where the Fish Are
One challenge with pontoons is their large surface area—they catch wind like a sail. A proper anchoring system is absolutely critical if you want to stay over your fishing spot. I learned this the hard way when I drifted a quarter-mile from a perfect crappie hole because my single anchor couldn’t hold in a 10 mph breeze.
Here’s what works: use a bow anchor (at least 15-20 pounds for a 22-foot pontoon) combined with a stern anchor when conditions get windy. The Power-Pole Micro Anchor is popular among serious pontoon anglers—it’s a shallow-water anchor system that drops down electronically and holds you in place without dealing with rope and traditional anchors. It runs around $1,500 installed, but many anglers swear by it.
For budget-conscious fishermen, a Danforth-style anchor (around $40-80) paired with proper anchor line works fine. Just remember the 7:1 scope rule: if you’re fishing in 10 feet of water, let out 70 feet of anchor line for proper holding power.
Electronics That Make a Difference
You don’t need a thousand-dollar fishfinder to catch fish from a pontoon, but having one sure helps. The Garmin Striker Plus 4 (around $150) is an entry-level unit that shows fish, bottom structure, and water temperature—all the basics you need. Mount it on your console or use a portable setup that clamps to your rail.
For anglers who fish larger lakes or reservoirs, a GPS chartplotter like the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 (around $400) combines fishfinding with navigation. You can mark waypoints where you caught fish, save productive spots, and never wonder “where was that stump pile again?”
Here’s a tip I learned from a seasoned captain: spend time learning your electronics before you hit the water. Most people never explore past the basic display settings, but understanding sonar frequency (higher frequency for detail in shallow water, lower for deeper water) and adjusting sensitivity can reveal fish that others miss.
Rod Holders and Organization
With all that deck space, you might be tempted to just lean rods against the furniture. Don’t. A sudden turn or wake from another boat will send your $200 rod setup straight into the lake. Rail-mounted rod holders (Scotty and RAM make excellent ones, around $20-40 each) solve this problem and let you troll multiple lines at once.
Consider installing 6-8 rod holders around your pontoon’s perimeter. This lets you spread out when trolling for walleye or salmon, and provides secure storage when you’re running to your next spot. The Berkley Horizontal Rod Rack (around $30) is great for storing rods flat on your deck when not in use.
Fishing Techniques That Work Best from Pontoons
Trolling: Cover Water Without Effort
Pontoons aren’t known for speed, but that’s actually perfect for trolling. Crankbaits, spinner rigs, and live bait rigs all work beautifully behind a pontoon running at 2-3 mph. Walleye anglers on Lake Erie and the Great Lakes have figured this out—you’ll see plenty of pontoons trolling alongside traditional fishing boats.
Set up three or four rods in holders around your boat’s perimeter, stagger your lines at different depths, and slowly cruise over productive areas. The wide beam of a pontoon means your lures cover more water than they would behind a narrow boat. Just watch your depth and avoid running over submerged structure that could snag your lines.
Drift Fishing for Variety
Because pontoons catch wind easily, drift fishing actually becomes easier once you understand the technique. Position your boat upwind of your target area, shut off the engine, and let the breeze push you slowly over the fishing grounds. This works great for panfish, walleye, and even bass in deeper water.
A small drift sock (around $40-60) can slow your drift speed on really windy days, keeping you in the strike zone longer. The Drift Control Sea Anchor by Bass Pro Shops is a popular choice that collapses for easy storage.
Anchored Bottom Fishing
This is where pontoons really shine. Anchor over a reef, weed edge, or drop-off, set up 4-5 rods around the boat, and let everyone fish comfortably. The stability means kids can walk around safely, you can set up a cooler and snacks, and nobody’s getting thrown around by waves.
For catfish, carp, or any bottom-dwelling species, this approach is hard to beat. You can fish multiple baits at different distances from the boat, watch a bobber rod while bottom fishing with another, and adjust your presentation without the boat shifting constantly.
Comparison Table: Popular Pontoon Fishing Accessories
| Product/Model | Key Features | Benefit | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker Plus 4 | CHIRP sonar, GPS, 4.3″ display | Clear fish arches, waypoint marking | $150 | Budget-conscious beginners |
| Power-Pole Micro Anchor | Electronic deployment, holds 1,500 lbs | Hands-free anchoring in shallow water | $1,500 | Serious anglers in calm waters |
| Scotty Rod Holder (rail mount) | 360° rotation, quick release | Secure rod storage, trolling capability | $25-40 | All pontoon anglers |
| Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 | 7″ screen, TripleShot sonar, mapping | Navigation + fish finding combined | $400 | Mid-range, larger lakes |
| Drift Control Sea Anchor | 36″ diameter, adjustable speed | Slows drift on windy days | $50 | Drift fishing enthusiasts |
Safety and Practical Considerations
Always check the marine forecast before heading out. Pontoons handle rough water differently than V-hull boats—they ride over waves rather than cutting through them, which can get bouncy in 2-foot chop. If wind is forecast above 15 mph, consider postponing or sticking to protected bays.
