How to choose an Inflatable Pontoon

Whether you are a die-hard fly fisherman or a weekend angler, an inflatable pontoon boat would allow you to reach those hard to get to areas of a lake or drifting on a river. The fantastic thing about an inflatable pontoon boat is the fact that they are relatively affordable to purchase, easy to transport and can be stored in a very compact size. Some can be dismantled and stored in a large carrying bag that can be transported in a medium sized car. There is no need for you to own a truck and or a roof rack. There are a few things to consider when selecting the right inflatable pontoon boat. You should consider the frame, size, pontoon socks and bladders before making your final decision.

One of the most important things you should consider is the frame. Inflatable pontoon boats can have frames made of plastic, steel or aluminum. Plastic is the lightest and cheapest but it will not give you the strength and durability that you need when on the water. Steel is very strong and is moderately priced but it is very heavy and is susceptible to rust and corrosion.  An aluminum framed Pontoon boat not only is resistant to corrosion, but it will be lighter in weight. Some companies do a very good job applying a powder coated finish to the frame so it looks and feels great.  With these benefits, you will be paying a higher price for your boat. But it will be worth it.

Next is choosing the size that is right for what you are comfortable with. Inflatable pontoons come in many different sizes. The larger the boat, the more you will expect to pay.  A larger boat will place you higher on the water, allowing you to cruise through larger areas on a lake or rivers and the boat will be more responsive to oars. You need to find out what the maximum capacity of the inflatable pontoon boat is. Depending on how heavy the operator is and how much gear you are taking with you, you must make sure that you will not over exceed the maximum weight capacity of the boat.  Some inflatable pontoons can be outfitted with a trolling motor so you need to take the weight of the motor in account.

Another important feature to consider is the thickness of the pontoon sock. It is best to find out the thickness rating of the pontoon sock before purchasing. The thicker the material, the more durable and more puncture resistant it will be. While the price of the inflatable pontoon may be higher, it will last longer than the cheaper alternatives.

Finally, you need to look at the type of bladder that is in an inflatable pontoon boat. Bladders are normally made from PVC or Vinyl. They come in many different thicknesses. The thicker the bladder, the more durable it will be. Vinyl is essentially plastic so it can crack or over expand under extreme temperatures. PVC is easily repairable and very durable.

There are many manufacturers of Inflatable pontoon boats on the market. If you keep the features listed above in mind when shopping for one, you will be making a well informed decision.  An inflatable pontoon boat is an essential tool to allow you to get to the areas on your selected waters that you normally cannot access. This does not guarantee you will catch more fish, but it will certainly allow you to do it in comfort and style.

The Adventures of Bill and Joe

Stony Lake Lodge and Minnie Lake

It was 3 am in the morning when I woke up to set out on our trip to Merritt. We were setting up to head to the World Renown Lake in the semi-desert terrain of Merritt BC. Bill picks me up at 330 am. With wide eyes, I tell him that I am very happy and excited to be going fly fishing for the first time. The Lodge we were going to is known all over the world as one of the premier trout fly fishing only lakes. Countless numbers of fishing shows were filmed on the lakes. It is also frequented by many famous fly fishermen. The road trip was  filled with stories of our past fishing adventures. Comparing fishing stories of the past and the dreams of the adventures yet to come.

A week before, I was fishing for Spring Salmon in Ucluelet BC. With the heavy ocean gear I was using and the wide ocean lapping at the boat, not to mention the Halibut rigs, I did not know what to expect with light tackle and a fly rod. I have always wanted to learn how to catch fish on the fly. My dream is to catch Steel-head on a fly. This is a perfect opportunity to learn from a fellow angler that has fished with a fly setup for over 25 years.

Fly fishing, to some, is considered a gentleman's sport or a hobby. To others, it can be considered a passion or a way of life. Whatever you call it, fly fishing is a pleasurable pastime built on the camaraderie of anglers, the tranquil natural settings of rivers, lakes and oceans, and the beautiful fish they pursue. Fly fishing, to me is like a roller coaster. It's a wild ride of quiet deliberation, patience and the heart pumping adrenaline rush of a strike.

The drive was about 3.5 hours long but we get a little lost as the directions to the lake was not as clear as we liked. The weather was a typical early summer morning with the sun's rays beaming and a breeze that ever so lightly tickles your face. We turn into the road that takes us to the resort. Private Property. There was cattle everywhere. We go through rolling hills with endless acres of pastors where the cattle grazed. We finally arrive at the Resort. We were greeted by the manager of Stony Lake Lodge and were well on our way to a day of fly fishing on a lake where some of the greats have fished.

