Pontoon Boat Fishing: Essential Tips for Success on the Water
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hooking a bass from your pontoon while the sun rises over the lake—but getting there takes more than just dropping a line and hoping for the best.
Why Pontoon Boats Are Perfect for Fishing (And How to Make Them Even Better)
Pontoon boats have become incredibly popular among anglers, and for good reason. They offer stability, space, and comfort that traditional fishing boats sometimes lack. The flat deck gives you room to move around, set up multiple rods, and even bring the whole family along for the trip.
But here’s the thing: pontoon boats aren’t always optimized for fishing right out of the box. Most are designed for cruising and entertaining first, with fishing as an afterthought. That’s where some smart upgrades and techniques come into play.
The Stability Advantage: Why Pontoons Excel for Certain Fishing Styles
The pontoon design creates a stable platform that’s hard to beat. Unlike V-hull boats that rock with every wave, pontoons sit flat and steady on the water. This makes them ideal for kids learning to fish, elderly anglers who need secure footing, or anyone who gets a bit queasy on choppy water.
A stable boat means better casting accuracy and fewer lost lures to tangled lines caused by unexpected movement.
I’ve watched plenty of anglers switch from traditional bass boats to pontoons after realizing they could fish just as effectively while also having room for coolers, comfortable seating, and shade from a Bimini top.
Upgrading Your Pontoon for Serious Fishing Success
Most pontoon boats need a few modifications to become true fishing machines. The good news? These upgrades are usually straightforward and don’t require rebuilding the entire boat.
Rod holders are essential. Factory pontoons rarely come with enough places to secure your rods. Adding flush-mount or clamp-on rod holders along the rails gives you quick access to multiple rigs and keeps everything organized. Look for stainless steel models from manufacturers like Taco Marine or Tempress—they’ll handle saltwater exposure without corroding.
A fishfinder transforms your fishing game completely. Without one, you’re guessing where fish might be hiding. Modern units like the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv or Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 show you underwater structure, fish locations, and water temperature. These aren’t just fancy gadgets—they’re tools that help you fish smarter, not harder.
“The difference between catching fish and catching more fish often comes down to understanding what’s beneath your boat. A quality fishfinder is the angler’s underwater eyes.”
Adding a trolling motor gives you precise control in shallow water or when you need to hold position over a specific spot. Electric motors like the Minn Kota Endura C2 55 are quiet (won’t spook fish) and let you maneuver without constantly firing up your main engine. Mount it on the bow or stern depending on your pontoon’s layout.
Essential Gear Comparison: What Works Best for Pontoon Fishing
| Product/Model | Key Features | Benefit | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv | 7″ color display, CHIRP sonar, GPS, ClearVü/SideVü scanning | Crystal-clear fish identification and bottom mapping | $500–$600 | Serious anglers wanting detailed underwater views |
| Minn Kota Endura C2 55 | 55 lbs thrust, 8-speed control, 36″ shaft, LED battery meter | Quiet positioning and shallow water navigation | $200–$250 | Pontoon boats under 24 feet in freshwater |
| Taco Marine Grand Slam 280 Rod Holders | Stainless steel, 360° rotation, adjustable angle | Keeps rods secure and accessible during fights | $60–$80 per pair | Any pontoon with rail mounting options |
| Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler | 2-3″ insulation, bear-resistant, keeps ice 7+ days | Keeps catch fresh and drinks cold all day | $350–$375 | Long fishing trips or hot climates |
| Plano Edge 3700 Tackle Box | Water-resistant seal, customizable dividers, rust-proof latches | Organized storage for lures and terminal tackle | $25–$30 | Anglers who need portable, protected gear storage |
How Live Wells and Bait Tanks Improve Your Catch Rate
If you’re fishing tournaments or planning to keep your catch alive for transport, a live well system is non-negotiable. Many pontoon owners install portable aerated bait tanks like the Frabill Aqua-Life 6 Gallon model, which runs on 12V power and keeps baitfish lively throughout the day.
Fresh, active bait catches more fish—it’s that simple.
For catch-and-release anglers, a good landing net with rubber mesh (like the Frabill Conservation Series) protects the fish’s slime coat and increases survival rates after release.
Navigation and Safety: Getting to the Fish Safely
The best fishing spots are often tucked into coves, around submerged structure, or near shallow vegetation—places where navigation gets tricky. A GPS chartplotter like the Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 TripleShot combines fishfinding with detailed maps, helping you mark productive spots and navigate safely back to the launch ramp.
Always check the marine forecast before heading out. Pontoon boats handle well in calm conditions but can struggle in high winds or rough water. Apps like Windy or PredictWind give you hourly updates so you’re not caught off-guard by afternoon thunderstorms.
Here’s a tip I learned from a seasoned captain: keep a handheld VHF radio (like the Standard Horizon HX870) in a waterproof case, even if your boat has a fixed-mount radio. If something goes wrong and you end up in the water, that handheld radio becomes your lifeline to the Coast Guard or nearby boaters.