Keep your life jackets accessible and make sure everyone knows where they are. The Coast Guard requires one Type I, II, or III life jacket per person, plus a throwable Type IV device for boats over 16 feet. I keep mine in the storage compartment under the front seat where everyone can reach them quickly.
“The most important piece of safety gear on any boat isn’t the radio or the flares—it’s good judgment. If conditions look sketchy, there’s no shame in heading back to the dock.”
Weight distribution matters more on pontoons than people realize. Don’t load all your gear on one side, and try to keep heavier items (coolers, batteries, fuel tanks) centered and low. An unbalanced pontoon will list to one side and handle poorly.
Pro Tips from Experienced Pontoon Anglers
Here are some lessons I’ve picked up over years of pontoon fishing:
- Install a bow-mounted trolling motor (Minn Kota or MotorGuide, $400-1,200) for precise positioning. It lets you hold over structure without anchoring and makes slow-speed trolling much easier.
- Bring carpet squares or a large mat to lay on the deck. Pontoon flooring can get hot in summer sun, and it provides cushioning when handling fish or kneeling to reach gear.
- Use a landing net (like the Frabill Conservation Net, around $30-50). The higher deck height on pontoons means netting fish is different than from a low-profile boat. A net with a long handle saves you from leaning dangerously far over the rail.
- Create designated gear zones. Keep tackle in one area, food and drinks in another, and fishing rods in their holders. Organization prevents accidents and makes your day more enjoyable.
- Add LED lighting if you fish evenings or early mornings. Underwater lights (around $100-300) not only look cool but attract baitfish, which in turn attract predator fish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t anchor from the stern—always anchor from the bow. Stern anchoring can allow waves to swamp your boat, especially if weather picks up unexpectedly.
Avoid overloading your pontoon beyond its weight capacity. Check your boat’s capacity plate (usually near the helm) and factor in people, gear, fuel, and coolers. An overloaded pontoon sits lower in the water, handles poorly, and is flat-out dangerous.
Don’t neglect maintenance. Pontoons need regular cleaning, and those aluminum tubes should be inspected annually for damage or leaks. A small puncture can turn into a big problem if ignored. Rinse your boat with fresh water after every saltwater outing to prevent corrosion.
FAQ: Your Pontoon Fishing Questions Answered
What’s the best size pontoon for fishing? For most anglers, a 20-24 foot pontoon hits the sweet spot. It’s large enough for stability and gear storage but still manageable to trailer and launch. Smaller 16-18 footers work fine for calm lakes and 2-3 people.
Can you fish in rough water from a pontoon? Pontoons handle moderate chop okay, but they’re not designed for rough water like a deep-V hull boat. Waves over 2 feet get uncomfortable quickly. Stick to calmer conditions or protected areas when fishing from a pontoon.
Do I need a special fishing pontoon or can I use a regular one? Any pontoon works for fishing, but fishing-specific models include built-in features like livewells, casting decks, extra rod storage, and reinforced flooring. You can absolutely add fishing gear to a standard pontoon and do just fine.
How fast can you troll with a pontoon boat? Most pontoons troll perfectly at 2-4 mph, which is ideal for walleye, trout, and salmon. Going slower than 2 mph can be tricky with a standard outboard—this is where a trolling motor really helps.
Are pontoons good for saltwater fishing? Yes, but you need to rinse everything thoroughly after each trip. Saltwater is tough on aluminum and electronics. Many coastal anglers successfully use pontoons for inshore fishing, flats fishing, and bay fishing.
What size anchor do I need for a 22-foot pontoon? Use at least a 15-20 pound anchor for a 22-footer. In windy conditions or current, go heavier (25-30 pounds) or use a two-anchor system to hold position securely.
Can you fly fish from a pontoon boat? Absolutely! The wide-open deck and stable platform make pontoons excellent for fly fishing. You’ve got plenty of room for backcasting without hooking your buddy, and the stability helps with line control.
Final Thoughts
Pontoon fishing isn’t just a compromise between fishing performance and family comfort—it’s actually a smart choice that offers unique advantages. You get more space, better stability, easier access for kids and older anglers, and a platform that handles multiple fishing techniques. Whether you’re chasing panfish on a farm pond or trolling for walleye on a reservoir, a pontoon can get the job done while keeping everyone comfortable.
The key is outfitting your boat properly and understanding its strengths and limitations. Start with the basics—good anchors, a few quality rod holders, and a fishfinder—then add upgrades as your budget allows and your fishing style develops. Before you know it, you’ll be that angler other boaters envy: catching fish in comfort while everyone else is cramped and uncomfortable in their “serious fishing boats.”
What’s the next piece of gear on your wishlist? Drop a comment below and let us know!
References
- U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division: https://www.uscgboating.org
- Garmin Marine Electronics: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/marine/
- Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine: Industry surveys and usage statistics
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): Boating statistics and safety guidelines