The lake wasn't too busy at this time. There were maybe 8 boats on the lake with 5 huddled around a little bay. We were told that a majority of the fish were accumulating in the bay at this point of the day. As we head out, the weather starts to become overcast and a small wind was building from the east. We were using a fish finder to find the depths of the lake and to see where the schools of fish were. We use the trolling motor to get us from the dock. Lesson time.

Fly fishing is relatively easy to learn but it takes a life time to master. I have only watched others cast so when I tried it for the first time, I find myself in a large tangle. Line was everywhere. I guess the statement of "try, try and try again" is an understatement. Somehow, casting a fly is harder than it looks. Luckily Bill is patient with me. That is all I can ask for in a teacher.

FISH ON! Bill yells as I look at him with line all over myself and the boat. Its a little guppy. Not the monsters that I hear that are swimming around. It's a beautiful little 7 inch Bow. He was using a tiny olive chironomid.

I think I got it. Nope. another tangle. As I struggle to get the line in order, Bill catches 3 more little bows. I'm so used to heavy tackle with large fish. Light tackle with small fish uses more fineness and a lot more skill.

The morning continues and the weather changes ever so often. We are roasting in the sun for about 10 minutes and then the wind picks up and blows us all over the lake. Then it starts down pouring. The weather in this high elevation location changes more frequently than a woman who changes her shoes before a first date.

As we tire of the bay, we decide to troll over to the west part of the lake where the manager was telling us that there were some large 4-5 lb rainbows there. Bam! Another strike and another fish landed by Bill. It was caught on a black leach on a sinking line set up. Trolling is much easier than casting. It seems a little more effective for a beginner like me.

We arrive at the western part of the lake. And we do some casting. I'm getting a little bit better. I only hooked into myself 3 times. To think I should of learned on shore rather than sitting down on an Aluminum row boat. We fish there for about 45 minutes and decide that the bay was more productive.

As we troll from the west to the bay, I was getting a little frustrated and a little anxious as I really wanted to see what it is like to catch a trout on a fly. Out of no where, Bill gets excited and screamed - you have a fish on your rod. With lightning fast reflexes, I grab my rod from the rod holder and set the hook. The rod tip was bending and the trout was doing the normal head shakes. It jumps in the air. Not once, not twice but three times. I try to use the reel  but the fish was taking line like there was no tomorrow. Finally after 5 minutes of fumbling around with the reel, and getting used to light tackle, I land a 2 lb Rainbow. Compared to some 30 lbs salmon I have caught and the few 50-80 lb Sturgeons, it was a tiny fish. With light tackle and a 2lb trout, the excitement was insurmountable. I am hooked on fly fishing.

The wind starts to pick up and we decide it was time to head back in. Sputter... Sputter.. bam... the trolling motor gives up. I guess we have to row back. With 1- 2 feet waves it took almost everything Bill had to get us back to the dock. It seemed like we were rowing for an eternity. Finally we make it and start our journey back to Vancouver. It was good day. Think Adventure!

Why I Flyfish

I have to admit that my wife kicked me out of the house last week...at least for a few hours.  She could tell I was stressed out and that my usual running routine was not doing enough to release all my stress.  I called my buddy and we headed to one of the local rivers in Eastern Idaho (did you really think I was going to reveal my honey hole?).  No one was around, the water was gurgling beneath me and I was casting my fly rising trout.

Based on reports from other flyfisherman, stoneflies were the way to go.  I tied on a nice brown beadhead under a strike indicator and headed to a seam in the current where I had caught some nice fish last year.  On the second cast my rod bent and brilliant flash of shiny scales broke the surface.  It was a beautiful brown trout and very large.  He was only on the line for a few seconds, but what a start to an evening!  We didn't catch much that evening.  My friend caught a little 9 inch brown and I tied into another large brown.  I had him on the line for quite a while and could see that he easily hit the 5 lb range.  Rather than force him into a landing, we stared at each other through the water and I dropped the tension.  And then he was gone.

That was a night when it was less about what I caught and more about finding peace.  The cool breeze tinged with rain carried all my stress away.  My drive back to Idaho Falls was filled with dreams and aspirations about how well I would do this fall in my favorite spots.  For that night, it was enough to be on the water.  As I was leaving the river, a little trout jumped to gobble up the few flies that were beginning to appear.  Yep, there is nothing better.