Anchoring Techniques for Pontoon Boats
Pontoons have more surface area catching wind and current than traditional boats, which means anchoring requires a bit more thought. A proper anchor system keeps you positioned over structure without drifting.
For most freshwater fishing, a fluke anchor (like the Fortress FX-7) works great. It digs into mud and sand bottoms quickly and holds well without excessive weight. Pair it with enough anchor line—a good rule is 7 feet of line for every 1 foot of water depth.
In rocky areas or heavy current, switching to a box anchor or adding a chain section between the anchor and line improves holding power.
Some anglers install anchor systems on both the bow and stern, which keeps the boat from swinging in the wind. This is especially useful when vertically jigging over brush piles or when multiple people are casting off different sides of the boat.
Fishing Techniques That Work Best from Pontoons
The layout and size of pontoon boats favor certain fishing methods over others. You’ll have better success by playing to the boat’s strengths rather than fighting against them.
Drift fishing works beautifully on pontoons. The wide deck catches wind, causing a slow, controlled drift over structure. Toss out live bait or soft plastics and let the boat’s movement cover water naturally. This technique is deadly for crappie, walleye, and even bass suspended over deep structure.
Trolling with planer boards lets you cover massive amounts of water while presenting multiple lines at different depths. Pontoons are stable enough that you can run boards off both sides without worrying about the boat tipping. This method crushes it for salmon, trout, and stripers in bigger lakes.
For stationary fishing, pontoons shine. Anchor over a reef, bridge piling, or weed edge and fish vertically. The stable platform means kids can move around safely, adults can stand comfortably for hours, and everyone has room to land fish without tangling lines.
Dealing with Shallow Water and Weeds
Pontoons typically have shallow drafts—often just 18-24 inches—which lets you access skinny water where bigger boats can’t go. This is gold for fishing lily pads, flooded timber, and marshy shorelines where predator fish ambush prey.
The challenge? Getting hung up on stumps or sucking weeds into your motor’s water intake. Running a weedless propeller (like props from Turning Point or Solas) reduces vegetation fouling. Keep your speed moderate in unfamiliar shallow areas and have a paddle aboard for those inevitable moments when you need to push off a sandbar.
Comfort Features That Keep You Fishing Longer
One advantage of pontoon fishing is comfort, and comfortable anglers stay on the water longer—which means more opportunities to catch fish. Don’t overlook these details.
Adding a Bimini top provides shade during long summer days. Sun exposure wears you down faster than you realize, and staying cool helps maintain focus. Brands like Taylor Made and Attwood make pontoon-specific tops that mount easily to existing rails.
Marine carpeting or vinyl flooring protects the deck from hooks, fish slime, and constant foot traffic. It’s easier to clean than bare aluminum and provides better traction when the deck gets wet.
Invest in a quality marine cooler. I mentioned the Yeti Tundra 65 earlier, but RTIC and Igloo BMX models offer similar performance at lower price points. A cooler that actually keeps ice for multiple days means fewer trips back to shore and more time with lines in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pontoon Boat Fishing
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 for trailering and navigating tight lake channels. Smaller 16-18 footers work fine for calm ponds and protected bays.
Do I need a trolling motor if my pontoon already has an outboard?
It’s not required, but it makes positioning much easier. Outboards are loud and inefficient for small adjustments. A trolling motor lets you sneak up on shallow structure quietly and hold your spot without constantly bumping the throttle.
How do I prevent my fishing gear from sliding around on the deck?
Use non-slip mats under tackle boxes and coolers. Bungee cords or cargo nets secured to deck cleats keep larger items from shifting. Some anglers install small storage bins under seats specifically for keeping gear organized and contained.
Can pontoon boats handle saltwater fishing?
Yes, but you’ll need to rinse everything thoroughly with freshwater after each trip. Saltwater accelerates corrosion on aluminum pontoons and any exposed metal fittings. Consider upgrading to stainless steel hardware and applying anti-corrosion sprays to vulnerable areas.
What’s the most overlooked piece of fishing gear for pontoons?
A good anchor light for early morning or late evening fishing. Many pontoons don’t come with proper navigation lights, and being visible to other boaters isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement and safety necessity.
How much weight can I safely add with fishing gear and upgrades?
Check your pontoon’s capacity plate, which lists maximum weight and passenger limits. Factor in fuel, coolers, batteries for electronics, and people. Most pontoons handle added fishing gear easily, but overloading affects handling and safety.
Are expensive fishfinders worth it for a casual angler?
Not always. Entry-level units like the Garmin Striker 4 ($120-150) provide solid performance for weekend fishing. You’ll see fish arches, bottom composition, and depth readings. Save the $800+ units for serious tournament anglers who need advanced scanning sonar and mapping features.
What’s the next piece of gear on your wishlist? Drop a comment below and let us know! Whether you’re upgrading electronics, adding rod holders, or planning your next fishing adventure, we’d love to hear what’s working (or not working) on your pontoon.
